Prince Edward turned 50 on Monday 10 March and to mark his milestone birthday, the Earl of Wessex celebrated with his nearest and dearest.
A party was held on Saturday evening at Bagshot Park, the royal's Surrey home, where he was joined by his parents The Queen and Prince Philip, his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex and the couple's two children — Lady Louise Windsor, 10, and six-year-old James, Viscount Severn.
Click here to find out how Edward and his family will be celebrating on Monday.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Edward is the youngest child of The Queen
To honour Edward's birthday, HELLO! Online has compiled a list of ten facts about the prince.
1. Edward was born on 10 March 1964 at Buckingham Palace, as the third son and youngest child of The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Upon birth, he was given the title of His Royal Highness Prince Edward.
2. After completing his A-Levels in History, English Literature and Economic and Political Studies in 1982, the prince decided to take a gap year. During his time abroad, he worked as a house tutor teaching English and History at the Collegiate School in Wanganui, New Zealand.
3. Upon returning from teaching in New Zealand, the royal studied History at Jesus College, University of Cambridge. During his time at the world-renowned university, Edward enjoyed playing sports and taking part in many theatre productions.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe theatre enthusiast studied History at Cambridge
4. In 1986, Prince Edward graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and decided to embark on a career in theatrical productions. After working at two companies, including Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Theatre Company, Edward formed his own company Ardent Productions in 1993. One of the most famous programmes produced by the royal was on the restoration of Windsor Castle after the fire there, in 1993.
5. In January 1999, it was confirmed Edward was to marry his girlfriend of six years, the then Sophie Rhys-Jones and the couple married in June of that year at Windsor Castle. The couple decided they wanted a low-key wedding, although thousands of well-wishers lined the streets of Windsor to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds and 200million people watched around the world.
Click here for 20 facts about the stunning Sophie Wessex.
© Photo: Getty ImagesAround 200million people watched the royal wedding
6. In a recent interview, the prince revealed his wedding day in 1999 was his most memorable moment of his life. "It's just a total one off," he admitted. "It was great fun and it's over far too quickly."
7. In 2002, Edward and Sophie both quit their private jobs to become full-time working royals to support The Queen in her Golden Jubilee year. The Prince is currently involved with over 79 organisations often championing charities that provide opportunities for young people.
8. The prince shares his birthday with British singer Emeli Sandé and American actresses Olivia Wilde and Sharon Stone.
© Photo: Getty ImagesA photograph of the family was released to mark Edward's 50th
9. In November 2003, the prince became a father for the first time as he and Sophie welcomed their first child Lady Louise. Four years later, the Earl and Countess expanded their family as James, Viscount Severn, was born in December 2007.
Royal exclusive: Lady Louise Windsor undergoes eye surgery.
10. Edward has become heavily involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award ever since achieving the Gold Award himself in 1986. As a trustee and chairman, the prince travels across Britain and the world promoting the award.
