Prince Edward’s former girlfriend has opened up about their secret five-year romance in a candid new memoir, revealing intimate details of their relationship before he married Sophie, now Duchess of Edinburgh. Ruthie Henshall, 59, began her relationship with the Duke of Edinburgh in 1988 after they crossed paths while both working with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.Their courtship represented one of the most significant relationships in the late Queen’s youngest son’s life before his 1999 marriage to Sophie, now Duchess of Edinburgh.The book, titled The Showgirl and the Prince, is scheduled for release in July and will offer what Henshall calls a “brutally honest” account of their romance within royal circles.In the memoir, serialised in The Mail, Ms Henshall revealed the passionate start to their relationship – but the young prince remained cautious.”He sent me a letter asking me if I’d be patient about sleeping together,” she wrote. “He didn’t want to go too fast.”She told of her habits in the Palace, such as raiding the cupboards for Bacardi and Coke, along with her intimate nickname for Edward: Edders.The West End performer was full of praise for the late Queen’s youngest child, describing him as “gentle, positive energy”.Prince Edward’s former girlfriend has opened up about their secret five-year romance in a candid new memoir, revealing intimate details of their relationship before he married Sophie, now Duchess of Edinburgh | GETTY”I never heard him criticise or trash people,” she added. “I’d walk in and his whole demeanour would calm me down.”As the pair’s romance deepened, Ms Henshall received letters from the prince professing his love for her.”I’d never received anything so beautiful,” she wrote.Although Edward initially insisted on keeping the romance private, Ms Henshall admits she enjoyed teasing him during their courtship.Ruthie Henshall, 59, began her relationship with the Duke of Edinburgh in 1988 after they crossed paths while both working with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber | GETTY”I purposefully wore no knickers,” she candidly admitted.”So I could spend the whole time walking around the party and then coming back to him, leaving him under no illusion about what I was doing – trying to tempt him into bed. And not to sleep.”When the couple eventually became intimate, Henshall describes the experience as deeply romantic.”He undressed me and took me to his bed and we made love for the first time,” Ms Henshall revealed.”He was romantic and gentle and definitely NOT GAY! And he clearly had experience.”She also jokes that she would later “often s**t him into oblivion”.However, the relationship ultimately came to an end due to the pressures of their respective professional lives, though the pair parted amicably.Ms Henshall maintained such good relations with her former partner that she received an invitation to his wedding to Sophie at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have not commented on the forthcoming publication.