Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, might not be as popular as his nephews Prince Harry or Prince William. During his younger years, however, he also experienced the same intense media scrutiny about his relationship with his then-girlfriend Sophie Rhys-Jones.
According to the Daily Express, the youngest child of the Queen was once asked during an interview with Radio Times when he planned on getting married to Sophie. Back then, there were rumors that Prince Edward and Sophie might not end up getting married because he was being indecisive about their relationship.
This was four years into their dating phase and Prince Edward was already feeling the pressure. Since he was apparently a lot more outspoken at that time, Prince Edward reportedly did not hold back responding with a sharper retort.
He told the reporter who asked about his wedding to shut up and mind his own business. Prince Edward also said that he might not get married if the media keeps on second-guessing what he plans for Sophie and their future together.
Prince Edward also said that much as he realized the royal family cannot escape the public eye, it's a situation that they all struggle with. Much has been said about the media spotlight on the British royals even before his complaints.
These days, however, Prince Edward managed to be away from the spotlight with Sophie, now the Countess of Sussex. In fact, they are able to raise their teenage kids, Lady Louise Windsor and James the Viscout Severn, as normal as possible. They've even lived in the same house they share as a family since Prince Edward and Sophie got married in 1999.
The couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in 2019. Recently, they hosted a special Christmas dinner at their private home in Surrey to help the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Prince Edward is a Trustee of this charity whose patron is his father, Prince Philip.
Prince Edward and Sophie, along with their two children, also joined the royal family for their traditional Christmas celebrations in Sandringham. The youngest son of Queen Elizabeth was spotted walking with his family to church.
Sophie wore a classic grey coat matched with nude shoes and punctuated with a maroon headband and matching bag. Lady Louise, who is the 12th in line to the throne, also wore a grey coat with a hint of black and white check. She capped her whole look with a pale pink headband. The Viscount Severn looked as sleek as his father.
