Exploring the Dynamic Relationship Between King Charles III and Prince Edward: A Royal Journey of Highs and Lows
Delve into the brotherly bond shared by King Charles III and Prince Edward, navigating through the highs and lows of their royal relationship over the years.
King Charles III and Prince Edwards Brotherly Bond Inside Royal Family Members Ups and Downs
Prince Edward and King Charles III Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
King Charles III’s relationship with his brother Prince Edward has evolved over time. The late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had their first child, Charles, in November 1948. They later welcomed daughter Anne in August 1950, followed by sons Andrew in February 1960 and Edward in March 1964.
Philip passed away in April 2021, and the queen followed in September 2022. Charles became the new king, supported by some of his siblings for important royal tasks. Andrew lost his royal titles in 2019 due to allegations of sexual assault (which he denied and settled out of court), prompting Anne and Edward to step up and assist their older brother.
In February 2024, Charles publicly shared his cancer diagnosis and announced his decision to reduce public duties during his treatment. In his absence, his siblings began taking on more public appearances on his behalf.
Edward and his wife, Duchess Sophie, were appointed to a new role in April 2024. They were chosen to represent the royal family at certain events while Charles and Princess Kate Middleton were not available. (Kate had revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024.)
Continue scrolling to learn about the changes in Charles and Edward's relationship throughout the years.
King Charles III and Prince Edwards Brotherly Bond Inside Royal Family Members Ups and Downs
In May 1969, King Charles III and his youngest brother, Prince Edward, enjoyed a leisurely ride in their go-kart on the grounds of Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England. This fun moment captured in history showcases the royal siblings bonding and having a great time together.
Their Early Days
The age gap of 16 years between the brothers meant that they had different childhood experiences from the start. Charles' preparation for his future role as king also played a role in shaping their upbringing. Reports suggest that Elizabeth and Philip raised their two eldest children with a stricter approach compared to how they raised the two youngest.
That being said, it has also been reported that Charles and Edward had a close bond throughout their teenage years.
Playing Best Man
Despite the rumored differences in their upbringing, Charles did have Edward (and Andrew) serve as best man when marrying the late Princess Diana in 1981.
King Charles III and Prince Edwards Brotherly Bond Inside Royal Family Members Ups and Downs
King Charles III (center left) and Prince Edward. Derek Hudson/Getty Images
From Friend to Wife
Charles was close friends with Duchess Sophie before she and Edward tied the knot in 1999.
A Brotherly Feud
Grieving Together
In the early 2000s, there was a reported rough patch between Charles and Edward. In 2001, while Prince William was studying at university, a crew member from Edward's production company, Ardent Productions, allegedly tried to film the young royal. The following year, Edward stepped down from his role at the company. (Ardent Productions eventually folded in June 2009.)
Since the suspected rift, there hasn't been much information about their relationship. However, both Charles and Edward were there when their mother, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away in September 2022.
King Charles III and Prince Edwards Brotherly Bond Inside Royal Family Members Ups and Downs
Prince Edward At Polo At Smiths Lawn Windsor With His Brother King Charles III. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
A Slimmed-Down Monarchy
After becoming King of England, Charles gave his youngest brother the title Duke of Edinburgh. Charles wanted to streamline the monarchy, so it appeared that Edward wouldn't have a major role in the royal family.
However, Edward's position as a senior working royal was solidified when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step back from the royal family in 2020.
Returning to Royal Duties
After Charles became unwell, Edward and Sophie took on additional duties within the royal family. In April 2024, they made history by overseeing their first significant royal event at Buckingham Palace on behalf of the king.
Edward has since been given a new title as a member of the esteemed Order of the Thistle. His title is the Commodore in Chief of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The honor was given by way of Charles.
Editor's P/S:
King Charles III and his younger brother Prince Edward's relationship has undergone significant evolution over the years. Despite their age gap and differing childhood experiences, they share a close bond, evidenced by Charles's choice of Edward as his best man at his wedding to Princess Diana. However, a reported rift in the early 2000s strained their relationship.
In recent years, Edward and his wife Sophie have played an increasingly important role in the royal family, particularly after Charles's cancer diagnosis. They have taken on more public appearances and responsibilities, solidifying Edward's position as a senior working royal. This shift highlights the changing dynamics within the monarchy, with Charles streamlining operations and relying more heavily on his siblings for support.
