King Charles has ‘secret weapon’ up his sleeve in plans for royal future – and it’s not what people expect Since marrying into the monarchy more than 25 years ago, the Duchess of Edinburgh’s gradual rise up the royal ranks has seen her become one of the family’s most respected and admired figures today.
In March 2023, King Charles announced that Edward was to replace Philip as the Duke of Edinburgh, meaning Sophie’s former Countess of Wessex tag was upgraded for the grander title of Duchess.
As the Duchess gears up to mark her landmark 60th birthday in January, broadcaster and as OK reports, author Katie Nicholl says: “Now, more than ever, we’re seeing what a vital cog Sophie is in the royal machine.
Through a combination of steadfast support for husband Prince Edward, a commitment to good causes, plus a friendly and personable manner, Sophie has endeared herself to her fellow royals and the public alike.
When the Queen herself died the following September, Sophie was distraught, with her and Edward saying the loss of the woman they both called “Mama” had left “an unimaginable void in all our lives”.
