Latest news with #DuchessOfEdinburgh
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The change in royal protocol Sophie is 'relieved' about since becoming a Duchess
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, is known for her down-to-earth nature and was reportedly viewed by the Queen as The Firm's safest pair of hands. Patron of more than 70 charities and organisations, including Childline and the London College of Fashion, she undertakes over 200 engagements each year, including visits to schools, hospitals and military bases. For this reason, it was an incredibly poignant moment when the former Countess of Wessex became a Duchess in 2023 to mark Prince Edward 's 59th birthday. This was in keeping with his parents' wishes and in recognition of Edward's commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award youth scheme. Sophie said in a recent interview that the change in title 'felt like quite a big moment' because of its connection to the late queen. But according to friends of Sophie, she was also 'relieved' that her move up the royal ranks means she no longer needs to curtsey to Meghan Markle. The relationship between the two women has been tenuous since the beginning. A friend of the couple said: 'Sophie is relieved. She no longer has to curtsey to someone in the family who has not only left Royal duties but has spent the past three years criticising the institution that Sophie works so hard to support.' When Meghan entered the Royal Family fresh from her role in Suits, the late Queen enlisted Sophie to teach her the ropes. When Meghan entered the Royal Family fresh from her role in Suits, the late Queen enlisted Sophie to teach her the ropes But according to royal author Gyles Brandreth, Meghan 'wasn't interested' in receiving advice from her new mentor. This led Sophie to make a cutting remark when asked about ' stepping in' for Meghan and Harry after they stepped down as senior royals. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, Sophie said: 'What did people think we were doing beforehand?' This wasn't the only time Sophie addressed Harry and Meghan's exit from the family. Following the Sussexes' explosive tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, Sophie and Edward made a cheeky remark. When asked about the much-discussed interview by The Telegraph, the Prince simply said, 'Oprah, who?' while Sophie added with a laugh, 'What interview?' Speaking about Harry and Meghan's exit from the Firm, Sophie added: 'I just hope they will be happy.' More pointedly, she then stated that the royals do all they can to try to assist new members to adjust, adding: 'We all try to help any new members of the family'. Speaking about Harry and Meghan's exit from the Firm, Sophie added: 'I just hope they will be happy'. Sophie and Meghan are pictured at Ascot in 2018 Sophie and Meghan travelled together in a car down The Mall ahead of the Queen's State Funeral in September 2022. After travelling together, Sophie was described as a 'savvy peacemaker' who may be tasked with 'soothing tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the Firm.' According to royal expert Camilla Tominey, writing in the Telegraph, the job of making sure the 'Sussexes are made to feel part of the sombre proceedings' appeared to have fallen to Sophie. The royal expert cited reports of previous times the former Countess is believed to have 'stepped in to soothe tensions,' including after the funeral of Philip, when she is said to have sought out Harry and spoken with him for some 30 minutes. And a former aide of Sophie told the Telegraph that she 'is made for the role of mediator.' They said: 'That's why she's the Queen's favourite daughter-in-law - she's down to earth and just gets on with it.' Speaking during her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina last week, Sophie said in an interview with The Mirror: 'First of all it was quite large shoes to fill because not as many of the population alive today will remember but the Queen was Duchess of Edinburgh for the first few years when she and my father-in-law first married. 'For me, it was quite an emotional thing to sort of step into her shoes [as being Duchess of Edinburgh], it felt like quite a big moment.' The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Sarajevo's Old Town during her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina She explained, however, that in practical terms her and her husband's role is to support the King as it was to support the Queen. In her interview, Sophie also opened up on what it is like being seen as the Royal Family's 'secret weapon'. She explained that she doesn't see herself as being in a 'front and centre' role, which allows her more time to pursue her own interests. Sophie said: 'I like to fly under the radar. It's all very well being a secret weapon but if no one knows, maybe it's too secret.' 'I suppose I should take it as a backhanded compliment,' she added. Royal expert Russell Myers previously claimed that Sophie 'undoubtedly benefited' from Harry and Meghan stepping back from royal life because it has 'raised her profile'. Speaking on True Royalty TV's The Royal Beat, he explained: 'Are the Instagram generation going to be as obsessed with Sophie and Edward Wessex as they are with the Sussexes? Obviously not. 'However, when you're dealing with them… Sophie's really across her subject matter. It's not just for show and she has really grown into that. With the Sussexes not here, the Wessexes will undoubtedly benefit.' Meanwhile he also pointed to how similar Meghan and Sophie's interests are, saying: 'The similarities between Sophie and Meghan are there to be seen. 'Sophie's working with girls' education, she's done a lot of stuff about violence against females in Africa.' Most recently royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline that Sophie's hard-hitting advocacy work could have allowed Meghan to flourish in the Royal Family. In recent years the King's sister-in-law, who is married to his brother, Prince Edward, has travelled to current and former war zones including Chad, the Congo, Kosovo, South Chad, Lebanon and Sierra Leone. She has devoted much of her latter working life as a royal to supporting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and is passionate about championing gender equality. Fitzwilliams said: 'Meghan is struggling to be an influencer, Sophie has influence in ways that really matter, which Meghan could have been. 'Meghan has always boasted about how she promotes feminism. 'Yet contrast the occasional speech she makes in comfortable surroundings with the remarkable work of Sophie who actually visits areas of the world such as Sudan and Chad which have been devastated by war and attempts to comfort the women who are victims of rape and exploitation.' He added that Meghan's departure from frontline royal duties is a case of 'wasted potential', while Sophie has ' proved she's the Royal Family's champion of women's rights'. In the most recent YouGov opinion poll, 51 per cent of Brits said they felt positively about Sophie, compared to just 20 per cent for Meghan. Just 12 per cent of people had a negative view of Sophie compared to 65 for Meghan. Sophie is currently ranked as the sixth most popular royal, compared to Meghan who falters in 19th place. In 2019 Meghan was the sixth most popular royal and Sophie was in 11th place. stepped down as senior working royals.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I'm a royal fashion expert and here's why Penelope Chilvers' summer shoe collection is worth every penny
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more When it comes to footwear, the Royal Family has its firm favourites - and at the top of the list is Penelope Chilvers. The British brand, celebrated for its colourful espadrilles and sleek riding boots, has become a staple among the royals. Fans include the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Eugenie - not to mention Peter Phillips ' partner, Harriet Sperling, who has worn the brand to recent events like Royal Ascot and the Royal Charity Polo Cup. It was back in 2004 that Kate first catapulted Penelope Chilvers into the spotlight. Then Prince William 's university girlfriend, she famously stepped out in the now-iconic Long Tassel Boots, a style she continues to favour for country outings and engagements. I had the pleasure of interviewing Penelope herself, and her humble, down-to-earth nature really stood out. She spoke warmly about her gratitude for royal support and the loyal following her brand has built over the years. Long Tassel Boots £475 Shop Inspired by her time living in Barcelona, Penelope brought the region's exceptional craftsmanship to her designs - each pair is dreamt up in London and handcrafted in Spain. Her signature espadrilles remain a highlight of the summer 2025 collection, especially the bold Sevillana Dali with velvet ribbon ties - a favourite of Harriet Sperling. Equally coveted are Sophie's go-to gold Heeled Shepherdess Leather Sandals, which combine metallic detailing with everyday flair - perfect for transitioning from day to evening. Looking for something statement-making? The Sun Salutation Embroidered Cowboy Boots feature eye-catching stitching and are currently on sale. I own a pair myself, and they're not only visually striking but also incredibly comfortable. And for those who prefer flats, the Chico Satin Espadrilles are a must. The rich claret hue adds a refined touch, though they're also available in standout emerald and peony tones. Discover these standout styles and more in my edit below.
The Independent
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Duchess of Edinburgh was ‘emotional' to assume title once used by late Queen
The Duchess of Edinburgh said it was 'emotional' to assume her new title, as it had previously been held by her mother-in-law, the late Queen Elizabeth II. During a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina to mark the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide, Sophie discussed both her work and the personal significance of becoming the Duchess of Edinburgh in an interview with the Mirror. She was formerly the Countess of Wessex, but became the Duchess of Edinburgh after the King handed her husband Edward, Charles' youngest brother, their late father's Duke of Edinburgh title on his 59th birthday in 2023. This was in keeping with his parents' wishes and in recognition of Edward's commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award youth scheme. The duchess told the paper that her change in title 'felt like quite a big moment' as the late Queen had previously held the same one. She said: 'First of all, it was quite large shoes to fill because not as many of the population alive today will remember, but the Queen was Duchess of Edinburgh for the first few years when she and my father-in-law first married. 'For me, it was quite an emotional thing to sort of step into her shoes [as being Duchess of Edinburgh], it felt like quite a big moment. 'But of course being practical my role and my husband's role is to support the King as it was to support the Queen and we are fortunate because we are able to not be in front and centre role, so it allows us the flexibility to explore our own interests and then also be available to do things like this where the King asked if I would represent him here, it so happens it also covering an area of interest personally for me too. But yes, we are there to support and that will continue.' On being described as the royal family's secret weapon, Sophie said: 'I like to fly under the radar. 'It's all very well being a secret weapon, but if no one knows, maybe it's too secret.' 'I suppose I should take it as a backhanded compliment,' she added. 'I don't see myself in a frontline position per se, that said, admittedly, there are fewer working members of the family these days, so I suppose more and more I'm becoming less secretive. 'I just wonder what they are going to describe me as next.' During the visit, Sophie met mothers of victims of the genocide and delivered a message from the King in which he said he was 'greatly saddened' not to be there in person, adding that he is 'most touched and grateful to be able to share these words as we pay our respects'. More than 8,000 men and boys were killed on July 11 1995, by Bosnian Serb forces amid the break-up of the former Yugoslavia – Europe's worst atrocity since the Second World War.
The Independent
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Former Countess of Wessex on the significance of new title
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, described assuming her new title as "emotional" because it was previously held by her mother-in-law, the late Queen Elizabeth II. She became Duchess of Edinburgh after King Charles granted her husband, Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh title in 2023, fulfilling his parents' wishes and recognising Edward's dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. These remarks were made during her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina to mark the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide. Sophie commented on her role, stating she prefers to "fly under the radar" but acknowledges her increasing visibility due to fewer working members of the Royal Family. During her visit, she met mothers of genocide victims and delivered a message from the King, who expressed his regret at not being able to attend in person.
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sophie reveals her emotions on taking Duchess of Edinburgh title, as she pays tribute to late Queen Elizabeth II - and opens up on being seen as Royal Family's 'secret weapon'
Sophie has revealed it was 'emotional' taking on the Duchess of Edinburgh title as it was previously held by her beloved mother-in-law the late Queen Elizabeth II. Speaking during her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina this week, the duchess said her change in title in 2023 'felt like quite a big moment'. Sophie was formerly the Countess of Wessex, but became the Duchess of Edinburgh after the King handed her husband Edward, Charles' youngest brother, their late father's title on his 59th birthday. This was in keeping with his parents' wishes and in recognition of Edward's commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh 's Award youth scheme. Sophie said in an interview with The Mirror: 'First of all it was quite large shoes to fill because not as many of the population alive today will remember but the Queen was Duchess of Edinburgh for the first few years when she and my father-in-law first married. 'For me, it was quite an emotional thing to sort of step into her shoes [as being Duchess of Edinburgh], it felt like quite a big moment.' She explained, however, that in practical terms her and her husband's role is to support the King as it was to support the Queen. In her interview, Sophie also opened up on what it is like being seen as the Royal Family's 'secret weapon'. She explained that she doesn't see herself as being in a 'front and centre' role, which allows her more time to pursue her own interests. Sophie said: 'I like to fly under the radar. It's all very well being a secret weapon but if no one knows, maybe it's too secret.' 'I suppose I should take it as a backhanded compliment,' she added. Sophie has this week been in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a three-day trip to mark the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide. During the visit, Sophie has met mothers of victims of the genocide and delivered a message from the King. King Charles said he was 'greatly saddened' not to be there in person, adding that he is 'most touched and grateful to be able to share these words as we pay our respects'. He said: 'I have spoken before about the terrible events of thirty years ago, confirmed as genocide by international courts. 'Many of the individuals responsible are now rightly facing justice, but this does not absolve the rest of us of our duties: both to acknowledge the international community's failure to prevent the horror, and to do all we can to ensure it never happens again. 'I humbly salute the Mothers of Srebrenica, and all who do so much, despite their continuing anguish, to preserve the memory of those who died. 'It has meant a very great deal to me, in past years, to have met survivors, mothers and family members of the missing, for whom I have such admiration. 'Their extraordinary courage, compassion and dignity are a lesson to us all, and it is my hope that we may all take inspiration from their incredible resilience under such unbearable circumstances.' Charles also spoke of taking inspiration from 'those who bravely speak out in pursuit of justice and those who dedicate their lives to rebuilding trust between communities for the sake of a better, shared future'. He said: 'These praiseworthy individuals can be found from all walks of life, and from across all ethnic groups, in Bosnia and Herzegovina and around the world. 'But there can be no shared future when the events of the past are denied or forgotten. 'Only by learning from the past does it become possible to share in each other's loss and look together to the future. 'Only by working together to find the missing can there be closure for those still seeking answers. 'Three decades on, it is ever more important to remember all those who suffered, and to redouble our efforts to ensure a peaceful, stable future for all the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.' He concluded his message by saying: 'Today, as we remember the victims, those who so tragically died and those who were left behind, let us honour their memory by standing alongside each and every one of those who work so tirelessly to promote understanding and tolerance between all peoples, of all faiths, nationalities and ethnicities, in the ongoing pursuit of a just and brighter future.' More than 8,000 men and boys were killed on July 11, 1995 by Bosnian Serb forces amid the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. It was Europe's worst atrocity since the Second World War.
