The Earl of Wessex was born on 10 March 1964 at Buckingham Palace, the third son and fourth and youngest child of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.

Baptised Edward Antony Richard Louis in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle, His Royal Highness was known as Prince Edward until his marriage in 1999, when he became The Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn. The last person known as 'Earl of Wessex' was Harold Godwinson, prior to his accession to the English throne as King Harold II in 1066.

The Earl of Wessex carries out a full schedule of royal duties on behalf of The Queen. His Royal Highness is involved with 79 organisations and holds 8 military appointments.

The Earl plays a very active role in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award both as a UK and International Trustee, and as Chairman of the International Council, the operating authority which controls the programme and standards in 140 countries.

In 1999 he established the International Special Projects Group to provide a capital fund to broaden the reach of the Award by supporting young people at risk around the world.

View footage of The Earl of Wessex discussing The Duke of Edinburgh's Award: