West End star Ruthie Henshall has claimed she enjoyed 'a lot of very hot sex' with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, in her new memoir, The Showgirl and the Prince. The 59-year-old actress spoke to The Times ahead of the book's release, detailing a relationship that began in 1988 when she was 21 and he was 23.
How They Met
Henshall and Prince Edward met in 1988 while working for the Really Useful Group. She was in the chorus for the production of Cats, and he was employed as a production assistant. The pair first slept together in January 1989, and their on-off relationship continued until 1993.
Addressing Sexuality Rumors
Addressing long-standing rumors about Prince Edward's sexuality, Henshall stated: 'Believe me, [homosexuality] is not part of that man's past.' She emphasized the intimate nature of their relationship.
Healing After Abuse
Henshall, who endured abuse as a child, explained that Prince Edward helped her feel 'clean' during sex. She said: 'I never felt clean. It was always like I was trying to wash it off me… He was so gentle and loving, and there was not an ounce of aggression in him. There was something safe about him, so I felt really good about my body. There was so much love there.'
Why They Didn't Marry
Despite wanting to become Prince Edward's princess, Henshall revealed that he told her he 'couldn't put [her] through the job' and that 'you would never subject the woman you love to the job'. She said he recently explained he was trying to protect her.
Thoughts on Duchess Sophie
Speaking about Prince Edward's wife, Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie, Henshall said it was clear they loved each other very much and were one another's best friend.
Prince Edward's Response
Henshall met with Prince Edward, who reportedly told her she had 'every right' to tell her story. She told him it might make him blush but that she had treated the whole thing 'very respectfully'. Prince Edward's private secretary declined to comment.
Henshall shares two children with her ex-husband Timothy Howard.
