Duchess of Edinburgh honoured for her unwavering dedication to the royal family
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, marked her 60th birthday on January 20th with a mix of humour and reflection, as King Charles honoured her years of loyal service to the monarchy.
Having risen from modest roots, Sophie has evolved into one of the royal family’s most dependable figures. Married to Prince Edward, the youngest child of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Sophie initially worked in the background of royal engagements but has since become a key player in King Charles’s reign, earning the nickname “the monarchy’s secret weapon.”
In a lighthearted interview with The Telegraph, Sophie demonstrated her quick wit when asked about her milestone birthday. Laughing, she quipped, “I’m 21!” before jokingly reacting to the truth: “Ooh, that’s so mean, you shouldn’t say things like that! It’s a very large number.” Reflecting further, she added, “I don’t know how I got there.”
To commemorate the occasion, Buckingham Palace released never-before-seen photos of Sophie, accompanied by an official statement recognising her commitment:
“As The Duchess looks ahead to turning 60, Her Royal Highness has a renewed sense of excitement and commitment to her work around gender equality and looks forward to further embracing and championing this issue in the years to come.”
Sophie’s dedication was evident last year when she carried out an impressive 257 royal engagements, showcasing her growing prominence within the family. With King Charles’s recognition and expectations for an expanded role, Sophie’s future in the monarchy continues to shine brightly.
