Prince Edward and Prince Andrew, the two younger sons of Queen Elizabeth II, were both born to privilege, and yet they turned out so very differently. While both of them experienced some media scrutiny, it seems that the two royals were as different from each as chalk and cheese.
Prince Andrew’s Fall From Grace
At one point, Andrew looked like the perfect royal model. In particular, his role as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War gave him a heroic and brave image. However, that soon changed, and he and Sarah Ferguson divorced. But that was just the beginning of the scandal surrounding him.
Of course, his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein brought many allegations against him, and media pressure saw him start a spectacular fall from favor. Relieved of his military decorations and honors, eventually he agreed to drop his titles and stay out of the limelight.
At the time he cited the reason for that as being a protection of the royal family’s reputation. Notably, he hasn’t ever confessed to any association with Virginia Giuffre, nor shown any remorse. In fact he still believes he can clear his name in the trafficking scandal.
Dumped From Royal Life
Possibly, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor never foresaw the day when the King would strip him of everything, including his right to live in the Royal Lodge. Shunned and told to stay away from the limelight, he and his family created way too many moments of embarrassment. William, who is in line to inherit the throne, is suspected to be behind the move.
Meanwhile, Prince Edward, whose scandals seemed way fewer, is quietly getting on with royal duties in the background. He too joined the armed services and some shock arrived when he didn’t complete his training course. Later he started a television company, but was accused of trying to film Prince William for profit. So, he dropped that idea.
And that ladies and gentlemen seems to be the sole bit of scandal surrounding him, if you discount rumors that he was gay.
Sarah vs Sophie Rhys Jones
While Andrew’s wife, Sarah Ferguson brought her share of shame to the royal family, Edward’s wife, Sophie Rhys Jones doesn’t seem to have put a foot wrong. In fact, she seems to keep her family well away from the insanity of media frenzies. Loyally standing with her husband, she and he perform their royal duties with a quiet dedication.
Prince Edward, along with his wife seem quietly suited to royal duties. He seems to be caring, especially about younger people and encourages their development without much scrutiny or bad publicity.
Probably, that is why in 2023, the assignment of the Duke of Edinburgh title to him came as a gesture of appreciation by King Charles. Not that he did any heroic and outstanding acts in his life. Rather, it seems to have been recognition of the many years of faithful service.
Titles And The Kids
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seem desperate to hang onto their titles. Meanwhile, Andrew seemed hurt by the loss of his Duke of York title. But did you know that Prince Edward and Sophie requested that their children simply go through life as Mountbatten-Windsor?
His daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, doesn’t call herself a princess. And, their son James AKA the Viscount Severn, doesn’t go about calling himself Prince James, although he does have that right now. Instead, they seem to also just get on without making frantic headlines, either.
Loyalty To The Crown
For the public, a comparison can be made between Andrew and Edward. Andrew seemed to love the life of honors and luxury, while his younger brother quietly achieved a lot by dumping pomp, ceremony, and above all, arrogance. Probably, Edward’s commitment to duty did more for the monarchy than Andrew ever did.
What are your thoughts? Are you surprised that Andrew and Edward seem like such different people? Do you agree that a lot of what’s good about Edward can be credited to him marrying a steadfast wife? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all our Royal Family news and updates.
