Despite being the late Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin many will not even recognise the Royal Family’s other Prince Edward.
But Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, 88, has dedicated his life to royal service, only just stepping down from his role as Colonel of the Scots Guards after a remarkable 50 years.
The son of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, he is a grandson of King George V as well as being nephew of King George VI and Edward VIII. He is 41st in the line of succession to the British throne.
Prince Edward has held the title of Duke of Kent for more than 81 years and inherited the title at the age of six, after the tragic death of his father in a plane crash in 1942.
His royal service has been wide and hugely varied – and he has been involved with an impressive 140 charitable organisations.
He was also president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club meaning it was one of his tasks to present the trophies to the Wimbledon champion and runner-up
The duke has very esteemed neighbours – living with his wife Duchess Katharine Worsley in a grand residence within Kensington Palace – Wren House – meaning Prince William and Princess Kate and their children are among his neighbours.
It is believed that he is worth £8m – when inheritances and heirlooms are taken into account – and it’s reported that he has received £18m from the Civil List and Sovereign Grant since he started royal duties in 1960.
Following stepping back from his Colonel of the Scots Guards he will now pass his duties onto another Prince Edward – the Duke of Edinburgh.
People noted the Duke’s decades of support and service on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, after the Royal Family posted about his retirement from the role.
One royal fan said: “The Duke of Kent has been consistently a hardworking support for the monarchy. His parents would no doubt be proud.”
A second added: “An entire life of service! Well done, Your Royal Highness”.
A third fan said: “Congratulations on a job well done. Quiet, longstanding service.”
Speaking about his five decades-long tenure, the 88-year-old royal said: “Serving as Colonel of the Scots Guards since 1974, the longest anyone has spent in this role, has been a true honour and one which will forever fill me with great joy.”
He added: “Through those years, I have seen the work of the Scots Guards during peacetime and war and witnessed their bravery, selfless courage and devotion to duty.
“To my fellow Scots Guardsmen, I am immensely proud to have served you all.
“I am delighted that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will continue to champion all that you do and work towards preserving your great legacy.”
