Sophie Wessex is set to be given a number of the Queen’s royal patronages as a gift from her late mother-in-law who saw her as a ‘confidante’ and ‘second daughter’, royal sources have claimed.
The Royal, who had a close bond with the late monarch, referred to her as ‘Mama.’
Sophie, 57, works tirelessly as patron of more than 70 charities and organisations and has been praised for her dedication to duty within the royal family.
Royal sources told the Mirror that she could take over patronages including the Women’s Institute and Dog’s Trust.
One said: ‘The Queen and the countess had a fantastically warm and joyful relationship.
‘Her Majesty admired Sophie’s quiet sense of duty, her strong work ethic and the way she balanced her public and family lives. They also shared many of the same interests.’
The source added that the Queen’s decision to pass the patronages on to Sophie is a reflection of their bond.
And they said that Sophie’s popularity with the public has become clear. It is likely that under the reign of King Charles she will take on a larger public profile.
Sophie, 57, pictured with the Queen at Ascot in 2019, works tirelessly as patron of more than 70 charities and organisations and has been praised for her dedication to duty within the royal family. Royal sources told the Mirror that she could take over patronages including the Women’s Institute and Dog’s Trust
The source added that the Queen’s decision to pass the patronages on to Sophie, pictured today at Manchester Cathedral, is a reflection of their bond
Sophie and the late monarch first became close in 2002 in the aftermath of the Queen losing her mother and sister within a short period of time.
The source said that the Queen trusted Sophie greatly and that they had the same sense of humour.
They also claimed that she enjoyed their chats and laughs as she used to do the same with her sister.
The Countess of Wessex and the Queen were brought closer by the death of Sophie’s mother in 2005 and Prince Philip last year.
In the midst of the media attention attracted by Harry and Meghan, the source claimed that Sophie’s common sense was ‘welcomed’ by the Queen.
The source also said that the Countess of Wessex could see that the royal revelations made the Queen upset and that she had become angry about them herself.
However, the source said that Sophie is kind and was unsurprised to see Meghan in the same car with her this week as they mourned Her Majesty’s death.
Sophie and the late monarch, pictured together in 2019, first became close in 2002 in the aftermath of the Queen losing her mother and sister within a short period of time
The source also said that the Countess of Wessex could see that the royal revelations about Harry and Meghan made the Queen upset and that she had become angry about them herself. However, the source said that Sophie is kind and was unsurprised to see Meghan in the same car with her this week as they mourned Her Majesty’s death, pictured
Sophie, who has been visibly emotional in the week after losing her beloved ‘mama’, spoke to the Queen every day.
When her children Lady Louise and James Viscount Severn were young, they had visits from their grandmother who watched CBeebies with them.
The Countess of Wessex more recently went on Saturday afternoon dog walks with the Queen or watched films with her.
And they often spent time in the Royal Archives at Windsor studying old historical documents together.
Sophie, who lives at Bagshot Park with her family, spent time at St Ann’s Square with her husband Prince Edward in Manchester yesterday. Pictured: Sophie and her family at church in Windsor in April
Sophie, who lives at Bagshot Park with her family, today spent time at St Ann’s Square in Manchester with her husband Prince Edward.
They looked at floral tributes left in memory of the Queen and lit candles in the cathedral to honour her memory.
Sophie was pictured hugging a young boy called Josh who was sporting a Union Jack baseball cap, clutching flowers and a teddy dressed as a soldier.
She laid the flowers for him in the square after she gave him a hug and was later seen giving him a cuddle again before she left.
Josh was delighted by the hug and his mother Sue was equally happy to have met Sophie.
Sophie was today seen hugging a young boy called Josh who was sporting a Union Jack baseball cap, clutching flowers and a teddy dressed as a soldier, pictured
She described Sophie as warm and wonderful and said that she gave everyone a hug and had time for them.
A fellow member of the crowd who met the royals yesterday said that the Countess of Wessex was genuine and approachable.
The Countess of Wessex also shared a close bond with Prince Philip.
After his death, she had spent time with mourners at Windsor Castle, reassuring them.
She told them about his final moments, explaining that his death was peaceful and gentle.