Ruthie Henshall, a well-known West End performer, has recently published a revealing memoir about her past relationship with Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex. The book, titled “The Showgirl and the Prince,” delves into their secretive romance that began during their time working for Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1988. Henshall describes Edward as her first love and details their visits to Buckingham Palace and tea with the late Queen at Windsor.
After a five-year relationship, the couple parted ways amicably, remaining friends thereafter. Ruthie even attended Edward’s wedding to Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, at Windsor Castle in 1999. Today, the full memoir has been released, with one royal expert predicting that Edward and Sophie will be viewed sympathetically as intimate details from their past are revealed.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, who covered Edward and Ruthie’s relationship in the late 1980s, noted that the media was primarily focused on Prince Charles and Princess Diana at the time, allowing Edward and Ruthie’s relationship to go relatively unnoticed. Bond expressed sympathy for Edward and Sophie, remarking on the intrusion into their private lives.
Ruthie shared that she was inspired to write the memoir after discovering old diaries and letters from Prince Edward while cleaning out her garage. Reflecting on their time together, she described it as a precious period in her life, combining her career in musical theatre with a love affair that few were aware of. The book offers a glimpse behind the scenes of her life in the spotlight and her romance with a royal figure.
For those interested in receiving the latest royal news and exclusives, a Royal WhatsApp group and newsletter are available for subscription. Additionally, readers can customize their newsletter preferences for tailored updates.
