Since stepping into a more prominent role within the royal family, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, has found herself at the heart of royal life. This shift in her duties followed the decision of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to step back from their royal roles and Prince Andrew’s withdrawal after the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. As her responsibilities within the royal family increased, Sophie became an ambassador for the crown, while also championing causes close to her heart, such as fighting for the equality of women and girls around the world. 

Recently, Sophie has stepped up in an entirely new way, offering unwavering support to Princess Catherine (Kate Middleton) during a significant time. In one of her first public appearances after completing cancer treatment, Princess Catherine is said to be feeling the weight of her best friend’s milestone, as discussions at the Royal Summit conference drew attention to key members of the royal household. King Charles, endorsing the event, led to conversations around the roles of several royals, including Queen Camilla, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and Duchess Sophie.

In an emotional gesture, King Charles even paid tribute to Sophie, penning a heartfelt letter recognizing her hard work and dedication. Sophie’s commitment is clear; with 114 engagements last year alone, she ranked as the fourth busiest royal. Known for her close bond with Princess Catherine, Sophie has earned the affectionate title of her “royal sister.”

In a notable moment at the royal summit, Sophie’s position was adjusted from her originally planned spot with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to stand beside Catherine, offering her support. Typically, Princess Catherine is accompanied by Queen Camilla, but the 77-year-old monarch had to miss the event due to illness. This change demonstrated Sophie’s steadfast presence, as she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Catherine, providing emotional support. As Sophie placed a hand on Catherine’s back as they entered the building, the gesture conveyed not just friendship but a sense of maternal care, similar to the comforting back touches Catherine’s husband, Prince William, had shown the night before.

This act of kindness also sent a message to the rest of the royal family: despite William’s absence, Catherine remains surrounded by family members who take great care of her. It’s a subtle yet powerful show of royal unity and compassion.

Sophie’s empathy and maternal instincts aren’t new. In 1999, during a memorial service for the Duke of Edinburgh, Sophie demonstrated her compassion when her young niece, Princess Beatrice, fainted on the balcony. The 11-year-old was supported by Sophie and other family members, including Vice Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence and Sophie’s husband, Prince Edward. Sophie’s strength and support during difficult moments, like the death of the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen, earned her praise from the public. Reports suggested that Sophie played a key role as a mediator between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the rest of the royal family. Her natural ability to keep things grounded and harmonious has earned her a special place within the family, with some describing her as the Queen’s favorite daughter-in-law for her down-to-earth demeanor and ability to quietly support others.

In 2019, Sophie made a visit to the Sussexes shortly after the birth of their son, Archie. Her gesture of warmth and empathy was seen as a genuine act of support—something that, according to many, was missing from other members of the royal family.

Now, as the center of a growing royal structure, Sophie is increasingly playing a crucial role in the royal family’s operations. Over the past year, her workload has more than doubled, with her involvement in charitable work and social causes becoming even more apparent. Her strong commitment to community service, social equity, and support for marginalized groups aligns closely with the values of King Charles and Princess Catherine, reflecting a shared vision for the future of the monarchy. As her role continues to evolve, Sophie’s ability to navigate complex royal dynamics and her dedication to public service solidify her place as a key player in the royal family.