A new memoir by acclaimed West End star Ruthie Henshall is set to offer an unprecedented glimpse into her five-year relationship with Prince Edward, the current Duke of Edinburgh, providing a rare and personal account of a royal romance that blossomed away from intense public scrutiny in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Titled "The Showgirl And The Prince," the book, scheduled for release on July 16, promises to detail their initial meeting, candid anecdotes from within royal residences, and the complexities of their connection before their separation in 1993.
Henshall, a five-time Olivier Award nominee and one of the most celebrated figures in British musical theatre, has shared excerpts from her forthcoming book with the Daily Mail, revealing a series of charming and often disarming moments from her time with the then-Prince Edward. Her recollections paint a picture of a relationship that, despite the vast social divide, was characterized by genuine affection and a surprising degree of normalcy, punctuated by the occasional faux pas inherent in a commoner navigating royal protocol.
The Memoir: Unveiling Intimate Details
At the heart of "The Showgirl And The Prince" are Henshall’s personal recollections, offering a unique perspective on a period of Prince Edward’s life when he was forging his own path outside traditional military service. The memoir details their initial encounter in 1988 when Henshall was just 20, starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical Cats at the New London Theatre. Prince Edward, then 23, was working as a production assistant for Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Theatre Company, a role he embraced after famously leaving the Royal Marines after only four months in January 1987. This career pivot saw the young Prince dedicating himself to a burgeoning interest in theatre and television production, a choice that brought him into Henshall’s orbit.
Henshall recalls being "pleasantly surprised by how attractive I found him" upon their first meeting, a sentiment that quickly evolved as she discovered a mutual connection. She notes getting "a buzz from seeing his reaction to my cheeky, slightly irreverent sense of humour" during his visits to the theatre, suggesting a rapport that transcended their different backgrounds. Their relationship deepened as Henshall embarked on a new project with Lloyd Webber, with Prince Edward often taking her to rehearsals and sharing a "kiss me goodbye on the cheek."
A pivotal moment came in May 1988, just two months into rehearsals for her new role, when Edward extended an invitation to Buckingham Palace for dinner and a film – an unconventional first date by any measure, especially within the hallowed walls of a royal residence. It was there that the couple shared their first kiss, marking the beginning of a five-year romance that would see Henshall frequenting royal estates and interacting with members of the Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II.
A Royal Romance in the Spotlight (and Behind the Scenes)
The late 1980s and early 1990s represented a period of transition for the British Royal Family, navigating evolving media landscapes and public expectations. While Prince Edward’s siblings, Charles, Anne, and Andrew, had already established their public roles and families, Edward was carving out a distinct identity, particularly through his involvement in the arts. His departure from the Royal Marines had been a significant public event, signaling a departure from the traditional military path often taken by male royals. Joining Lloyd Webber’s company allowed him to pursue a passion for television and theatre production, a move that, though initially met with some media skepticism, ultimately paved the way for his later successful career in media.
Concurrently, Ruthie Henshall was rapidly ascending as a star of the West End. Her powerful voice, captivating stage presence, and versatility made her a standout performer. After her breakthrough in Cats, she went on to star in numerous other high-profile productions, including Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Chicago, and She Loves Me, for which she would later win an Olivier Award in 1995. Her career trajectory established her as a leading lady in British theatre, a status that would only grow in the years following her relationship with Prince Edward. The confluence of their respective worlds – royalty and theatre – created a compelling narrative, even if much of it remained private at the time.
Behind Palace Walls: Anecdotes and Royal Encounters
Henshall’s memoir is rich with anecdotes that reveal the fascinating contrast between her theatrical world and the strictures of royal life. Her first visit to Buckingham Palace saw her arrive in denim dungarees, an attire choice that, while perfectly normal for a young woman of the era, starkly contrasted with the formal environment. This detail underscores her refreshing candour and perhaps the relaxed atmosphere Edward fostered around her.
One of the most memorable and relatable incidents detailed in the book involves her "spontaneous" first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II. Henshall recounts "forgetting to curtsey" and instead instinctively grabbing the late Queen’s hand and shaking it "wildly." The moment left her "mortified for a while afterwards," a sentiment many would understand when faced with such an unexpected royal encounter. This anecdote, while humorous, also offers a rare glimpse into the Queen’s ability to put people at ease, even in moments of protocol deviation.
Further illustrating the informal access Henshall enjoyed, she recalls visits to Windsor Castle and the Frogmore Estate, a location that held particular romantic significance for the couple. She describes Frogmore as their "romantic place," expressing "a pang of envy and sadness" when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, later moved into Frogmore Cottage in 2019. This detail highlights the enduring personal connection she felt to these historically significant, yet privately cherished, royal sites.
Another charming recollection from the memoir recounts Henshall being asked to sing "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Misérables during a visit to Balmoral Castle. Following her performance, Prince Edward relayed Queen Elizabeth II’s impressed remark: "Now, that’s a pair of lungs!" This informal compliment from the monarch adds a personal touch to the public image of the Queen and demonstrates the extent to which Henshall was integrated into the private life of the Royal Family during their relationship. Henshall also notes that Edward’s friends "seemed very down-to-earth," further suggesting a relatively grounded social circle around the young Prince.
The Weight of Public Life and Personal Struggles
While the memoir delves into the glamour and intrigue of a royal romance, it also touches upon more profound and personal aspects of Henshall’s life. She openly discusses the sexual abuse she suffered as a child, a topic she has previously addressed in interviews. This inclusion contextualizes her journey and adds a layer of vulnerability and resilience to her narrative. Furthermore, Henshall reveals that she lives with trichotillomania, also known as trich, a disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out hair from the body. These disclosures provide a more complete picture of the woman behind the West End star and the royal girlfriend, offering insights into her inner world and the personal battles she has faced. The memoir hints at the complexities that might have contributed to the eventual separation from Prince Edward in 1993, though it emphasizes their enduring respect and friendship.
Enduring Friendship and Subsequent Paths
Despite their separation in 1993, Ruthie Henshall and Prince Edward maintained a friendship, a testament to the bond they shared. This continued rapport was publicly demonstrated when Henshall attended Edward’s wedding to Sophie Rhys-Jones, now the Duchess of Edinburgh, at Windsor Castle in 1999. Her presence at such a significant royal event underscored the amicable nature of their parting and the genuine affection that lingered.
Following her relationship with Prince Edward, Henshall continued to build an illustrious career in theatre. Beyond her Olivier win for She Loves Me, her performances in iconic roles such as Velma Kelly in Chicago cemented her status as a West End legend. She married actor and singer Tim Howar in 2004, with whom she had two children, before their divorce in 2010. Prince Edward, meanwhile, has steadily grown into his role as a senior working royal. He and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, have become key figures in the Royal Family, raising two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, and undertaking numerous engagements on behalf of the Crown. The recent bestowal of the Duke of Edinburgh title upon him by King Charles III further solidifies his senior position within the monarchy.
The Broader Implications of Royal Memoirs
Ruthie Henshall’s memoir enters a growing genre of books by individuals who have had close, personal relationships with members of the Royal Family. These memoirs, ranging from those by former staff to romantic partners, offer tantalizing glimpses behind the traditionally private facade of the monarchy. They often walk a delicate line between respecting privacy and providing the candid insights that readers crave. While the Royal Family typically adheres to a "never complain, never explain" policy, these personal accounts inevitably contribute to the public narrative surrounding the institution.
Henshall’s book is particularly significant because it recounts a relationship with a direct heir to the throne, predating the intense 24/7 media scrutiny that would later define royal lives. It offers a snapshot of a more innocent, perhaps more naive, era for both the royals and the public’s perception of them. Her ability to navigate both the theatrical world and the royal sphere, and her willingness to share both the charming anecdotes and her personal struggles, adds depth and authenticity to her story. "The Showgirl And The Prince" is poised not only to entertain readers with tales of a hidden romance but also to offer valuable sociological insights into the evolving dynamics between celebrity, royalty, and personal truth in the public eye.
In conclusion, Ruthie Henshall’s "The Showgirl And The Prince" promises to be more than just a celebrity tell-all. It is a heartfelt account of a unique relationship, providing a rare and humanizing perspective on a young Prince Edward and the vibrant woman who shared a significant part of his early adult life. Through her candid recollections, Henshall offers a valuable addition to the narrative of the modern British Royal Family, reminding readers that even behind palace walls, love, laughter, and personal journeys unfold with universal human emotion.
