Kate, Charles cancer battle: Prince Edward the royal’s new leading man

Like Australia’s speed skating Olympian Steven Bradbury, who came from behind to win gold, a royal living in the shadows has become the surprise leading man.

Like Australia’s speed skating Olympian Steven Bradbury, who came from behind to win gold, Prince Edward has become the surprise leading man.

Opinion: Prince Edward has done what we call a Bradbury – he’s become the surprise leading man on the royal stage.

And, his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh just happens to be the perfect co-star.

With King Charles and Prince William cutting back on engagements, the former for cancer treatment, the latter to support his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, while she undergoes chemotherapy, Edward is suddenly front and centre, albeit temporarily – whether he likes it or not.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. Picture: Getty Images

As the fourth child of Queen Elizabeth, Edward has slowly dropped down the official rankings over the years and is now 14th in line to the throne.

Prince Harry previously talked about his fears of being overshadowed by his brothers’ kids as they grew up, fearing his work would get less prominence.

Steven Bradbury wins gold medal 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics

However, Edward never concerned himself that he was born the ‘spare’ three times removed and has quietly operated under the radar, while others have taken the spotlight.

But just like Australian speed skater Steven Bradbury who came from behind to win gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics, Prince Edward has emerged as the leading royal sibling.

Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh hits the shuttlecock as he takes part in a badminton match in March. Picture: Getty Images

Prince Edward, hits the shuttlecock to with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in Birmingham, England. Picture: Getty Images

Some would be surprised to know that like his sister Anne, Princess Royal, he has a proven work ethic – he finished third behind Charles and Anne, with 297 public engagements last year, nearly double the previous year’s total.

It’s fair to say Edward, a failed royal marine and former TV producer, had a shaky start to his working life. But in the long years since he’s not slipped up and his new title Duke of Edinburgh is well deserved.

Edward and Sophie attend an annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. Picture: Getty Images

Anne, Princess Royal (L) and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh talk with Major General Eldon Millar (C), and at a reception for Korean War veterans, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. Picture: AFP

And, both he and wife Sophie, a former PR girl, have a touch of the “reals” about them. They were the only royals unable to hold back the tears during the Queen’s funeral.

They also seem to be very much in love, no desperate hand holding needed. Last week Sophie paid an emotional tribute to her husband to mark his 60th birthday, which again left him wiping away tears.

Unlike other royals who have been very much in the headlines, they don’t preach about service, or have a website to shout about how their lives are devoted to helping others.

No, the Wessexes have just been getting on with it, quietly, until now.

Originally published as Kate, Charles cancer battle: Prince Edward the royal’s new leading man