Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, Duchess of Edinburgh and previously the Countess of Wessex, was born in Oxford in 1965.
Sophie married Prince Edward, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s youngest child, in 1999, and officially became a member of the royal family.
The full-time working royal is known for being both an under-the-radar style icon and Queen Elizabeth’s favourite daughter-in-law…
WATCH: Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh shows off her dance moves.
Despite being born in Oxford, the Duchess of Edinburgh moved to Kent with her family at an early age, beginning her schooling at Dulwich College Preparatory School in Cranbrook.
Sophie then went on to attend Kent College School for Girls, Pembury, before completing her education at West Kent College.
The Duchess entered the realm of Public Relations and worked for a variety of firms before opening her own agency which she co-ran for five years.
In 1987, 23-year-old Prince Edward met 22-year-old Sophie Rhys-Jones at Capitol Radio where she was working. At this time, Edward was dating Sophie’s friend.
Six years later the pair met again when Sophie was handling the publicity for one of Edward’s Real Tennis Challenge events… the two hit it off and the rest is history!
Keep scrolling for all you need to know about Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh…
Has Sophie become Duchess of Edinburgh?
Yes, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has become Duchess of Edinburgh. On March 10, 2023, Prince Edward’s 59th birthday, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles had given the title, Duke of Edinburgh to his youngest brother, Edward.
This title change consequently made Countess Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Are Edward and Sophie still married?
Yes! Sophie and Edward got married in an intimate ceremony at Windsor Castle on June 19, 1999.
It was on their wedding day that Queen Elizabeth bestowed the titles Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn upon Prince Edward… Sophie then became known as Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, holding this title for almost 24 years.
Do Prince Edward and Sophie have a child?
Prince Edward and Sophie have two children together. Their firstborn child, Lady Louise Windsor, 20, was born on November 8, 2003.
In the year following, the family welcomed a new addition with the birth of James, Viscount Severn, 16, who was born on December 17, 2007.
Was Sophie close to the Queen?
Sophie and the late Queen were allegedly very close! Royal expert Phil Dampier had previously Royals Monthly that “Sophie has been a firm favorite of the Queen for some time.”
Their tight bond is said to have formed due to their similar interests. MailOnline previously reported that the pair regularly spend weekend evenings together at Windsor, indulging in old war films and historical documentaries.
Back in 2019, Sophie even referred to Queen Elizabeth as “Mama” during a speech honoring the work done by the Queen at a reception held to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Trust.
“Mama, when I have returned from my travels I have been so proud to share with you the work I have witnessed being carried out under the umbrella of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and the care of so many people working so hard to save and cure sight,” she said.
Did Diana and Sophie get along?
Sophie and Princess Diana surprisingly didn’t cross paths. Princess Diana died in 1997, just two years before their wedding and while Edward and Sophie did meet for the first time in 1987, they didn’t meet again until 1993, the year after Prince Charles and Princess Diana announced their separation.
Despite never having met, the two are often compared to each other. From their iconic blonde bobs to their iconic power suits and oozing elegance, we understand the comparisons!
