People: Jan. 18, 1999

ED THE ENGAGED

In a decision both utterly momentous and without any obvious historical significance, PRINCE EDWARD, youngest son of the Queen of England, last week announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend SOPHIE RHYS-JONES. Edward, 34, whose chances of ascending the throne are virtually nil, has struggled gamely to establish an independent identity, founding his own television production company and using the name Edward Windsor. Rhys-Jones, 33, whose father is a tire salesman, runs her own public relations firm. As hope springs eternal, even in royal residences, the palace is reportedly thrilled and optimistic, despite the fact that the marriages of...

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