Prince Edward finds himself in an awkward position as his former West End partner prepares to release a revealing memoir about their private five-year relationship—disclosures that could be “nightmarish” for Buckingham Palace.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who turned 62 on March 10, is preparing for the July publication of “The Showgirl and The Prince” by Ruthie Henshall, 59, who was romantically involved with him from 1988 to 1993. Pan Macmillan will publish the book, describing it as “a funny, intimate and touching memoir.” Its release comes amid what royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams calls the monarchy’s “most serious crisis since the 1990s.”
Fitzwilliams has warned King Charles about the possible repercussions of the memoir, especially given the monarchy’s vulnerable state. “For courtiers, the potential mix of scandal and stardom may well be nightmarish,” Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail. “If she is as open about their romance as she was on television, just think what it could contain.” He pointed out that the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are among only four working royals under 70 and perform essential duties for the Crown, making the timing particularly inconvenient.
He also cautioned that “there will be considerable concern that it will contain intimate insights into their time together and raise fears of another threat waiting to detonate” for the already strained royal family. King Charles would likely not welcome renewed attention on another brother’s private life becoming fodder for the press.
Prince Edward’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was detained on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He spent 11 hours in custody while police searched his Wood Farm residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk and his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, before he was released under investigation.
Henshall, a five-time Olivier Award nominee who won Best Actress in a Musical for “She Loves Me,” has appeared in productions such as “Chicago,” “Billy Elliot,” “Miss Saigon” and “Cats.” While clearing out her garage five years ago she found old love letters from Prince Edward, which inspired her to write about their relationship that began when Edward, then 23, worked as a production assistant at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Theatre Company.
During their relationship, Henshall reportedly made secret visits to Buckingham Palace and had tea with Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor. They split in 1993 when Henshall decided to focus on her stage career. When the affair later reached the press, the Evening Standard famously ran the headline: “Prince and the Showgirl.”
Fitzwilliams voiced particular unease about Henshall’s frank comments during her 2020 stint on “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” when she made candid remarks to comedian Shane Richie about intimate moments with the prince inside Buckingham Palace. She also said she once performed for the royal family after drinking martinis at Balmoral.
Henshall later said she was surprised when her remarks were broadcast, explaining she had covered her clip-on microphone with her hand during the chat with Richie and hadn’t realized other microphones were placed around the camp. She reached out to Prince Edward after the show, though she didn’t disclose what they discussed.
After their breakup, Henshall became engaged to Scottish actor John Gordon Sinclair; that engagement ended around the time of Prince Edward’s 1999 wedding, which Henshall and Sinclair both attended. She married Canadian singer Tim Howar in 2004, with whom she has two daughters, and they divorced in early 2010. She has stayed on friendly terms with both Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Despite the impending book, Prince Edward continues his royal responsibilities. He and Sophie traveled to Italy to support Team GB at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, where Edward is Patron of the British Paralympic Association. The pair watched British athletes compete and met with team members.
Prince Edward was given the Duke of Edinburgh title on March 10, 2023, his 59th birthday, fulfilling a pledge tied to his 1999 wedding; the title was formally granted by King Charles III in 2023. It recognized his long-standing commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a key part of Prince Philip’s legacy.
The family lives quietly at Bagshot Park in Surrey with their children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, and three dogs. Sophie once praised her husband as a devoted parent and supportive partner in a speech that brought Edward to tears.
