Prince Edward's foray into the world of television production, Ardent Productions, was a short-lived venture that ended in liquidation. The company, based on his £30 million Bagshot Park estate, was a costly endeavor for the royal family, with Prince Edward personally forking out £108,500 in rent. This generous gesture, however, did not prevent the company's ultimate demise in 2009. The liquidation of Ardent Productions was a result of the company's focus on royalty, which ruffled feathers within royal circles. The company's most notable project, The Grand Knockout Tournament, better known as It's A Royal Knockout, was televised in June 1987 and raised over £1.5 million for charity. However, it was later reported that the late Queen had disapproved of the event, and all of her courtiers had advised against it. The royal family's disapproval of Ardent Productions was further evidenced by the company's invasion of the privacy of Prince William while he was a student at the University of St Andrews in 2001. In 2002, Edward stepped down from his role at the company to carry out his royal duties full-time alongside his wife, Duchess Sophie, providing support to Queen Elizabeth II. The company was voluntarily dissolved in June 2009, with assets reduced to just £40. The liquidation of Ardent Productions serves as a cautionary tale for the royal family, highlighting the challenges of balancing personal interests with royal duties. It also underscores the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between the public's perception of the monarchy and the personal ambitions of its members.
