Sophie Wessex “definitely benefited” from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s renunciation of royal life because it “raised her profile,” a royal expert said.
The 47-year-old countess, often referred to as the monarch’s “favorite” family member, has taken a rare high-profile solo trip to New York in recent days, solidifying her position as the queen’s secret weapon in the new monarchy.
Royal expert Russell Myers has now explained how the mother-of-two saw her star rise after the 38-year-old Duke and 40-year-old Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior members of the royal family and moved to California last year.
Speaking on True Royalty TV’s The Royal Beat, he explained: “Will the Instagram generation be as obsessed with Sophie and Edward Wessex as they are with the Sussexes? Obviously not.
Sophie Wessex “definitely benefited” from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s renunciation of royal life because it “raised her profile,” a royal expert said.
“However, when you deal with them… Sophie really gets into her subject.
“It’s not just for the show and she’s really grown into it. Since the Sussexes are not here, the Wessexes will surely win.
Meanwhile, he also pointed out how similar Meghan and Sophie’s interests are, saying, “The similarities between Sophie and Meghan are obvious.”
“Sophie is an educator for girls and has done a lot to combat violence against women in Africa.”
Russell Myers has now explained how the mother-of-two’s popularity has grown since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, 38, stepped down as senior members of the royal family and moved to California last year.
The comments come after a busy few days for Sophie, who has just taken a rare solo trip to New York.
During the trip, she delivered the keynote speech at a United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan event as part of her busy schedule for her four-day visit.
This spring, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, who live in Bagshot Park with their children, 18-year-old Lady Louise Windsor and 14-year-old Viscount North James, will visit Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Queen, who no longer flies, was not supposed to travel, but the Wessexes rarely do a high-profile overseas tour together that could otherwise be passed on to Harry and Meghan.
In recent days, the Countess has embarked on a high-profile solo trip to New York to take another look at the monarchy in a new guise.
Her Majesty’s sister-in-law Sophie is often referred to as the monarch’s “favorite” family member and closest confidant.
The monarch reportedly encouraged her to fill the gap left by Prince Harry and Meghan after Megxit in early 2020.
Previously, experts noted that the presence of the Countess in the spotlight is what Prince Philip “would like” and helped “keep his memory alive.”
“The queen is very cunning. And she always loved Sophie very much,” Ingrid Seward said in an interview with The Times.
This spring, the Earl and Countess of Wessex will visit Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines on a trip that could otherwise be the same as that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“Prince Philip adored Sophie and the Queen feels that now is the time to push her, just gently. “Get an interview, do something. You work very hard, no one pays attention. Get out!” I see her say it.
“This is what Prince Philip would have wanted, and now he is gone doing what he would like, his memory lives on. I think he would really like Edward and Sophie to be a little more visible.”
It was previously reported that Sophie is one of four loyal, reserved and “totally trustworthy” women in the Queen’s inner circle who offer crucial support as she faces life without her beloved Prince Philip, who died on April 9 at the age of 99.
This edition of The Royal Beat will be available on March 18 on True Royalty TV.