Prince Edward turns 51 on Tuesday 10 March. The Earl of Wessex will be celebrating another successful year, which also saw his wife the Countess of Wessex mark her 50th birthday earlier in January.
To honour the popular Prince's birthday, take a look at these ten facts you may not have known about the Queen's youngest child.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Edward carried out 426 royal duties in support of his mother the Queen last year
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.
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. Upon returning from 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 ImagesPrince Edward is the youngest son of the Queen and Prince Philip
3. In January 1999, it was confirmed that Edward was engaged to his girlfriend of six years, the then Sophie Rhys-Jones and the couple married in June of that year at Windsor Castle. The pair 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 200 million people tuned in from around the world.
4. Edward and Sophie are officially known as the Earl and Countess of Wessex, although Edward's full royal title is 'His Royal Highness The Prince Edward Antony Richard Louis, Earl of Wessex, Viscount Severn, Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, Aide-de-Camp to Her Majesty.'
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Edward and the Countess of Wessex were together for six years before they married in 1999
5. The royal currently shares his special day with actress Sharon Stone, British singer Emeli Sande and American country star Carrie Underwood.
6. In 2002, Edward and Sophie both quit their private jobs to become full-time working royals to support Her Majesty in her Golden Jubilee year. The Prince is currently involved with over 79 organisations often championing charities that provide opportunities for young people.
7. Ever the dutiful Prince, Edward carried out 426 royal duties in 2014 in support of Her Majesty The Queen and the United Kingdom.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Edward and Sophie Wessex are parents to Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn
8. Edward and Sophie are eventually expected to become The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
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.
10. To celebrate the Prince's and his wife's 50th birthdays, the Queen held a reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate their work.
