![\"Duchess](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1_The-Duke-And-Duchess-Of-Edinburgh-Visit-Nepal-Day-4.jpg\")
Duchess Sophie has risen through the ranks of the royal family in recent years(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\nKnown already as \u201cthe royal family\u2019s secret weapon\u201d, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, is now fast becoming a frontline force in the monarchy\u2019s futureDuchess Sophie has risen through the ranks of the royal family in recent years(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Trusted abroad and at home as one of King Charles\u2019s most dependable stand-ins, Duchess Sophie<\/a> has also won the admiration of the Prince and Princess of Wales<\/a>, who consider her a key ally for when their own reign begins.<\/p>\n Insiders say William<\/a> and Kate<\/a> are keen to have the down-to-earth duchess at their side in the critical years ahead, both as a reassuring public presence and to offer crucial family support behind palace walls.<\/p>\n In recent years, Kate and Sophie have grown ever closer, with the duchess offering much-needed comfort after a \u201cbrutal\u201d year for the princess and her family.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Sarah Ferguson’s aide speaks out on ‘menacing’ Jeffrey Epstein threat to ‘destroy’ family<\/a>READ MORE: Prince William makes painful admission on Kate’s cancer fight in rare TV appearance<\/a> Last November, as Kate attended Remembrance Sunday following her chemotherapy treatment, Sophie was seen placing a reassuring hand on her back.<\/p>\n The following month, Sophie was again at Kate\u2019s side during her annual Christmas<\/a> carol concert. Former BBC<\/a> royal correspondent Jennie Bond says: \u201cSophie has been there for Catherine from the start as a mentor, and perhaps as someone she can share the peculiar ups and downs of royal life with. I think they have a real mutual affection and friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n Jennie also believes Sophie\u2019s support will be key once William and Kate become king and queen. She explains: \u201cWith no Harry to lean on, William will be grateful that [Sophie and her husband Prince Edward] are willing to bear their share of the considerable workload.\u201d<\/p>\n Last week the duke and duchess took on engagements in Japan, while earlier this year Sophie represented the King in Bosnia on the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre.<\/p>\n For Jennie, there is one clear reason why the mum-of-two has seen her international profile soar. She says: \u201cSophie\u2019s very down-to-earth, that\u2019s why she\u2019s so popular with the public \u2013 and with the royal family<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s trusted by them and has shown she can pull her weight to carry out a steady round of royal duties \u2013 many with no great fanfare or fuss.\u201d<\/p>\n Sophie and Edward\u2019s trip to Japan meant missing US president Donald Trump<\/a> \u2019s headline-grabbing state visit at Windsor Castle \u2013 but Jennie says the couple were right to prioritise their overseas mission.<\/p>\n She explains: \u201cThe four-day trip has been all about strengthening bilateral relations. The engagements themselves were less important than the fact two senior royals travelled to cement the post-war friendship between the UK and Japan. The Imperial House of Japan is recognised as the world<\/a> \u2019s oldest continuous hereditary monarchy and commands deep respect.\u201d<\/p>\n Recalling a visit to Tokyo by Diana, Princess of Wales in the 1990s, Jennie says: \u201cThe crowds were enthusiastic and curious, they loved her comparatively down-to-earth attitude. The Princess herself performed the deepest curtsy I\u2019ve ever seen when she met the emperor.\u201d<\/p>\n Like Diana, Sophie is known for tackling tough subjects head-on. Her high-profile duties have included visiting Ukraine<\/a> and Iraq<\/a>, supporting women who have experienced conflict-related sexual violence.<\/p>\n Earlier this year she confessed her work can \u201ctake its toll\u201d on her emotions, but added: \u201cI hope that I make a difference. It\u2019s very hard because sometimes these issues are overwhelming because of the scale.<\/p>\n \u201cBut of course, being practical, my role and my husband\u2019s role is to support the King \u2013 as it was [previously] to support the Queen. We are fortunate because we are able to not be in a front-and-centre role, so it allows us the flexibility to explore our own interests.\u201d<\/p>\n On her \u201csecret weapon\u201d tag, Sophie laughed it off, saying: \u201cI suppose I should take it as a backhanded compliment. I don\u2019t see myself in a frontline position per se. That said, admittedly there are fewer working members of the family these days so I suppose more and more I\u2019m becoming less secretive. I just wonder what they\u2019re going to describe me as next\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n On the Edinburghs\u2019 growing status as working royals, Jennie says: \u201cIn a different scenario, they might have expected to play a more minor role.<\/p>\n \u201cBut with the working royals now so thin on the ground, they have full-time, high-profile jobs. Almost by default, Edward and Sophie have found themselves becoming increasingly important to the future of the monarchy.\u201d<\/p>\n Get the inside scoop on the monarchy with Mirror Royal<\/p>\n WHATSAPP GROUP: <\/strong>Be first to get the biggest royal bombshells and exclusives to your phone by joining our Royal WhatsApp here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Sophie,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5_Westminster-Abbey-Holds-Service-Celebrating-75th-Anniversary-Of-The-NHS.jpg\")
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has become one of King Charles’ most dependable allies(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Prince](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3_Prince-William-Prince-Of-Wales-And-Sophie-Duchess-Of-Edinburgh-Visit-The-Royal-Cornwall-Show.jpg\")
Jennie Bond believes Sophie will be a huge support for William when he becomes King(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Kate](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2_Order-of-the-Garter-Service-2025jpgy.jpg\")
Kate and Sophie have formed a formidable friendship during their years in the Firm together(Image: PA)<\/p>\n