Prince Edward has sent shockwaves through the royal family, failing to follow protocol insulting his brother, the newly minted monarch King Charles in the process.
The 58-year-old is the youngest child of the late Queen Elizabeth and for many years was allegedly her favourite.
Also known as the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward is renowned for his professionalism and poise both when carrying out royal engagements alongside wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex and within his private life which has remained just that.
Is a royal rift on the cards for brothers Charles and Edward?
(IMAGE: Getty)Given he has avoided many of the controversies that have enveloped his siblings over the years from Princess Anne’s divorce, Prince Andrew’s controversial relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and of course the King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla and Princess Diana drama of the 90’s, it’s clear why he was a clear favourite of the late Queen.
But in a Royal Variety show that aired on British television channel ITV, Prince Edward has been called out for his ”baffling” behaviour, puzzling royal watchers when he did not follow protocol as expected.
Those watching took to social media to blast the Prince, labeling his behaviour as ”disgraceful” when he was captured with his lips firmly locked together as choristers from St George’s Chapel in Windsor lead the congregation in the national anthem, God Save the King.
Chorists were also accompanied by the brass instruments and instrument players of the British Army Band Colchester.
Sophie sung, but Edward notably did not.
(IMAGE: ITV)Viewers questioned why Prince Edward chose not to sing, in a clear sign of disrespect to his brother.
”So Twitter, why did Sophie the Countess of Wessex sing the national anthem but Edward didn’t,” one Twitter user asked.
Another tweeted similarly: ”Anyone notice that Prince Edward did not sing God Save The King although his wife Sophie did?”
And a third person posted: ”WHY was Prince Edward NOT singing the national anthem at the Royal Variety show 2022? Sophie, Countess of Wessex did, as she always does!”
But given he is now singing about his brother, and still surely reeling from the loss of his mother, perhaps Edward simply needs time to adjust to a Commonwealth with a King and not a Queen.
Only time will tell.
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