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As he prepares to celebrate his 62nd birthday tomorrow, Prince Edward has been compared to one of the longest-serving but lesser-known members of the Royal Family. In a year which has so far seen the Firm face numerous challenges after more details about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein were exposed, there is greater pressure than ever on the senior royals who remain.

Prince Edward has over 70 patronages and is continuing much of his late father's hard work with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme; however, it appears that his future role within the Royal Family is following the path of another key royal - Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.

Aside from sharing a first name, the two Princes have a great deal in common, with royal experts pointing out that he will have an even more important role to play in the future.

Royal author Robert Jobson told the Daily Express: "Looking ahead, Edward is poised to play a role akin to that of the Duke of Kent-a respected senior royal who continues public duties well beyond the reign of his siblings. With years of experience and a deep sense of duty, he offers a living link to the past and a steady guide for the future."

However, royal expert and author of Prince Edward: A Biography, Ingrid Seward, is less convinced. She said: "I think that is a distinct possibility, except I am not sure he has quite the right personality.

"He likes to be more centre stage - he is an organiser rather than hands-on. But someone will have to take on Princess Anne's many roles at some stage, but I don't see her giving up any time soon, so Ed will have to wait. He is a good person and an interesting mix of the Queen's shyness and humour and his father's impatient nature."

While the Duke of Kent spent his life supporting his cousin, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Edward is doing the same for his brother, King Charles and is likely to continue doing so for his nephew, Prince William, in the future.

Mr Jobson notes: "When William becomes King, Edward is likely to be a trusted confidant-someone he can bounce ideas off in private with a direct line to the wisdom and values of William's grandparents, the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip."

In moments not governed by royal duty, Edward and his wife Sophie enjoy a quiet life at Bagshot Park in Surrey with their children - when they are home from school and university - along with their three dogs, a cocker spaniel named Mole and two Labradors called Teal and Teasel.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's marriage has been famously happy, with Sophie giving a gushing speech about her husband before his 60th birthday in 2024.

Prompting Edward to wipe away tears, Sophie said: "Like my father-in-law, my husband never seeks compliments for himself. So when acknowledgment has come his way it has always been a total surprise to him, which is why I am grateful for this chance to, for once, be able to publicly celebrate and compliment him... He is the best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and still is my best friend. So here's to you my darling Edward and may I along with all your family and so many friends and many others wish you the Happiest of Birthdays!"