Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh’s journey from PR to much-loved Royal

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh was a public relations worker who fell in love with a prince – and ended up becoming very close to theQueen.

The 58-year-old has become a much-lovedroyal and her position in The Firm has become increasingly important sincePrince Harry andMeghan Markle decided tostep back from senior royal duties in 2020.

In recent years, Sophie has chosen to highlight challenging issues – such as in 2019, when she publicly committed herself to supporting the UK’s work helping victims of rape, sexual violence and exploitation in war.

She has also been working in other fields to promote women, having founded the Women’s Network Forum, which she chairs, in 2014 – bringing together a cross-industry group of senior figures to promote gender balance and equality in the workplace.

During the pandemic, Sophie also privately volunteered with a range of organisations.

The duchess was born Sophie Rhys-Jones and like the Princess of Wales hails from a middle-class background with her parents sending her to private schools.

Sophie has been a member of the Royal Family for almost 25 years after marryingPrince Edward at St George’s Chapel Windsor on June 19 1999.

They were brought together by a mutual passion for the ancient sport of real tennis and romance blossomed between Edward and Sophie, who once worked for Capital Radio.

Problems arose when Sophie tried to combine her life as a royal with her professional career.

She was caught in a ‘fake sheikh’ sting and accused of trying to use her status to promote her public relations business.

The “Sophiegate” newspaper controversy was hugely damaging, resulting in reports of indiscreet remarks about a string of public figures including Sir Tony Blair and Lord Hague.

It led to a lengthy inquiry into how working royals should be regulated and Sophie and Edward later stepped down from their individual careers to become full-time royals.

The couple have two children, Lady Louise Windsor, 19, and 15-year-old James, Viscount Severn.

With her family, she played a poignant role in the aftermath of the Duke of Edinburgh’s death, giving a televised tribute toPrince Philip.

Today Sophie is patron of more than 70 charities and organisations, with interests including agriculture, fashion, supporting people with disabilities, and the prevention of avoidable blindness in developing countries.

Her new title was revealed after it was announced on Friday that husband Prince Edward has beenmade Duke of Edinburgh byKing Charles – honouring the wishes of the late Queen and Prince Philip. The announcement was made on the day of his 59th birthday.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The dukedom was last created for Prince Philip in 1947, upon his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, who held the title of Duchess of Edinburgh before acceding to the throne in 1952.

“The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are proud to continue Prince Philip’s legacy of promoting opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential."

Edward and Sophie’s son James, Viscount Severn, is now the new Earl of Wessex, it was announced.

Their daughter Lady Louise Windsor, however,saw no change in her title.

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