Sophia of Wessex
What the title of Duchess of Edinburgh could mean to her
(Vl) Princess Anne, Sir Tim Laurence, King Charles, Sophie of Wessex and Prince Edward
© Jane Barlow/WPA Pool/Getty Images
Sophie von Wessex can hardly hide her grief for Queen Elizabeth. In recent years, she has become a reliable support and close confidant of the monarch. For them, their death not only begins a time of mourning, but possibly also a new chapter.
Her face is drawn with sorrow, her eyes filling with tears as Sophie von Wessex, 57, crouches in front of a sea of flowers and condolence cards that people have laid after the death of Queen Elizabeth, 96. Prince Edward’s wife, 58, was particularly close to her mother-in-law. So it’s hardly surprising how much the loss has shaken her. At the same time, she could now also take on an even more important role within the Royal Family.
A new chapter for Countess Sophie
Following the Queen’s death on 8 September 2022, Sophie of Wessex (alongside Princess Anne’s husband, Sir Tim Laurence) was the only non-consanguineous member of the family to stand in the middle of the small family gathering as those closest to Scotland gathered.
Sophia of Wessex
© Owen Humphreys/POOL/AFP/Getty Images
As overwhelmed as Sophie may be by the loss of her beloved mother-in-law, she could soon face a new chapter with the change of throne. It is believed that she and Edward could be made Duchess and Duke of Edinburgh at Philip’s request.
It would be a touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth, who was the last to hold that title. With the transfer to Countess Sophie, she would also play a leading role as one of the few working royals. A great honor, after all, King Charles is said to have plans to downsize the monarchy. However, the final word will go to the new king, who inherited the title of Duke of Edinburgh on the death of his father. With his accession to the throne, the title is free again and Charles can decide whether he would like to bestow it on his youngest brother. Should it come to that, Sophie would become the next Duchess of Edinburgh. This could create a touching and lasting bond between the late Queen and her beloved daughter-in-law.
Sophie of Wessex became a close confidant of the Queen
The 57-year-old has become a reliable support for the Queen in recent years and especially in the last few months, almost like a “second daughter,” writes royal expert Rebecca English for the “Daily Mail”. After losing her own mother, Mary Rhys-Jones, to cancer in 2005 at the age of 71, she began affectionately calling Queen Elizabeth “Mama”.
Sophie of Wessex and Queen Elizabeth
© Chris Jackson / Getty Images
But Sophie also stood by the monarch in difficult times: in 2002, within a few weeks, Queen Elizabeth lost her sister, Princess Margaret, †71, and her mother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, †101. The death of her beloved husband, Prince Philip, † 99, last year brought the two women closer together again. Sophie was even allowed to take the Duke of Edinburgh’s seat next to the Queen in the car on occasion.
Queen Elizabeth and her daughter-in-law shared common interests
They spent a lot of time together, after all, Sophie and Edward live with their children, Lady Louise, 18, and James, Viscount Severn, 14, just a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle in Bagshot Park. Walking her dogs in the endless expanses of the palace grounds is said to have been her favorite pastime. Additionally, Sophie and the Queen shared an interest in military history and could spend hours perusing ancient documents in the Royal Archives at Windsor.
With her reserved and inconspicuous manner, the wife of the youngest Queen’s son has become one of the most important secret weapons of the British royal family. She wasn’t born into the aristocracy, has always worked for a living and delights with down-to-earthness. “For a countess, she’s pretty down to earth. And that’s something the royal family needs,” explains a royal insider.
Source used: dailymail.co.uk