The Earl of Wessex spent three years in the Royal Marines as a University Cadet but, after graduating from Cambridge, decided to leave to pursue a career in theatrical production.

For nearly ten years, Prince Edward worked in the theatre and television production industries, successfully running his own business, Ardent Productions.

Prior to that he worked for two theatrical production companies, notably Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Theatre Company, looking after Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express and Cats, as well as being involved with the production of Aspects of Love.

The Earl of Wessex announced in 2002 that he and The Countess of Wessex had decided to concentrate on supporting The Queen during the Golden Jubilee and beyond, and helping the Royal Family shoulder some of the increasing workload into the future.

They therefore withdrew from their respective companies, Ardent Productions and R-JH, in order to focus their energies more into supporting those organisations, charities, individuals and companies who deserve to be recognised for their effort, initiative and entrepreneurship.