Ruthie Henshall, the West End star who once dated Prince Edward, has revealed the blunt five-word advice she received from Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. In a tell-all memoir set to be published this month, Henshall recounts how Ferguson warned her against pursuing a relationship with the royal.
Fergie's Warning to Henshall
Speaking to The Times, Henshall disclosed that Ferguson told her to "get out while you can" after her own separation from Prince Andrew in 1992. The advice came as Henshall was navigating her romance with Prince Edward, whom she met while working on the musical Cats. Ferguson, who separated from Andrew in 1992 but continued living with him until they were asked to leave Royal Lodge, offered the cautionary words based on her own experience.
Details of the Royal Romance
Henshall, now 58, described Prince Edward as deeply romantic and gentle. In her memoir, she writes that he often wrote her love letters and that she had "never received anything so beautiful." She added, "He was romantic and gentle and definitely NOT GAY! He clearly had experience." Henshall revealed that she was always "trying to tempt him into bed. And not to sleep," but Edward wanted to take things slow.
The pair originally met through composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, with Henshall starring in Cats while Edward worked as a production assistant. Henshall described him as "gentle" and "positive," noting that "his whole demeanour would calm me down."
End on Good Terms
Despite the breakup, Henshall and Edward parted on such good terms that she received a wedding invitation to his marriage to Sophie Rhys-Jones at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Neither the Duke nor the Duchess of Edinburgh have commented on Henshall’s memoir.
Memoir Explores Personal Life
Henshall's shocking new memoir delves into various aspects of her life, including her relationship with Prince Edward. The book, set to be published this month, offers an intimate look at her time dating the royal and the advice she received from Ferguson. The revelation comes as a rare glimpse into the private lives of the royal family, with Henshall providing firsthand accounts of her experiences.
