Royal 'secret weapon' Duchess Sophie celebrates 60th birthday with stunning new portrait The Duchess of Edinburgh will celebrate her 60th birthday on Monday as Buckingham Palace released a new photograph of the royal.
The Duchess, who has been dubbed the “royal family ’s secret weapon” in recent years for her meaningful approach to her role, will mark the occasion privately at home with her husband, Prince Edward.
The Duchess was pictured placing a reassuring hand on Kate's back as the princess, now in remission from cancer, made a rare public appearance on Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph at the end of a traumatic year.
Sophie, a favourite of the late Queen's, has risen in public prominence after being credited in royal circles for quietly steadying the ship after a tumultuous period for The Firm.
Courtiers and charity bosses have hailed Sophie as a dependable figure in the slimmed down working monarchy, which was left further stretched in the wake of the King and the Princess of Wales's major health troubles.
