The passing of a beloved monarch has reverberated around the globe, sparking an outpouring of grief and reflection from many. Among those feeling the most profound loss are the members of her family, who have shared an extraordinary bond with her throughout her reign.

Queen Elizabeth II had four children with her husband, Prince Philip. Her firstborn, Charles, is now the reigning monarch, followed by Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and the youngest, Prince Edward. Each child has their unique relationship with their mother, yet Edward’s connection stands out for various reasons.

Born on March 10, 1964, at 8:20 p.m., Prince Edward entered the world weighing just 5 pounds and 7 ounces, making him the lightest of the Queen’s children. His birth was significant not just for its timing but also because it marked a turning point in the royal family’s approach to parenting. At the time, Queen Elizabeth was 37 years old and expressed a desire for Prince Philip to be present during the birth, a request he honored. This moment was particularly historical as it was unusual for fathers to be present at royal births in the past.

During her pregnancy with Edward, the Queen encountered various magazines that emphasized the importance of a father’s role in the lives of children. Intrigued, she decided to embrace this modern approach, leading to a more hands-on parenting style that was not as prominent during the births of her older children. The responsibilities of being a monarch meant she often had to balance her royal duties with motherhood, frequently leaving her children in the care of nannies. However, with Edward’s arrival, she had matured into her role as Queen and felt more capable of managing her time, allowing her to spend more time with him.

As a result, Edward grew up with a different dynamic compared to his siblings. The Duke of Edinburgh reportedly had a special fondness for his youngest son, often including him in various family activities and entrusting him with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, a program that promotes personal development and community service for young people.

Edward’s childhood experiences were notably different from those of Charles, Anne, and Andrew. For example, he had the unique opportunity to meet Neil Armstrong, the first human to set foot on the moon, during a visit to the royal family. Inspired by this encounter, Edward expressed his desire to become an astronaut, reflecting the adventurous spirit of his youth.

After completing his education at Gordonstoun School, Edward took a gap year during which he worked as a junior master and tutor at Wanganui Collegiate School in New Zealand. He later attended Jesus College, where he graduated in 1986. Initially, he pursued a path in the royal marines but quickly realized that the rigorous training was not suited to him, prompting a change in direction.

Edward’s career trajectory shifted towards the arts, as he became the first member of the royal family to explore a career in theater. In 1993, he established Ardent Productions, though the venture did not achieve significant success. This setback led him to return to his royal duties, where he could contribute to the monarchy in a more traditional capacity.

In 1987, Edward met Sophie Rhys-Jones at Capital Radio while he was dating her friend. Their paths crossed again in 1993 at a charity event, sparking a romantic relationship. Aware of the public scrutiny that often accompanied royal marriages, especially given the tumultuous histories of his older siblings, Edward approached his relationship with Sophie thoughtfully. After several years of dating, he proposed in January 1999 with a stunning white gold ring featuring an oval diamond flanked by heart-shaped gemstones.

Their wedding took place later that year in a modest ceremony, distinct from the grand celebrations often associated with royal unions. The Queen gifted Sophie a tiara from her personal collection, symbolizing her acceptance into the family.

Upon marriage, Edward was entitled to a dukedom but opted to retain the title of Earl, a decision that underscored his desire for a more grounded identity within the royal framework. Over the years, Edward and Sophie welcomed two children: Lady Louise Alice Elizabeth Mary Mountbatten-Windsor and James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor. Louise, in particular, garnered the Queen’s affection, becoming known as her favorite grandchild, while Sophie was often regarded as her favored daughter-in-law.

Sophie’s close relationship with the Queen deepened, especially following the passing of Prince Philip. Sophie made it her mission to check on her mother-in-law regularly, providing companionship and support during a time of significant adjustment for the monarch. Royal commentators noted Sophie’s role as an unexpected source of strength for the Queen as she navigated life after the loss of her husband.

Living near Buckingham Palace allowed Edward and Sophie to maintain a close relationship with the Queen, and they frequently visited her. On the day the Queen passed away, Edward and Sophie were at Balmoral Castle, deeply concerned for her health, a testament to their dedication to family.

With the ascension of King Charles III, there is an expectation that Edward will take on a greater share of royal responsibilities, continuing the legacy of service established by his mother. The royal family, in the wake of this immense loss, is undoubtedly facing a challenging period. Their shared history and experiences provide a foundation for them to navigate the future, united in their grief and commitment to honor the memory of the Queen. In this time of mourning, the world stands in solidarity with the royal family, reflecting on the remarkable life and legacy of a monarch who dedicated herself to her people and her family alike.