Related Articles
Sophie Wesssex has taken on two far flung trips in the first quarter of the year alone, following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s January announcement that they would be stepping down from royal duties.
The royal, 55, who is married to the Queen’s youngest son Prince Edward, appears to be taking on more humanitarian engagements that Meghan Markle, 38, would have been passionate about taking on in her position as a senior royal.
Sophie flew to Sierra Leone in January, visiting a Technical Secondary School, a Health Clinic, a Women’s Centre, and the Freetown Commonwealth Cemetery.
And this week the royal flew to the Republic of South Sudan, visiting various initiatives to protect the safety of girls and women, as well as meeting women peacebuilders and rights activists – all causes close to Meghan’s heart.
Sophie flew to Munich on Valentine’s Day to visit the Initiative for Munich Girls, and has undertaken 15 other engagements this year alone – including hosting various charitable dinners at St. James’ Palace, and a reception at Buckingham Palace.
Her foreign travel is on the same scale as that of the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, 71, who has also made three foreign travel trips, including Palestine and Israel, Oman and Switzerland this year.
Sophie Wesssex is taking on two far flung trips in the first quarter of the year alone, following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s January announcement that they would be stepping down from royal duties (seen in Sierra Leone at the end of January)
Sophie visited Munich on Valentine’s Day (seen) to visit the Initiative for Munich Girls, and has undertaken 15 other engagements this year alone
This week the royal flew to the Republic of South Sudan, visiting various initiatives to protect the safety of girls and women, as well as meeting women peacebuilders and rights activists – all causes close to Meghan’s heart
Meanwhile Prince William, 37, and Kate Middleton, 38, are only visiting Ireland during the first three months of this year.
Royal author Phil Dampier told FEMAIL : ‘Sophie is definitely taking on more and more high profile humanitarian jobs and seems to be performing more royal duties abroad.
‘To some extent she has been doing this for years but has not had the publicity because she’s been overshadowed by the more well-known royals.
‘But I see a much bigger role for her with Harry and Meghan off the scene.
‘Sophie is very good with people and comes across as caring and interested in the causes she visits.
‘Harry and Meghan were going to be ambassadors for the Queen throughout the Commonwealth and there were going to be lots of trips all over the world.
‘Sophie will be able to step up her workload and fill Meghan’s shoes. She has a different style but it’s down to earth and effective.
‘The Queen admires her and will give her total support if she wants to take on more duties.
‘With Charles and Camilla in their 70s and Anne 70 this year, Sophie is needed to play a much larger role.’
The royal, 55, who is married to the Queen’s youngest son Prince Edward, appears to be taking on more humanitarian engagements that Meghan Markle, 38, would have been passionate about taking on in her position as a senior royal (seen at a reception at London’s Buckingham Palace to mark the UK-Africa Investment Summit in January)
ophie, Countess of Wessex ahead of unveiling a plaque as she opens The Countess of Wessex Studios at the Central School of Ballet’s new premises
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s final official engagement is expected to be March 9, when they will join the Queen at Westminster Abbey to mark Commonwealth Day. They are seen at Canada House on January 7 when they announced they would be stepping down
Sophie’s foreign travel is on the same scale as that of the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, 71, who has also made three foreign travel trips, including Palestine and Israel, Oman and Switzerland this year
Last month a source claimed Sophie, the Queen’s ‘long-term favourite’, is set to take on more royal responsibility and represent Her Majesty, 93, at more engagements after Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from the royal family.
A royal insider revealed how the ‘very popular’ Countess has been chosen by Buckingham Palace to step into the spotlight in the coming months.
They told The Sun: ‘Sophie’s a long-term favourite of the Queen and has been singled out as a person the Palace would like to help ease the burden.’
Sophie, who is married to the Queen’s youngest son Prince Edward, 55, has a particularly close relationship with her mother-in-law and already represents the Crown both at home and overseas.
It is believed Sophie is seen by the Queen as the Royal Family’s safest pair of hands, because her marriage to Prince Edward has lasted, while Charles, Anne and Andrew have all been divorced.
A recent job advert showed the Wessexes are hiring an Assistant Private Secretary, suggesting an increase in duties.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s final official engagement is expected to be March 9, when they will join the Queen at Westminster Abbey to mark Commonwealth Day.
Meanwhile Prince William, 37, and Kate Middleton, 38, are only visiting Ireland during the first three months of this year (pictured)
Source link
