'Duchess Sophie found it hard to establish her position within royal family'
Sophie is the wife of Prince Edward, the youngest brother of King Charles
January 20, 2025
The royal family on Monday send birthday greetings to Duchess Sophie as she turned 60.
King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton used their social media accounts to share celebratory posts to wish the wife of Prince Edward on her birthday.
As she celebrated her special day privately at her home, a royal expert talked about her hard work which helped Sophie establish her position within the royal family.
She went on to strengthen her position to the extent where she is trusted with representing the royal family at events which has diplomatic importance to the UK.
King Charles sent Sophie to represent him at the state funeral of former Italian president Giorgio Napolitano in September 2023.
Speaking to GB News, royal expert Jennie Bond highlighted the challenges Sophie faced when transitioning from her successful PR career to royal life.
"She's very unfussy. She drives herself sometimes to engagements, does her own hair and makeup which some of the others don't do.
"I don't think it was seamless or effortless for her to become part of this rather exclusive and extraordinary family.
"I don't think we should underestimate how difficult it probably was for a young woman. I met her back then when she was a PR lady with her own firm, and she was doing really well and enjoying her career, and she fell in love with Edward.
"They had a long courtship, actually, which gave her a chance to see what life was going to be like. In fact, she was the first of the royal girlfriends to be allowed to stay at Buckingham Palace.
"I don't think we should underestimate how difficult it probably was for a young woman. I met her back then when she was a PR lady with her own firm, and she was doing really well and enjoying her career, and she fell in love with Edward.
"They had a long courtship, actually, which gave her a chance to see what life was going to be like. In fact, she was the first of the royal girlfriends to be allowed to stay at Buckingham Palace.
