Prince Edward Or Prince Andrew: Who’s The Queen And Prince Philip’s Favorite Child?

For the record, neither Queen Elizabeth II nor her husband, Prince Philip, admitted to having a favorite among their four children, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. But a few longtime observers of the British royal family say they’ve already figured out that there’s a favored one, and surprisingly it’s not the heir apparent.

Actually, royal family fans are divided between two potential bets as to who Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s favorite child might be. Some say that it is Prince Edward, while others say that it might be Prince Andrew. However, none are betting that it might be the heir apparent, Prince Charles.

Royal historian Piers Brendon believes that Prince Andrew is Queen Elizabeth’s favorite child for being an action man. “Andy skipped university and went straight to naval college, which went down well with his naval officer father,” Brendon spoke on Jeremy Paxman's new Channel 5 documentary. “He completed the Marines Commando course, just to show he could, before qualifying as a helicopter pilot.”

“Then, aged just 22, he fought in the Falklands,” the historian explained. “Prince Andrew is obviously the Queen’s favourite son. He was heroic during the Falklands War — she clearly has a soft spot for him.”

Meanwhile, some people believe that Her Majesty’s youngest son, Prince Edward, is Prince Philip’s favorite child. One proof is that Edward will one day inherit his father’s royal title, Duke of Edinburg, when the latter passes away. In addition, he took over most of his father’s duties when Prince Philip retired in 2017.

One possible reason for Prince Philip’s preference for Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Sussex, is that the couple does not seek attention from the public. “Edward has molded into a quiet and efficient figure who does not seek attention or acquire headlines,” a palace insider said. “He and Sophie are liked for being dutiful and uncomplaining.”

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is also reportedly very close to Her Majesty. “She is trusted and relied on by the Queen in a way I couldn't say applied to the Duchess of Cambridge or the Duchess of Cornwall,” a royal aide said. “She is like another daughter to Her Majesty, they are that close.”

On the other hand, Prince Philip himself knows why he will never get close to Prince Charles. “He’s a romantic and I’m a pragmatist. That means we do see things differently,” he told royal biographer Gyles Brandreth in 2016. “And because I don’t see things as a romantic would, I’m unfeeling.”