Born nearly a generation apart from the monarchy’s golden age and its modern transformation, King Charles and Prince Edward have lived vastly different lives.
King Charles III is known for his strong loyalty to the crown during the years he followed his late mother. While Prince Edward has often preferred keeping a low profile while quietly supporting The Firm. Despite their differences, their relationship has reportedly remained remarkably steady.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip announced the birth of Charles on November 14, 1948. This was followed by Anne two years later, Andrew in 1960, and Edward in 1964. Despite the big age gap between the eldest and youngest, it has been reported that both King Charles and Prince Edward shared a close relationship. Just like siblings in a typical family, there are going to be instances where arguments happen.
The two had a rift in 2001, but instead of letting it come between them, it made them even closer than before.
Charles has three siblings (Credit: Cover Images)
A future king
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were stricter on Charles than with Edward. It’s no surprise with Charles being first in line to the throne. Prince Edward had more freedom and the opportunity to explore the path he wished to pursue, but it was the opposite for King Charles.
Prince Philip was sent to Gordonstoun School in Scotland growing up. He believed that it played a big part in shaping the type of person he became – instilling dedication and a sense of duty. Philip believed that it would have the same effect on a young Charles. But his son later claimed that those years were a nightmare for him. He became a target for bullies and the school felt more like a “prison sentence”.
“Plus es ten Vous” was said to be the motto of Gordonstoun School, which translates to “there is more in you.”
The school was known for disciplining privileged boys, drumming in values such as resilience and responsibility. These were qualities that Prince Philip greatly valued and believed a King should possess, hoping Charles would develop them – but it wasn’t in store for younger brother Edward.
In the most recent years, however, Gordonstoun has reportedly changed its approach. Becoming less rigorous, it now operates as a co-educational institution with a broader, more modern outlook.
Read more: Inside King Charles’ cancer battle – Palace health updates to how royals reacted to the news
Prince Edward’s father Philip wanted the Duke of Edinburgh title to go to him (Credit: Cover Images)
Prince Edward had an easier time at school than King Charles
While Charles’ schooling experience was very strict, Prince Edward’s early years of education was rather relaxed before he later attended.
Edward first attended Heatherdown School, which is known for its disciplined yet nurturing environment – a complete contrast to what Charles experienced.
Later on, when Edward moved to Gordonstoun School, he started experiencing a more structured and demanding environment,. But what he experienced compared to Charles was different because the approach of the school softened.
Charles and Edward have the biggest age gap out of the four siblings (Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images)
Prince Edward and King Charles’ royal rift
One might expect that Charles would feel jealous of the freedom Edward enjoyed, but surprisingly, the opposite seems to be true. Similar to typical siblings from any normal family, they had their fair share of disagreements.
Prince Edward built his own production company called Ardent Productions in 2001. The brothers had a feud because it was alleged that a crew member from the production followed Prince William around the University he was attending to film him with no consent.
However, it seems they managed to move past this.
They started off pursuing different paths, but Edward began taking on more responsibilities as a senior royal family member after the passing of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth to help King Charles. It cemented the closeness of the two and shows the trust that Charles has for Prince Edward is limitless.
Charles has long been seen to have a close relationship with his siblings, especially Princess Anne. It’s believed they get on so well as they are similar in age. However, he also reported to have spent his time with Prince Edward during his teenage years. Charles was seen often playing games and bonding with Edward despite their significant age gap.
Read More: King Charles’ touching relationship with sister Princess Anne is unmatched
The State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey
(Credit: Cover Images)
‘Warning’ over Duke of Edinburgh title
Following the death of Prince Philip, it was widely reported the dad-of-four wanted his youngest son Edward to carry on the title. The dukedom was reportedly ‘promised’ to Edward in 1999 in a Buckingham Palace announcement. Philip wanted Edward to have the title to recognise his work with the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
However, when a title returns to the crown following a royal’s death, it is the monarch’s decision on where it ends up.
It was expected to go to Edward when the palace explained he would receive in ‘due course’.
Edward was instead bestowed with the Earl of Wessex title by the late Queen after his marriage to Duchess Sophie. He had chosen the title himself as it was the name of a character from a Shakespeare play. For many decades, Edward was not a duke as he created the Earl title with permission from his mother.
However, when Philip passed away in 2021, the Edinburgh title fell to his son Charles. This was due to a royal protocol set out in the Letters Patent from 1947. At the time, experts commented on whether the future king would grant his brother the title, another member of The Firm or leave it aside in the ‘vault’ of dukedoms.
There were fears Edward would never see his father’s wish come true,. This changed when Charles ascended to the throne the following year. Charles made his brother the new Duke of Edinburgh. He also made his wife Sophie, Duchess, fulfilling their dad’s wish.
It’s said Prince Edward and King Charles have a good relationship (Credit: CelebrityPhotosUK/Cover Images)
Edward is happy to represent his brother overseas
On July 6, 2025, Prince Edward visited Canada for royal duties. This includes celebrating the 150th anniversary of PEI (Prince Edward Island) Regiment and meeting up with the Abegweit First Nation. After his return to the UK, King Charles praised him through the royal family’s official Instagram account. Charles posted a surprise message featuring carousel photos of Prince Edward’s visit to Canada. He praised him for his hard work and for representing the royal family.
Edward was flooded with warm support from fans on the post.
A user commented: “Lovely photos of the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II would be very proud of him.” They included with heart and clapping emojis.
Another user added: “Dutiful humble Duke who has been rewarded in titles and our respect for his years of service.”
Edward and wife Sophie also recently undertook a royal tour in Japan in September. The couple missed out on Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK as they were overseas. Charles’ brother also missed out on the funeral of the Duchess of Kent due to his commitment to his royal duties. However, royal fans praised him for representing the monarchy during a time of grief.
Read more: Real reason King Charles’ and the royal family changed their surname 65 years ago
Prince Edward became the Duke of Edinburgh after King Charles ascended to the throne (Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images)
More royal responsibilities
The positive reaction to the post was a sign of the public’s growing recognition of his quiet consistency.
Edward has become more hands-on and stepped further into the spotlight in recent years. Taking on more royal responsibilities, representing the monarchy with grace.
King Charles and Prince Edward’s dynamic today reflects not only the evolution of their personal bond but also a shared commitment to preserving the legacy of their parents. They’ve managed to do this while adapting the monarchy to a changing world.
Regardless of their different paths and public roles, Charles and Edward’s relationship has remained one of mutual respect and loyalty. The bond between the monarch and his youngest brother is unbreakable. No matter what tension and public scrutiny they have faced.
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