Prince Edward: Duke of Edinburgh, Black Prince & Abdication

Few names in British royalty carry as much confusion as Prince Edward. One was a medieval military hero who never ruled, another gave up a throne for love, and the third is the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II—now the Duke of Edinburgh. This article breaks down the facts, clears up the myths, and answers the questions people search most about each one.

Born: March 10, 1964 ·
Current title: Duke of Edinburgh ·
Spouse: Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh ·
Children: Lady Louise and James ·
Line to throne: 14th

Six key facts about the current Prince Edward, drawn from the Royal Family (official monarchy website) and historical records.

What medical condition does Prince Edward’s daughter have?

Lady Louise Windsor’s eye condition

Lady Louise Windsor, the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was born with strabismus—a condition where the eyes do not align properly. The condition was noticed early, and she underwent treatment, including surgery, to correct it.

Diagnosis and treatment

Sophie once spoke about the family’s experience, noting that Lady Louise received regular check-ups and later had a successful operation. The Royal Family generally keeps health details private, but Sophie has acknowledged the condition in interviews.

Other royal children with disabilities

Lady Louise is not the only royal child with a health issue. Zara Tindall’s daughter Mia has experienced medical concerns, and other members have faced various conditions. The family typically handles such matters with discretion.

The pattern: The family’s handling of this condition mirrors the broader royal approach to health matters—public enough to correct misinformation, private enough to protect the child’s normalcy.

What does Prince Edward do now?

Current role as Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Edward assumed the title Duke of Edinburgh in March 2023, inheriting it from his father, Prince Philip. The title was intended to remain with the Earl of Wessex until Edward’s eventual succession, but the Queen confirmed it would pass to him upon Philip’s death.

Royal duties and patronages

He is a working royal, carrying out engagements on behalf of the King. He is closely associated with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the program founded by his father, and serves as its patron. He also supports organizations in the arts, sports, and youth development.

Comparison with other senior royals

Unlike his elder siblings—King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew—Edward has maintained a lower profile. His public schedule is less crowded than the King’s or the Princess Royal’s, but he remains active and is seen as a reliable, steady presence in the royal family.

The implication: This shift reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize continuity over visibility, a rare trait among senior royals.

Why is Prince Edward called the Black Prince?

Origins of the nickname

The nickname “Black Prince” refers to Edward of Woodstock (1330–1376), the eldest son of King Edward III. Historians dispute the origin—some say it comes from his black armor, others from his reputation in France. The first recorded use of the name was in the 16th century, long after his death.

Historical context

Edward of Woodstock was a key figure in the Hundred Years’ War. He commanded English forces at the Battle of Poitiers (1356), capturing the French king. He was created Prince of Wales in 1343 and later became Prince of Aquitaine. He died before his father, so he never inherited the throne.

The Black Prince’s military achievements

His most celebrated victory was Poitiers, where his outnumbered army defeated the French. He also led the chevauchée of 1355, a destructive raid across southern France. His reputation as a chivalrous but fierce commander persists in historical accounts.

The catch: Without a throne, the Black Prince remains a tantalizing alternative path for England—what if he had survived his father?

Why did Prince Edward leave the Royal Family?

Abdication of Edward VIII

Edward VIII became king on 20 January 1936 after the death of his father, George V. His reign lasted only 325 days. He abdicated on 10 December 1936 in order to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee. The Instrument of Abdication was signed at Fort Belvedere and witnessed by his three younger brothers.

Relationship with Wallis Simpson

Edward’s desire to marry Wallis Simpson triggered a constitutional crisis. The Church of England and the British government opposed the marriage because she was twice divorced. Edward chose to abdicate rather than give her up. He was never crowned.

Life after abdication

After abdication, Edward was created Duke of Windsor. He married Wallis Simpson in 1937 and lived primarily in France. He died on 28 May 1972 in Paris. His younger brother Albert became King George VI.

What this means: Had Edward not abdicated, Elizabeth II might never have become queen, altering the entire modern monarchy.

Which royal has a disabled child?

Children of current Prince Edward

Prince Edward and Sophie have two children: Lady Louise Windsor (born 2003) and James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex (born 2007). As noted, Lady Louise was born with strabismus, a condition that was corrected with treatment. Neither child holds a prince or princess title by birth, a decision made by their parents to give them a more normal upbringing.

Other royals with children with special needs

Several other royal children have faced health challenges. For example, Zara and Mike Tindall’s daughter Mia was hospitalized for seizures, and Princess Beatrice’s daughter was born prematurely. The royal family generally treats such matters as private.

Privacy and public discussion

Prince Edward and Sophie have been protective of their children’s privacy. They have not often discussed Lady Louise’s condition in detail, but Sophie has occasionally shared positive updates, emphasizing that Louise is a healthy, active teenager.

The pattern: This discretion is consistent with the royal family’s long-standing practice of shielding children from public scrutiny, especially regarding medical issues.

Quotes from the figures themselves

“I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.”

– Edward VIII, abdication broadcast, 11 December 1936

“I am very proud to take on the title of Duke of Edinburgh and to continue my father’s legacy.”

– Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, statement in 2023

“Louise is a perfectly healthy, happy young woman. She just has a squint that was corrected.”

– Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, in a rare interview about her daughter

For anyone trying to make sense of the name “Prince Edward” in British royal history, the confusion is understandable but resolvable. The Black Prince belongs to the medieval past; Edward VIII’s abdication reshaped the modern monarchy; and the current Prince Edward is quietly building his own legacy as Duke of Edinburgh. For the royal family and the public alike, the takeaway is clear: the name carries weight, but each bearer carried it differently—and the consequences still echo today.

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For a detailed look at his life and evolving role, read our full profile on Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh.

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