The youngest child of Queen Elizabeth decided to introduce his partner into the royal family fold slowly, which according to royal author Ingrid Seward, caused incredible resentment from the Duchess of York and Princess Diana.
"The Princess of Wales and Duchess of York only discovered how difficult royal life could be after they were engaged and already en route to the altar," wrote Ingrid.
“Sophie was being given a careful and subtle introduction, a fact which did not escape the notice of Diana and Sarah.
“Both would later complain (with more than an edge of resentment in their voices) that they had received no such help as they struggled to get to terms with their new situation.”
According to Ingrid, it was watching the struggling marriages of his siblings - Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew - that caused Edward to reconsider how he would conduct his own high-profile relationship.
“The failures of the marriages of Edward's beloved sister Anne and then, in rapid and ever more embarrassing succession, Andrew and Charles, made him even more determined to put caution before commitment.”
Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex have two children together, Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn, and celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in March this year.