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Why does Prince Edward wear uniform and what medals does he have?

MEMBERS of the Royal Family wore military uniforms for ceremonial events commemorating The Queen after her death.

Now, for King Charles' coronation, his brother Prince Edward is expected to attend the event in military dress.

Why does Prince Edward wear uniform? 

Born on March 10, 1964, Prince Edward is the last born of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, and is the younger brother to King Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew.

Known as the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward is expected to inherit the title of the Duke of Edinburgh from his late father Prince Philip, but the decision now lies with the King.

Prince Edward had a brief stint in the Royal Marines following graduating from the University of Cambridge with a Bachelor of Arts in history in 1986.

After completing one third of his training in the 12-month commando course, the royal dropped out.

Prince Edward wore military uniform for the royal procession as the Queen's coffin travelled from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall
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Prince Edward wore military uniform for the royal procession as the Queen's coffin travelled from Buckingham Palace to Westminster HallCredit: Getty

While he never actively served in the military, he does have a number of military honours and titles.

In 2006 he gained the title of Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and in 2007 he became the Royal Colonel of 2nd Battalion, The Rifles.

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He also has been bestowed the title of Honorary Air Commodore of Royal Air Force Waddington and is a Royal Honorary Colonel of the London Regiment.

Prince Edward is a working member of the Royal Family and has undertaken full-time duties since 2002, and holds patronages within over 70 charities and organisations.

As he holds military appointments and is a working royal he is entitled to wear a uniform.

What medals does Prince Edward have? 

The Earl of Wessex has the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee medal, Golden Jubilee medal, Diamond Jubilee medal and Platinum Jubilee medal..

He also possesses the Canadian Forces Decoration, and New Zealand Commemorative medals.

Prince Edward is married to Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and the pair have two kids together, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn
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Prince Edward is married to Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and the pair have two kids together, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount SevernCredit: Getty

Does Prince Edward have children?

Prince Edward is married to Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and the pair have two kids together, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.

Sophie met Prince Edward for the first time in 1987 while she was working at Capital Radio.

After meeting again at a charity event in 1993, the two began a relationship soon afterwards, and their engagement was announced on January 6, 1999.

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Prince Edward proposed to Sophie with a £105,000 two-carat oval diamond flanked by two heart-shaped gemstones set in 18-carat white gold, and was made by the Royal jeweller Garrard & Co.

Prince Edward and Sophie were married on June 19, 1999, at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle - the same location Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose.

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Lady Louise was born in 2003 and arrived prematurely at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey and was delivered by emergency C-section.

James was also born by Caesarean in the same hospital on December 17, 2007.

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