As The Duchess of Edinburgh celebrates her landmark 60th birthday, we ask a leading royal expert how her star quality will continue to rise when Prince William is on the throne
The Duchess of Edinburgh has rightfully climbed the ranks and has become one of the most popular working royals who backs difficult causes which previously received very little global attention.
Sophie’s popularity is clear whenever members of the Royal Family step out in public and she clearly shares a close bond with the likes of King Charles, Queen Camilla and The Prince and Princess of Wales. It is this relationship and her wide recognition as a ‘secret weapon’ for the Firm that has led experts to say she will have a coveted role when Prince William’s time on the throne comes.
Reports that William will give his aunt a key role were provoked after a royal insider spoke to The Sunday Times and said: “They [the Waleses and the Edinburghs] get on very well.” The source then added that they believe that the Prince of Wales will be “eager for his aunt and uncle to play a more prominent role in public life”.
This hint has been met with widespread delight from royal experts. Speaking to OK! ahead of the Duchess’ landmark 60th birthday on January 20, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: “By any measure, Sophie has proved herself to be a major asset to the royal family, and William would be foolish to ignore the value she brings.”
It’s an approach that Prince William favours too. Rather like how Sophie focuses on the difficult subjects of the eradication of sexual violence in conflict areas, female genital mutilation and gender equality, William also takes a realistic approach to his work by not shying away from challenging subjects like mental health and male suicide rates.
Praising Sophie further, Jennie added: “She is dignified and elegant, and yet still the same Sophie she was when she met Edward: unpretentious, generous and with a natural charm.