Did Edward succeed or fail to live a 'normal' life?

[Skydragon]

I think, more than anything, it is his collapsed business ventures, the episode with the Marines and ignoring the agreement not to film William, that he is remembered for here. His wife is remembered for trading on her royal connection to the fake sheik.

Frighteningly, I was speaking to a group of children and some of the parents, whilst they all knew who HM, Philip, Charles, Camilla & Anne were of the senior royals, not one knew Edward. A few knew of Andrew, only because of comments their parents have made regarding his trips. I should say none of the parents were above 30 as far as I know.

[ToytownZara]

Originally Posted by Royal Fan

Hes a success story wife, children . its going good for him and long may it continue

I think one can measure success in many ways. No, he's never had one completely successful project, but I'd lay odds that many of us know that guy - you know, the slightly annoying one on the block who's actually a good egg, but can't seem to make anything come out just right. He's managed to make his marriage work (not that being divorced is stigmatizing - I certainly don't believe THAT - but his two brothers can't say their marital history has been particularly stellar, and poor Anne has had her own, though less public, problems). He's got two gorgeous kids, who, as others have pointed out, aren't slammed in the public eye (kudos to Sophie and Edward!).

And anyway, how much normality is really fair to expect from someone born into the BRF? I think it's only fair to expect a bit of "I'm-a-prince-if-you-please" as they've been raised with it and probably in all fairness actually expect it to a point (not that this is polite or excusable, I just suspect it's the way things are). Imagine if, from birth, even your nannies treated you with some sort of deference. I don't think that makes them bad people. I think that consciously they realise this is a problem and know it's a character flaw within themselves, and are choosing to raise their children in a different way to hopefully avoid passing on the trait. Lady Louise, the newest little Viscount (what a big name for a tiny baby!), and especially Peter and Zara seem to have truly been raised without a lot of pomp and circumstance. Even Princess Eugenie is out of the public eye; I think Beatrice chooses to be more in the public - and that's fine, too.

I have to say that despite the burden of being the "heir and the spare" Harry and William are potentially two of the most down-to-earth, direct-in-line-to-the-thrones that the UK has had - maybe forever. No, they don't know what it's like to be "normal", but we don't know what it's like to be them, either. Something's going to affect them, no matter how careful parents and the rest of the BRF are.

I think even the Queen knows she potentially made some mistakes with her own children, and it appears she's taking the more non-traditional lives of her grandchildren very well and knows it's essential for them to be more "in touch" with the public if the monarchy is to survive.

A bit off-topic, perhaps, but I think Edward and his siblings are doing the best they can at this - time will tell how successful they've been.

They can't be but so awful - I can't see Sophie putting up with too much BS from anyone.

(PS - when it comes to parenting, I think Diana was in fact fantastic for the BRF - I think she's given the people an heir they can relate to a bit more, you know? Actually, the entire BRF seems a bit more approachable - I can't remember seeing the Queen smile as much as she does these days, even with her own mum and sister gone. Even Philip seems like less of a grump, God bless him.)

[ToytownZara]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

Frighteningly, I was speaking to a group of children and some of the parents, whilst they all knew who HM, Philip, Charles, Camilla & Anne were of the senior royals, not one knew Edward. A few knew of Andrew, only because of comments their parents have made regarding his trips. I should say none of the parents were above 30 as far as I know.

That's a double-edged sword, though...because that tells me Edward's been successful at being Edward and not 7th in line to the throne, and Andrew's just been Andrew as well, instead of number 4.

But it IS scary that they didn't realize the Sovereign has four children!

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by ToytownZara

That's a double-edged sword, though...because that tells me Edward's been successful at being Edward and not 7th in line to the throne, and Andrew's just been Andrew as well, instead of number 4.
But it IS scary that they didn't realize the Sovereign has four children!

If Edward didn't have a title, most people would see him as a failure in 'ordinary' life. Failed business ventures, failed forces career, the sort of chap that has dozens of jobs but hasn't managed to keep any one going for long. So, yes he has succeeded as Edward but not as someone independent of the royal family cocoon.

Originally Posted by ToytownZara

(PS - when it comes to parenting, I think Diana was in fact fantastic for the BRF - I think she's given the people an heir they can relate to a bit more, you know? Actually, the entire BRF seems a bit more approachable - I can't remember seeing the Queen smile as much as she does these days, even with her own mum and sister gone. Even Philip seems like less of a grump, God bless him.)

Unfortunately by presenting W & H as 'normal', she did them a dis-service. If they want to be 'normal' and behave in the same way as 'normal' people do, they leave themselves open to criticism and complaint, thus risking the monarchy. HM probably smiles more because she see's all but one of her children settled with spouses they love and are happy with, she can also see an end to the Diana troubles, through the revelations at the inquest.
Or it could be that she reads these forums!

[ToytownZara]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

If Edward didn't have a title, most people would see him as a failure in 'ordinary' life. Failed business ventures, failed forces career, the sort of chap that has dozens of jobs but hasn't managed to keep any one going for long. So, yes he has succeeded as Edward but not as someone independent of the royal family cocoon.

I think you're quite right. Unfortunately, because he is who he is, this might be all he gets. Even then, in his shoes I'd take that. It must be hard being the little brother of the heir to the throne, "Randy Andy", and the irrepressible Princess Royal - all at once.

Originally Posted by Skydragon

Unfortunately by presenting W & H as 'normal', she did them a dis-service. If they want to be 'normal' and behave in the same way as 'normal' people do, they leave themselves open to criticism and complaint, thus risking the monarchy. HM probably smiles more because she see's all but one of her children settled with spouses they love and are happy with, she can also see an end to the Diana troubles, through the revelations at the inquest.

Also probably true. What a crappy position to be in, you know? Unfortunately, we can't pick our relatives - if we could, I think we all have a few we'd rather remove from our family tree...

Originally Posted by Skydragon

Or it could be that she reads these forums!

Wouldn't it be a HOOT if she did? I'll bet there are footmen and such who do! I WOULD!

[LauraMCS]

I don't think that Edward lives a "normal" life nor should he be allowed to. Royals should not be able to have it both ways. Being exalted and groveled to on one hand and also being 'normal' when convenient for them is not the way it should be. When non-royals (I refuse to refer to non-royal people as 'commoners') get to enjoy both lifestyles then I will support the royals right to normal life. If they want normal lives then they need to remove themselves from their place in succession as well as from any taxpayer supported privilege.

[pinkie40]

I find his "failures" as rather endearing.

I often thought that in his departure from the Marines he was the only one of his siblings to have the courage to defy his strong father. There was some sort of inceredible inner resolve in Edward to do that.

Had he been allowed to continue his documentaries, he might have built up quite a role as royal torch bearer and royal historian. In many ways, he still embodies what I revere about royalty... that rather remote, grand and uniquely Windsor mystique. From watching him over the years, he certainly adores when he is singled out for attention and treated with what he feels should be due him, according to his station in life.

His wife adds just enough of a bridge to the "commoners" while always remaining quite dignified. He seems to be a very loving and proud papa.

The world Prince Edward would like to embody has passed away in the dawning of the 21st Century... He has an "old world charm" and probably would not know what to do with his eldest brother's suave, worldly sophistication.

[ysbel]

I don't know whether Edward could ever be normal but I must say I enjoyed his documentaries and am glad he put them out because they provided several hours of enjoyment to this royalwatcher.

So if Edward failed in his documentary production, here is one royaltywatcher who is glad he tried and failed.

But in general I don't like to put people up to pass/fail tests when it comes to finding meaning in their lives. Its hard enough for the rest of us, much less a royal.

I have some complaints about Edward but using his connections for his royal documentaries is not one of them. I'm exhilirated that he was able to use them as I was when Prince Michael contributed his bit to the documentary about Christian IX's descendents.

[the1mcgraws]

I think Edward is a success. He got the opportunity to try acting. He had a film company. He seems well adjusted. He has not been afraid to go out and do new things that a royal would not do previously. The bottom is whether he gave them up or not, he at least tried and he did so in the public eye which says a lot. He was ridiculed for quite a bit he did and yet he still was himself. The fact alone that he has managed to have a successful marriage the first time around says A LOT! He was the only one on the first shot. Although I must commend Andrew for having a success divorce.

So he is DEFINITELY a success.

[Kezza]

I agree with you there.

I believe Prince Edward deserves like everyone else should get is a bit of respect given to him. I feel at times he has been misunderstood at times, and unfairly savaged by the UK tabloids at times. For being a bit different from what we consider a member of the British Royal family should be.

I actually admire the man for being a bit different, and this may come as a shock to some, but I see a bit of the under-dog in Prince Edward. Always giving something ago, despite everything up against him. Like the under-dog they either fail or get some sucess in it. But you still admire them for giving it a bash, and getting so far.

I have a soft spot for the under-dog, but then i'm a bit biased when it comes to the Queen's youngest son. Having met the man in 1994 at my high school in Adelaide.

[GlitteringTiaras]

Did Edward succeed or fail to lead a normal life? Well, he's not six feet under yet and his life is far from over so it's difficult to answer this question. When he dies and one can thoroughly analyze his life then one's question will be answered.

[Mermaid1962]

I respect the fact that Prince Edward tried to do his own thing rather than automatically do what was expected of him. If nothing else, this shows that he's somewhat of an independant thinker. Going to New Zealand as a young man to be a teacher showed some gumption as well. Perhaps he was a bit slower than his siblings to "grow up", but that's not unsual for the youngest child.

[Mara Jade]

I always consider him a success at being a husband and father, and an ordinary person born into an extraordinary family. As to his business failures, the best way of succeeding is by failing. Eventually people get it right and find what it is that they were meant to do. Edward is hampered by his connections to the royal family, but he has succeeded in forging a life of his own that is meaningful to him. He is married to a nice woman and not a nasty little cow, so more power to him. If they are happy, that is their success. That's all that most people want anyway. I don't think he feels burdened by some failed endeavors.

[kalnel]

I've always been of a mind that someone becomes a "failure" when they stop trying to succeed, not when they their efforts don't pan out. Since Edward has always kept trying, I wouldn't say he's a failure at all.

He has a tough hand to play. In the royal world, he's "ordinary" in many ways -- he's never been dashing figure, he's not a war hero, he's not the heir, etc. He just seems like a nice-looking guy who takes on relatively low-profile, day-to-day royal tasks without a lot of fanfare. That's dutiful and admirable.

But, in the "ordinary" world, he'll always be a little different because he's a royal. No matter how much he strives to live like "the rest of us," he's always going to be a person who attracts attention and stands apart. When he goes to a concert or the library, he's a royal acting like a normal person, not a normal person. The very fact that we know he does these things and there are Internet discussions about whether he "lives a normal life" is proof that he isn't normal.

I think he manages to balance the two aspects of his life pretty gracefully. It must take a lot of courage to stick your neck out and try something like starting a company or getting into an elite military unit when you know the world is watching, so I give him a lot of credit for that.

[muriel]

I really do not believe he lives a "normal" life. Following the failure of his busines venture, he works full time as a royal, on an income provided by his mother and in a house provided by his mother, supported by staff provided by his mother. There is very little normalcy as I would see it.

[kalnel]

Oh, I don't know...these days, lots of people seem to be living off their parents after they lose their jobs... :-)

[muriel]

In my view, the situation is quite different. A conscience decision was taken in the early part of the decade that the Earl and Countess would fully devote their time to royal duties, and they would not have any commerical roels to play.

[kalnel]

I think you're right -- my previous comment was meant as a joke.

But, I have the impression that they took the decision because both Edward's and Sophie's jobs were becoming problematic. If you recall, Edward had caused some bad feelings with Charles when his production company broke the coverage agreement when William was at St. Andrews. Sophie had her own problems when she walked into a set-up staged by some tabloid reporters who were posing as prospective clients.

Both those episodes showed that even small lapses in judgment could result in big hassles for the monarch. If I'm remembering the timing right, Sophie's incident was pretty much the end of either of them working outside the royal family.

So, in that sense, it was a good try, but normal careers didn't turn out to be viable over the long term.

[muriel]

Quite right, I think Sophie's escapade with the Sheikh really was the end of them as a working couple

[lwbohm]

I think he has done well at all he has done.
Supporting the monarchy is the job of the queens sons.
And he does a good job of it.
As far as working i think he had a good go of it.