Sir Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby KG KCB PC (c. 1508 - 24 October 1572) was an English nobleman.

At the age of thirteen, Edward received the titles and estates of his father, the 2nd Earl of Derby, and King Henry VIII took responsibility for bringing him up until he was of age. His commissioners, including Cardinal Thomas Wolsey were responsible for most of his affairs.

In 1528, he accompanied Cardinal Wolsey on a mission to France, and in 1530, he was one of the peers who gave Pope Clement VII the declaration regarding Henry's divorce with Catherine of Aragon. That same year, the Duke of Norfolk decided to wed his eldest daughter, Catherine, to Edward; however, this was done without the King's permission (which was required). The King rebuked Howard but allowed the marriage to continue; unfortunately, Catherine became a victim of the plague a few weeks after the marriage. Undeterred, Howard's half-sister, Dorothy, became Edward's second wife.

In 1532, Edward accompanied King Henry to Boulogne, where they met with King Francois I. After this meeting, Edward became a Knight of the Bath. A few years later, Edward took a major role in quelling the Pilgrimage of Grace, a large (mainly church-related) rebellion started in Lincolnshire and spread into North England. In 1542, Edward accompanied the Duke of Norfolk on a raid into Scotland.

When Edward VI ascended to the throne in 1547, Edward became a Knight of the Garter, and in 1550, he was one of the peers that was present at the peace proceedings with Scotland and France. A year later, various charges were brought upon him (with little or no evidence), mainly due to his opposition to clerical reform. However, when Queen Mary ascended to the throne, he was again in favor, and was appointed Lord High Steward and became a Privy Councillor. He was commissioner of Lady Jane Grey's trial, and was frequently present during the trials of accused heretics. He remained in favor under Queen Elizabeth I's reign, and remained on her Privy Council. She eventually appointed him chamberlain of Chester.

Edward Stanley died at Lathom House, and his titles and estates were passed on to his eldest son, Henry Stanley.