Speaking on the Channel 5 documentary ‘Edward&Sophie: The Reluctant Royals?’, royal experts discussed the special status Prince Edward had growing up as the youngest son of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Queen Elizabeth II. Ayesha Hazarika said: “I think it’s fair to say he was very much the baby of the family. He really was the apple of the Queen’s eye.”
Echoing her comments, Richard Kay added: “Edward was a particular favourite of his father, the Duke of Edinburgh, and there was a strong bond between father and son right from the get go.”
The Earl of Wessex was also the first and only one of the Queen’s children to have his father in the hospital when he was born.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward explained: “He was the first of their four children that Prince Philip was actually there at the bedside during the birth.
“The world had moved on and he was more of a modern father.”
READ MORE: Prince Edward: Queen’s son felt left out after quitting tradition
The youngest son of the Queen abandoned his military career to pursue his love for the arts with a royal version of the popular BBC game show ‘It’s a Knockout.’
Royal correspondent Richard Kay, who had joined colleagues at Alton Towers to watch the filming, said: “The actual programme was pretty toe-curling at times.
“Chiefly remembered for the behavior of Fergie, the Duchess of York. She really put too much enthusiasm into it.”
He also noted reporters had not been allowed to attend the filming but were forced to remain in the press area the whole time, a move which later sparked an awkward confrontation with Prince Edward.
Mr Kay said: “We were all invited but we were not not invited to watch the actual event because it was being filmed behind closed doors.
Reports later suggested he had been heard commenting: “One of these days you lot are going to have to learn some manners.”
Royal commentator Rebecca English said: “That’s the one thing you should never be seen doing on camera as members of the Royal Family and then storming out.”
She added: “Seeing members of the Royal Family taking part in silly games, while it’s all in good fun and for a good cause, is not just something they should be doing.”
Author Ben Pimlott said a close friend of the Queen had reported Her Majesty had been opposed to the programme.
