West End star Ruthie Henshall has opened up about her five-year romance with Prince Edward, now the Duke of Edinburgh, revealing a major blunder when she first met his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. The 59-year-old actress appeared on Tuesday's episode of This Morning to discuss her upcoming memoir, The Showgirl and The Prince.
Unexpected Meeting with the Queen
Henshall recalled the first time she met the Queen at Windsor Castle. She told hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard that she grabbed the Queen's hand to shake it instead of curtseying, as her father had instructed. “I didn’t curtsey and my father had said ‘if you meet the queen, you curtsey and you say ma’am as in spam,’” Henshall said. She believes Prince Edward orchestrated the casual encounter intentionally to prevent her from panicking.
Secret Romance with Prince Edward
Describing the royal as her first love, Henshall and Prince Edward began dating in 1988 while working for Andrew Lloyd Webber, both in their early 20s. Their relationship lasted five years. Henshall shared that the romance was kept secret from the public until now. “It was a brilliant time,” she said, adding that the memoir weaves their relationship throughout her life story.
Details in the Memoir
The actress does not hold back in her book, including details about their intimate life. “I wouldn't say it’s a kiss and tell but let’s be honest we were 20 and 23, you are going to find lots of places to get… romantic,” she explained. She revealed that Prince Edward has not read the memoir and never asked to, but she hopes he will enjoy the memories. “I just don’t want to make him feel uncomfortable in any way but if he reads it, I think he will go down memory lane in a major way because we did have such a laugh,” Henshall added.
Current Life
Prince Edward is now happily married to Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. Henshall continues her successful career in musical theatre. This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
