Theatre star Ruthie Henshall has revealed intimate details of her relationship with Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, which spanned several years in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Henshall, now 59, met Prince Edward in 1988 while performing in the West End production of Cats, and began a romantic relationship with him in 1989. The pair's on-off relationship continued until 1993, with Henshall describing their time together as "a lot of very hot sex".
However, Henshall has also spoken about the emotional impact of their relationship, which she said helped her to feel "clean" and "safe" after experiencing abuse as a child. She praised Prince Edward's gentle and loving nature, saying that he was "not an ounce of aggression" in him.
Henshall has also revealed that Prince Edward told her he couldn't marry her because he couldn't put her through the demands of royal life. She said he told her that he was trying to protect her, and that he believed she had "every right" to tell her story.
Despite the end of their relationship, Henshall has spoken fondly of Prince Edward and his current wife, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh. She said it was clear that they loved each other very much and were one another's best friend.
The release of Henshall's new memoir, The Showgirl and the Prince, has sparked renewed interest in her relationship with Prince Edward. The book is set to provide further insight into their time together, and Henshall's experiences as a young woman in the theatre world.
