Sophie and Edward Wessex: The New Faces of the Modern Monarchy

It's been almost a year since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey, and most royals have remained silent on the matter.

However, Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie Wessex, were directly asked about the interview several weeks after it aired.

In an interview with The Telegraph's Camilla Tominey, Edward joked, “Oprah who?”

before Sophie added, “Yes, what interview?”

Nevertheless, Sophie emphasized that they are still a family regardless of what happens, and they always will be.

Since Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals, and the Queen scaled back her engagements, Sophie and Edward have been carrying out more royal duties.

They are part of the so-called Magnificent Seven Royals, who are the face of the modern monarchy.

Reflecting on their more prominent role, Sophie said, “We've plodded along doing what we're doing, hopefully doing it well.

And then all of a sudden, there's a bit of a hiatus, and things have changed a bit.

If people want to pay more attention to what we are doing, then great.”

According to reports, Prince William and Kate Middleton have replaced Harry and Meghan as the former members of the Fab Four.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are receiving support from Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Queen Elizabeth is also relying on Prince Edward and Sophie more now, with Sophie even being dubbed as the Queen's secret weapon due to a sudden surge in her royal duties.

In terms of royal precedence, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Prince Edward come before Harry.

In 2021, the Earl and Countess of Wessex carried out the fourth and fifth most engagements in the royal family, respectively.

Edward carried out 204 engagements, while Sophie did 194, compared to Prince William, who was slightly ahead with 235 official duties.

Royal historian Marlene Koenig outlined the Wessex's importance to the royal family, stating that in precedence, they come before Harry.

Ms. Koenig also emphasized that Sophie has been crucial to the monarchy, even before the pandemic and the departure of Harry and Meghan.

She has been the backbone of the British royal family, doing what is important but not getting more attention for it.

As the Queen grieved the loss of her husband, Sophie was reported to have been a great comfort to the monarch.

She would visit the Queen at Windsor Castle, which is just a short drive from her own royal residence, Bagshot Park.

Sophie's visits were significant, as she could be right there in 15 minutes by car.

She is mellow, well-spoken, and very much a calming influence.

Amid a difficult recent period for the royal family, Sophie has proven herself as a key royal, according to Ms. Koenig.

The press has now started to pay more attention to her, but she has been taking on more and more, even before Harry married Meghan.

In conclusion, Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex have become the new faces of the modern monarchy.

They have taken on more royal duties since Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals, and the Queen has relied on them more.

Sophie has been a crucial figure in the royal family, providing comfort to the Queen during a difficult time.

With her calming influence and unwavering commitment, she has established herself as a key royal, and her importance to the monarchy cannot be overstated.