Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh is celebrating her 60th birthday today (Monday, January 20).
The duchess has become a much loved member of the monarchy, and has often been branded an “asset” and King Charles’ “secret weapon”.
In celebration of the duchess’ milestone birthday, here are 10 moments where she proved that she is definitely a massive asset to the royal family…
1. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh supporting Kate on Remembrance Day
Last year, Princess Kate, 43, announced to the world that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
However, that didn’t stop her from some of her royal duties, with the future queen consort making appearances at Trooping the Colour and the Remembrance Sunday service.
It was during the latter appearance that Sophie shared a tender moment of support with the Princess of Wales.
At the end of the service, the duchess and the princess exited the balcony. As they left, Sophie could be seen putting a supportive hand on Kate’s back.
The heartwarming moment showcased the close bond the duo share, and left fans gushing.
2. Sophie supporting Prince William at Trooping the Colour
In June 2024, Sophie was amongst the royals who attended the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony.
Towards the end of the ceremony, the royals gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
It was during this outing that Sophie showed off her close bond with her nephew, Prince William, 42.
As the royals headed back inside after the ceremony, Sophie was seen placing a supportive hand on her nephew’s back.
The Waleses live near Sophie and Prince Edward, which again highlights their close family bond.
3. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in tears in Prince Philip interview
Following the sad death of Prince Philip in 2021, Sophie sat down for an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live.
In the interview, she spoke of her memories of the late Duke of Edinburgh – which proved to be quite emotional for the duchess. She allowed her emotions to show in the interview, which was praised by fans.
Sophie was asked about the moments of grief – as well as a photo of Queen Elizabeth II and Philip their family released in tribute following his death.
“We were lucky enough to go to Scotland at the half-term, and I don’t know if you remember the photograph I took of them,” Sophie said.
“I was pregnant with Louise at the time. We went up there during half-term and just to be there in that place, it was an ‘Oh my God’ moment,” she then continued.
Growing emotional, she then said of moments of grief: “So I think they’ll come and go – but you have to let them come and go.”
4. Gushing speech over husband Prince Edward
Last year, ahead of her husband Prince Edward’s 60th birthday, Sophie paid tribute to her “darling” husband in a heartfelt speech.
Sophie took to the stage at the end of the Community Sport and Recreation Awards in Leeds last March.
Speaking of her husband, she said: “He was so happy and humbled when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth made him a Knight of The Garter in 2006 and was equally delighted and moved the day His Majesty The King – who we are both incredibly proud to support – made him Duke of Edinburgh. Both he deserves in equal measure and I am so proud of the man he is.”
“He is the best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and still is my best friend,” she then continued.
“So here’s to you my darling Edward and may I along with all your family and so many friends and many others wish you the Happiest of Birthdays!”
5. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh dancing at coronation concert
Following the king’s coronation in May 2023, the royals – and the whole of the UK – were treated to a special concert.
The concert, which took place in the grounds of Windsor Castle, saw the likes of Katy Perry, Take That, and Lionel Richie perform.
During the concert, Sophie got into the party mood and the groove as she danced away to Lionel Richie’s All Night Long.
Her moves certainly caught the eye that night and royal fans were in awe of her letting her hair down!
6. Sophie’s bond with the late queen
It’s no secret that Sophie and the late queen shared a very close bond, with the Duchess of Edinburgh referring to the monarch as “mama”.
Over the years, Sophie became a trusted confidante of the queen. She was even invited to accompany the queen to church services at Sandringham or Balmoral – an honour symbolising their strong relationship.
When asked if she shared a strong bond with the queen, Sophie said: “I think so. I hope so.”
It’s said she also closely supported the queen following the death of Prince Philip in 2021.
7. Supporting Edward at the queen’s funeral
At the queen’s state funeral in 2022, Sophie was seen showing support for her husband, Prince Edward, during the service amid her own grief.
During the ceremony, Edward could be seen looking visibly emotional.
His wife noticed this and passed him a handkerchief, which a grateful Edward used to dry his eyes.
After the service, Sophie was also seen putting a comforting arm around her great-nephew, Prince George, 11.
8. A humble upbringing for Louise and James
Sophie has always put her children’s futures first, and has allowed them to have a somewhat of a normal upbringing so far.
Technically, Sophie’s children, Lady Louise Windsor, 21, and James, Earl of Wessex, 17, could go by HRH titles.
However, Sophie and Edward opted not to give their children royal titles. Instead, they are known as Lady Louise Windsor-Mountbatten, and James, Earl of Wessex.
During an interview with The Sunday Times in 2020, Sophie explained the thinking behind this major decision.
“We try to bring them up with the understanding that they are very likely to have to work for a living. Hence we made the decision not to use HRH titles,” she said.
“They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but it’s highly unlikely.”
9. Humanitarian work of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh is also known for all her humanitarian work over the years.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams sang the duchess’ praises during an exclusive chat with Royal Insider recently.
“Sophie became a confidant of the queen, even referring to her as ‘mama’ in a speech and is highly respected by the public, though she is less well known than Princess Anne,” he told us.
“She has visited several highly turbulent areas of the world, especially in Africa, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone among them, and has highlighted the plight of those afflicted by gender-based violence in war zones.”
Richard continued, saying: “She was awarded the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for this work in which she is joined by the actress Angelina Jolie. She is indeed King Charles’ ‘secret weapon’.”
10. Duchess Sophie making history with royal duties
Last but not least, the Duchess of Edinburgh recently made history within her royal duties.
In October 2024, Sophie became the first member of the royal family to visit the Republic of Chad.
She has been a global champion of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and has supported the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative.
She visited Chad to witness firsthand the impact of the conflict in Sudan, particularly on women and girls.
She’s a true asset to the monarchy. Happy birthday to the Duchess of Edinburgh!
