Before Prince Edward married his royal family's "secret weapon," he once told an ex-girlfriend he wished he could have two wives, according to her new memoir.Years earlier, the youngest son of the late Queen Elizabeth II dated actress Ruthie Henshall from 1988 to 1993.The West End star recently opened up about their romance in her memoir "The Showgirl and the Prince.""Ruth, I couldn't put you through the job," Henshall recalled Edward telling her.
"If I could, I would have two wives.One for the job, and one whom I loved, because you would never want to subject the woman you love to the job."QUEEN ELIZABETH’S MOTHER WANTED HER TO MARRY ANOTHER MAN BEFORE PRINCE PHILIP: AUTHORPrince Edward's former flame, actress Ruthie Henshall, has written a memoir about their past romance.
(Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images; David M.Benett/Getty Images)Fox News Digital reached out to Henshall, 59, and Edward, 62, for comment.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson previously told Fox News Digital the palace doesn't comment on books.The pair first met in 1988 while Henshall was starring in "Cats" and Edward was working as a production assistant for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Theatre Company.Henshall recalled making a beeline for the young prince when he arrived at the theater, playfully welcoming him "to the litter." A romance blossomed.Fox News may be compensated for or earn a commission if you buy through our referral links."The Showgirl and the Prince" by Ruthie Henshall is available now.
(Macmillan Publishers)As their relationship grew more serious, Henshall said the realities of royal life began to set in.WATCH: WHY QUEEN ELIZABETH REJECTED HER MOTHER'S PREFERRED MATCH: AUTHOR"Honestly, this type of thinking is very standard for royal men throughout history," royal commentator Amanda Matta told Fox News Digital."It's why royal mistresses were so common.
For most of history, official marriages have been strategic and political arrangements.But the royals are still people,...