Royal Family plans bigger role for Sophie Wessex under King William's reign

The Duchess of Edinburgh has rightfully ascended the Royal ranks, becoming one of the most popular working royals who champions challenging causes that previously garnered little global attention. Sophie's popularity is evident whenever the Royal Family makes public appearances, and she shares a close relationship with King Charles, Queen Camilla, and The Prince and Princess of Wales.

This bond, coupled with her widespread recognition as the Firm's 'secret weapon', has led experts to predict she will play a significant role when Prince William ascends the throne. Speculation about William assigning his aunt a key role was sparked by a Royal insider's comments to The Sunday Times: "They [the Waleses and the Edinburghs] get on very well."

The source added that they believe the Prince of Wales will be "eager for his aunt and uncle to play a more prominent role in public life".

This suggestion has been met with widespread approval from Royal experts. Ahead of the Duchess' milestone 60th birthday on January 20, former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: "By any measure, Sophie has proved herself to be a major asset to the royal family, and William would be foolish to ignore the value she brings."

Prince William also adopts a hands-on and forthright approach to his Royal duties, not shying away from tough issues such as mental health and the high rates of male suicide, , reports OK!.

Echoing his commitment, Jennie Bond commends Sophie, Countess of Wessex, for her work on challenging subjects like sexual violence in conflict zones, female genital mutilation, and gender equality, stating: "She is dignified and elegant, and yet still the same Sophie she was when she met Edward: unpretentious, generous and with a natural charm."

Jennie further praised her, remarking: "She has worked below the radar for many years, neither expecting nor receiving the publicity she deserves. Recently though, with the slimmed down Royal family, the public have come to recognise how important the Duchess is to the work of the monarchy."

Sophie's growing influence is partly due to her role as an adept diplomat, often dispatched on sensitive and high-profile missions to troubled regions around the globe, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Baghdad, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and more recently, Ukraine.

Jennie notes: "The Government have deployed her to use the monarchy's soft power in a number of very delicate situations," and adds, "She is always well prepared and confident to take on more responsibilities. And she has taken on some highly sensitive issues in some of the most dangerous parts of the world."

"At just sixty, she is a relatively young member of the senior royals...so I am sure there will be a major role for her in the future, and King William will be leaning heavily on both Sophie and Edward to support the monarchy in all it does in the future."

In recent years, The Duchess of Edinburgh has established herself as a charismatic and compassionate senior royal, often being hailed as King Charles' 'secret weapon'. Living away from the public eye, she resides with Prince Edward at Bagshot Park in Surrey, along with their two children, Lady Louise Windsor, 21, and James, Viscount Severn, 17, when they're not at university or school.

Last year, the couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, where Sophie's affection was evident as she honoured him with a touching speech, describing him as "the best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and still is my best friend."

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