Why You Don't Hear Much About Prince Edward

If you're born into the world's most famous monarchy — England's royal family — your right to privacy is almost non-existent (via Medium). We've watched as Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his wife, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, left the royal family for a life away from the British media and the lack of safety they feel came along with their titles.

The British press treats the royal family like the tabloids in the United States focus on celebrities (per Reader's Digest). Every member of the clan seems to be fair game for the press, though some names end up in headlines much more than others. Harry and Meghan, of course, experience their likeliness in the headlines more than most. On the other hand, scandals like the one attached to Prince Andrew, also strike the interest of the paparazzi.

While we have gotten used to seeing stories about almost every royal, one of Queen Elizabeth II's children has been able to avoid fanfare. The late queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex has been able to keep a low profile. But how could that be?

The late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, had four children (via People). The pair's children most notably include King Charles III and the disgraced Prince Andrew. Princess Anne, the couple's only daughter, is often seen making public appearances and is considered the hardest-working royal. She also recently became the United Kingdom's favorite member of the monarchy, according to a survey conducted by YouGov. These high-profile family members are well known, however, the youngest son of the royals, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, has managed to keep a low profile.

Although the British public may not see as much of Edward as his siblings, he was rumored to be the queen's favorite son. In a documentary by the UK's Channel 5 titled "Edward & Sophie: The Reluctant Royals," Ayesha Hazarika, a royal reporter, shared, "I think it's fair to say that he was very much the baby of the family," adding, "He really was the apple of the [q]ueen's eye."

Edward preferred to keep himself out of the eyes of the public. It appears that the reason we don't see much of Edward is that he chooses to live that way. He and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, have made quiet, controversy-free lives for themselves and their two children. However, Edward does make more public appearances than many realize, he just doesn't attract as much fanfare as his more famous siblings.

Although Prince Edward may choose to live a more private life, it doesn't mean that he shies away from royal duties. There are many charities and public events that he and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, prioritize. According to the Royal Family's website, the pair have a trust in their name, The Earl and Countess of Wessex Trust, which helps to support programs that benefit children.

While Edward chooses to stay out of the spotlight, he has recently found his name in the headlines. According to The Sun UK, the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has attempted to mend issues between his brother and his nephew as the coronation approaches.

As King Charles III prepares for his coronation in May, the rifts within the family are impacting how the event may turn out. Edward has allegedly engaged in "peace talks" with Charles and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

"There have been discussions among the family, including [Prince] Edward and [Princess] Anne," a source told the publication. "They do not want private conversations at the coronation making it into the paperback edition of 'Spare.'"