West End star Ruthie Henshall has pulled back the curtain on her private five-year relationship with Prince Edward in her memoir, The Showgirl and the Prince. The book offers a candid look into the romance that blossomed between the actress and Queen Elizabeth II’s youngest son during the late 1980s and early 1990s, detailing royal residences, intimate moments, and the heavy toll of royal duties.
How Prince Edward and Ruthie Henshall Met
The relationship began in 1988 when Henshall, then 20 years old, starred in the musical Cats at the New London Theatre. Prince Edward, then 23 and working as a production assistant for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Theatre Company, was introduced backstage. Henshall recalled that the young prince playfully introduced himself as “the runt of the litter.”
A mutual attraction sparked quickly. As Henshall began working on subsequent projects tied to Lloyd Webber’s company, Edward frequently accompanied her to rehearsals, dropping off notes and offering affectionate farewells. Two months into her new project, in May 1988, the prince invited her to Buckingham Palace for dinner and a film screening, where the couple shared their first kiss.
Inside Royal Residences and an Awkward Meeting with the Queen
Throughout their five-year relationship, Henshall spent considerable time behind closed doors at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Frogmore estate. Her memoir recounts relaxed Sundays, down-to-earth friends, and a spontaneous afternoon tea at Windsor Castle where she met the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In a moment she described as utterly mortifying, Henshall admitted she completely forgot to curtsy. Instead of executing the traditional greeting, she walked straight up to the monarch and shook her hand wildly. Looking back on the incident during television appearances, Henshall noted that Edward may have orchestrated the surprise setting deliberately to keep her from panicking.
The romance also featured lighter anecdotes, including a visit to Balmoral where Henshall was asked to sing “I Dreamed A Dream” from Les Misérables. Following the performance, Edward told her that the Queen remarked, “Now, that’s a pair of lungs!”
Why the Royal Romance Ended
Despite deep affection, the stark realities of the British monarchy ultimately created an insurmountable barrier between the couple. Henshall’s career on the stage was ascending rapidly, while Edward’s position as a senior royal carried rigid protocols and intense public scrutiny.
In her book, Henshall recalls Edward explaining his protective concerns about subjecting someone he loved to the demands of royal life. He famously remarked, “Ruth, I couldn’t put you through the job. If I could, I would have two wives. One for the job, and one whom I loved, because you would never want to subject the woman you love to the job.”
Realizing that their lives were heading in fundamentally different directions, the couple mutually parted ways in 1993. Even after the breakup, the two maintained a lasting friendship, with Henshall later attending Edward’s 1999 wedding to Sophie Rhys-Jones, now the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Life Beyond the Romance
Decades after their split, Prince Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones, who similarly stepped away from her public relations career to become a full-time working royal, earning widespread praise as a dedicated pillar of the institution. Royal commentators have noted that Sophie ultimately embodied the steadfast partnership Edward required.
Henshall went on to build an award-winning theatrical career, securing an Olivier Award in 1995 for Best Actress in a Musical for She Loves Me. Her memoir not only revisits her early life in the spotlight and her historic royal romance, but also addresses personal triumphs and struggles, providing a fully rounded portrait of her extraordinary life on and off the stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prince Edward and Ruthie Henshall
When did Prince Edward and Ruthie Henshall date?
Prince Edward and Ruthie Henshall dated for five years, from 1988 to 1993, after meeting backstage during a production of Cats.
What is the title of Ruthie Henshall’s memoir?
The memoir is titled The Showgirl and the Prince.
How did Ruthie Henshall first meet Queen Elizabeth II?
Henshall met the late Queen unexpectedly during an afternoon tea at Windsor Castle, where she famously forgot to curtsy and instead shook the monarch’s hand.
Why did Prince Edward and Ruthie Henshall break up?
The relationship ended because of the massive conflict between royal obligations and Henshall’s flourishing acting career, with Edward protective of shielding her from the harsh demands of public royal life.
Are Prince Edward and Ruthie Henshall still in touch?
Yes, the pair maintained a warm friendship following their split in 1993. Henshall later attended Edward and Sophie’s wedding in 1999.
