As the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh celebrate silver wedding, why Sophie is a royal asset

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh married at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on 19 June, 1999, and as the youngest child of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Prince Edward is the only one who has never divorced. Whilst the limelight in recent years has undeniably been on the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and in particular the Duchess of Edinburgh started to command more attention when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to step back from their duties as senior working royals. 

It would seem that Catherine, the Princess of Wales has particularly benefited from the support of Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and their close bond has been visible to see. The pair took part in a video call together to mark International Nurses’ Day back in lockdown in 2020 and over the years, have been photographed enjoying each other’s company at various engagements. 

When Catherine, Princess of Wales attended the wedding of Princess Eugenie to Jack Brooksbank in 2018, she nearly had a fashion wardrobe malfunction because of the wind. However, the Duchess of Edinburgh was on hand to ensure this didn’t happen and this sisterly moment between the pair seems to have developed over the years. 

Royal biographer Claudia Joseph spoke to The Sun about the close bond between the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Princess of Wales and said: “I’m sure that Sophie has been a tower of strength through Kate’s cancer diagnosis and will be there for her at the end of the phone whenever she wants a chat.

“They are incredibly close and live only 11 miles from each other- Kate in Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park and Sophie at Bagshot Park.”

As well as enjoying a close bond with the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh was believed to have become the late Queen Elizabeth II’s rock after the death of her husband Prince Philip. When Queen Elizabeth II passed away, it was impossible not to notice how emotional she was at her funeral and both she and Prince Edward were seen wiping away tears.

After Queen Elizabeth II’s death, the couple said in a statement that they had been “overwhelmed by the tide of emotion”. They also said: “Thank you for your support, you have no idea how much it means.”

The couple also said that “The Queen’s passing has left an unimaginable void in all our lives.

“Sophie and I have taken huge pleasure in seeing our James and Louise enjoying the places and activities that their grandparents loved so much.

“Given that my mama let us spend so much time with her, I think she also rather enjoyed watching those passions blossom.

“Those times together, those happy memories, have now become massively precious to each and every one of us.”

The Duchess of Edinburgh recently publicly expressed her devotion to her husband of 25 years, the Duke of Edinburgh. Ahead of his 60th birthday, she referred to him in a speech as “the best of fathers and the most loving of husbands.” She also added that “I am so proud of the man he is,” and Prince Edward was seen looking visibly emotional as she said these words.

Although the Duchess of Edinburgh has never been seen as a fashion icon in the same way as Catherine, Princess of Wales, she has most certainly undergone a style metamorphosis.  The Duchess of Edinburgh turned to the likes of Bruce Oldfield, followed by Emilia Wickstead and Alexander McQueen to help hone her wardrobe.

The Duchess of Edinburgh’s fashion successes in recent years include a pink Valentino A-line flared sleeve dress that she wore to the Order of the Garter in 2022, and most recently, I thought her Beulah London Yahvi Midi Dress in Yellow that she accessorised with a Persephone Jane Taylor hat, was nothing short of a fashion triumph. 

Without question, the Duchess of Edinburgh has come a long way in terms of her standing in the royal family since she married Prince Edward in 1999 and I think she is not only one of the most valuable assets, but is set to take on a more pivotal role for them in the coming years.