Prince Edward’s Luxurious Life: Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Edward, the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II, has been surrounded by opulence since his early days. Body language expert Judi James shared with Express that Edward might have been the queen’s favorite child, given he was born when she was more comfortable with her maternal role. His older siblings, King Charles III, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew, had to adjust early to their mother’s reign.

Since stepping into his royal duties in 1982, Edward’s annual salary has grown significantly, adding up to more than £6.5 million. This financial cushion has allowed him to enjoy the finer things in life, such as elegant houses, extravagant vacations, and high-end fashion. As other royals have withdrawn from public duties due to health issues, Edward’s prominence has given the public a closer look at his luxurious lifestyle.

Prince Edward’s childhood was nothing short of a storybook. He was christened at Windsor Castle and cared for by a governess until he started school. By the age of 5, he met astronaut Neil Armstrong, who had just made history by landing on the moon. His childhood also included horseback riding from a very young age and participating in polo games and car races.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Edward shared with ITV News that holiday memories stood out the most. He recalled how his parents managed to make holidays truly special, despite their demanding lives.

In 1999, Prince Edward proposed to his long-time girlfriend Sophie Rhys-Jones. Edward mentioned in a BBC interview that the timing for the proposal had to be right, and Sophie wouldn’t have said yes any earlier. His effort to make up for the delayed proposal was evident in the engagement ring, an extravagant piece valued at £105,000.

The couple’s wedding at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, was watched by 200 million worldwide. Sophie wore a silk dress adorned with 325,000 crystals and pearls, complemented by the Anthemion tiara from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection.

For his 59th birthday in 2023, Prince Edward received a significant gift from his oldest brother, King Charles III. Charles conferred upon Edward the Dukedom of Edinburgh, a title previously held by their father, Prince Philip. The title is a lifelong honor, and Edward and his wife are keen to continue Prince Philip’s legacy.

Despite this, Edward did not receive additional titles the following year, even though he had taken on more royal responsibilities due to King Charles’ health issues. Us Weekly reported that while the snub was disappointing, Edward remained loyal, and the brothers’ bond strengthened.

Edward and his wife, Sophie, reside in Bagshot Park, a mansion with over 120 rooms. The property has been showcased in interviews, revealing its expansive conservatory, marble fireplaces, luxurious artwork, and well-stocked bookshelves. Notably, the estate includes multiple kitchens with marble countertops.

The couple also rents out the stables, earning £130,000 in 2022 alone. Their children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, benefit from the extensive property, with Louise pursuing carriage riding in the spacious grounds.

Their demanding schedules, filled with over 500 royal engagements a year, make Prince Edward and Sophie’s life quite busy. Their travels often take them to various international locations and charity events. To relax, they frequent luxurious destinations like St. Moritz in Switzerland, flying in a £42 million jet equipped with five beds and accommodating 16 passengers.

In 2024, Prince Edward hosted an art exhibition at Windsor Castle titled “Romeo and Juliet: The Metamorphosis,” featuring paintings, music, a book, and a documentary. The artist behind the collection, Alex Righetto, described his meeting with Prince Edward as an honor, highlighting the prince’s deep interest in arts and culture.

Despite his dedication, Edward did not receive the anticipated honorary title from King Charles that year. However, Us Weekly noted that their commitment to service has brought the brothers closer.

Fashion choices often put royals under scrutiny, and Prince Edward is no exception. His taste in ties, especially Hermes silk designs, has particularly attracted attention. When he wore an Hermes silk tie during a 2024 visit to South Africa, it quickly sold out online. Another highlight was his appearance in a burgundy velvet smoking jacket paired with tartan pants at a 2022 charity event, breaking from his usually safe sartorial choices.