EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

Prince Edward was born on 10 March 1964 and christened Edward Antony Richard Louis at Windsor Castle.

Prince Edward's first public appearance was after the Trooping the Colour ceremony in 1964 when The Queen, carrying him in her arms, stood on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and showed her youngest son to the crowd outside.

The Earl of Wessex was educated by a private governess until the age of seven, when he went to Gibbs School, a pre-preparatory school, in Kensington.

In September 1972 he went to Heatherdown Preparatory School near Ascot, Berkshire.

In 1977 Prince Edward followed in the footsteps of his father and brothers by going to Gordonstoun School in Scotland. There he took part in a wide range of physical activities, including The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. He went on to gain a Gold Award. Amongst other sports, he played rugby and squash, took gliding lessons, and was a keen skier and sailor.

He was elected Guardian (head boy) for his last term, and left in the summer of 1982 with A Levels in history, English literature and economic and political studies.

In September 1982 he spent two terms at the Collegiate School, Wanganui, New Zealand, as a house tutor and junior master. While at the school he taught English and History and supervised other activities, including sport.

He then studied history at Jesus College, Cambridge, graduating as a Bachelor of Arts in 1986. At university, he enjoyed theatre, and took part in a number of productions.