The Duchess of Edinburgh responded sharply when asked about taking on more duties after Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Prince Andrew stepped back from royal responsibilities. A royal commentator shared that Sophie, known for her commitment to the Royal Family, replied, “What did people think we were doing beforehand?”
This quick-witted comeback was highlighted in Katie Nicholl’s recent book, “The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown.” Katie noted that Sophie receives less media attention compared to Meghan due to her traditional lifestyle.
Sophie, who married Prince Edward in June 1999, is a dedicated member of the Windsor dynasty, supporting over 70 charitable causes. She champions women’s rights, agriculture, British sports, and individuals with disabilities, according to Buckingham Palace. Sophie has been dubbed the “secret weapon” of the Windsors by a palace insider for her tireless work since joining the family.
Before marrying into royalty, Sophie worked in public relations, eventually establishing her own firm. She formed a close bond with the late Queen Elizabeth II, whom she affectionately referred to as “mama” in public, showcasing their strong relationship.
After marrying Prince Edward and having two children, Sophie put her professional pursuits on hold in 2001 following a misinterpreted comment about the late Queen. She later reflected on the challenges of transitioning into royal life and adjusting her role within the family.
Under the potential reign of King Charles, Sophie’s popularity is on the rise, ranking as the seventh most favored Royal in a recent survey. Recently, she undertook a secret trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo to support women affected by conflict-related sexual violence, shedding light on this critical issue and offering her assistance to survivors.
During her visit to Beni, a conflict zone in the African nation, Sophie met with survivors of sexual violence, including a girl attacked by a police officer and a woman assaulted while fleeing rebel-held territories. Her compassionate engagement during the trip highlighted her dedication to advocating for those in need.