How Sophie Of Wessex Became Queen Elizabeth II’s Rock Among The Royal Family

Apr 21, 2021

Prince Edward is Queen Elizabeth II’s youngest son and is married to Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Before the queen's death and after the news of Prince Phillip’s passing, Sophie had reportedly been the queen’s rock and closest confidant. According to British news outlets, royal insiders claim she had always been a favorite family member of the queen’s. Sophie and Prince Edward released a statement 48 hours after Prince Phillip had passed, informing the public about the passing and honoring him. 

Sophie and Prince Edward met in 1987 while she was working at Capital Radio and were married in 1999 at St. George’s Chapel, the site of many royal weddings and funerals, including Prince Philip's. The couple shares two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn. Sophie had challenging pregnancies, but both children are doing well now.

The family’s official residence is at Buckingham Palace, while their private residence is located in Bagshot Park, Surrey. The pair often spend time with the queen and were recently seen entering Windsor Castle for a visit following the passing of Prince Phillip. The couple reported that the queen was doing well, although is clearly devastated about the loss.

Despite all of the past drama surrounding the royal family, especially following the controversial Oprah Winfrey interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Sophie and Prince Edward had successfully stayed out of the headlines. They have a reputation for being quiet and dependable members of the family. It is clear why the queen had chosen Sophie to lean on during the difficult times before the queen passed on Sept. 8, 2022. 

The Mirror reported that the Countess of Wessex had been “a tremendous support” to the queen before her passing, especially back when she needed it the most. A source told the news outlet, “Sophie cherishes her relationship with the Queen and not only appreciates her guidance and wisdom throughout her own life, [but] she is [also] very protective of her. Their bond is very like a mother and daughter and the feeling of love and respect is quite mutual. It is very special.”

“She is trusted and relied on by the Queen in a way I couldn’t say applied to the Duchess of Cambridge or the Duchess of Cornwall,” another royal insider told Express UK, adding, "She is like another daughter to Her Majesty — they are that close." Moreover, the queen often invited Sophie to accompany her to church in her car as she has always "found Sophie's presence soothing." 

One royal courier explained, "If you’re asking who is Her Majesty’s favorite child, it’s none of them, it’s her daughter-in-law."

This goes to show how loved Sophie is within the royal family. Further proof of their immediate connection was seen when the queen allowed Sophie to use the royal apartments at Buckingham Palace prior to her engagement to Prince Edward, reports The Telegraph. After the couple was married, they received their titles of Earl and Countess of Wessex. BBC reported that there is an agreement that Prince Edward is to be elevated to the title of Duke of Edinburgh after the title is returned to the crown.

Sophie was born in Oxford, in 1965 to Mary and Christopher Bournes Rhys-Jones. Her mother was a charity worker and secretary while her father is a retired sales director for an importer of industrial tires and rubber goods. Sophie is related to the family of the Viscounts Molesworth, which gives a nod to where her son’s title, Viscount Severn, came from. Sophie was raised in Brenchley, Kent, and later attended West Kent College, Tonbridge. After that, she began a career in public relations working for a variety of firms, including Capital Radio where she first met her husband. At the time he was dating her friend, so the couple didn’t begin seeing each other until 1993 after reconnecting at a charity event.

Sophie and Edward were the first ones to speak publicly following Philip's death. Both of them spoke with Sky News and Sophie emotionally described the Duke's last moments and said:

“It was just like somebody took him by the hand and off he went. Very, very peaceful, and that’s all you want for somebody, isn’t it? So I think it is so much easier for the person that goes than the people who are left behind. We are all sitting here looking at each other going 'this is awful'.” 

Despite not being in the spotlight much, Sophie of Wessex had made a lasting impression on the queen and earned herself a substantial role as her supporter during the time of grief. It was good to see the queen relying on her family and their continued support in the midst of the tragedy. 

How familiar were you with Sophie’s relationship with the queen? Did you know she was her rock? Let us know your thoughts and don’t forget to pass this along to your loved ones.