Prince Edward's Former Girlfriend to Release Explosive Memoir on Their Secret Royal Romance
Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, is set to feature prominently in a bombshell memoir penned by his former girlfriend, West End actress Ruthie Henshall. The book, titled The Showgirl and the Prince, promises to unveil intimate details of their years-long relationship, which occurred before Edward met his now-wife, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Secret Beginnings and Royal Encounters
Henshall, a five-time Olivier Award-winning star, has revealed that the memoir will chronicle the clandestine start of their romance, including visits to Buckingham Palace and tea with the late Queen Elizabeth at Windsor. The actress discovered old diaries and letters from Prince Edward while clearing out her garage five years ago, which inspired her to document this unique chapter of her life.
"I found old diaries which I began writing in the 1980s and then found all my letters from Prince Edward," Henshall explained. "I was struck by how precious this time in my life was. I was on the West End stage - my dream since I was a girl - and shared a love with a man very few people even know."
A Relationship Forged in Theatre
The couple first met in 1988 when Henshall's career was blossoming with a role as a chorus girl in Cats, while Prince Edward worked as a production assistant for renowned composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Their on-and-off relationship spanned several years during the 1990s, creating a bond that Henshall describes as genuine and heartfelt.
Speaking about Edward, Henshall recalled falling for him because he was "kind and thoughtful," noting that she was "not like anyone he's dated before." She emphasized her affection for the royal family, stating: "I have nothing but nice things to say about them all. The Queen, in particular, was lovely. Here I was, this chorus girl dating her son – it must have been her worst nightmare!"
Post-Breakup Friendship and Continued Respect
Remarkably, Henshall maintained a cordial relationship with Edward after their separation, even attending his wedding to Sophie at Windsor Castle in 1999. This demonstrates the enduring mutual respect between the former couple, despite the end of their romantic involvement.
The memoir, scheduled for release in July, offers readers a rare glimpse behind the curtain of both royal life and the demanding world of musical theatre. Henshall mused: "If this was someone else's story, I would think they had made it up. So here it is - a look behind the curtain of a crazy life in musical theatre and what happens next when a showgirl falls in love with a prince."
A Storied Career Beyond the Romance
While the memoir focuses on her royal connection, Henshall's professional achievements stand independently impressive. Her multi-award-winning career includes starring roles in iconic musicals such as Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Chicago, Billy Elliot, and Oliver!, solidifying her status as one of Britain's most accomplished stage performers.
It remains unclear whether Buckingham Palace has received an advance preview of the book, adding an element of anticipation about potential royal reactions to its publication. The memoir promises to blend personal revelation with historical insight, capturing a unique moment when theatrical glamour intersected with royal tradition.
