Duchess Sophie met her anniversary surrounded by her loving family. In honour of the momentous occasion, Sophie was photographed at her home in Bagshot Park. In the photo, taken by fashion portrait photographer Christine Ebenezer, Sophie poses in an elegant black jumper and cream pleated skirt. The Duchess completed her look with delicate gold jewellery. She has always been a supporter of the sorority and that is why she chose Christina, who was born in Nigeria and lives in London. Sophie appeared to be close to her creative style and wanted to support the aspiring female photographer. According to royal sources, Sophie is focusing on women’s rights activities in the coming years.
The Duchess probably spent her birthday with her husband Edward. In addition to congratulations from daughter Louise and son James, Sophie was also congratulated by Queen Camilla and King Charles III, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales. However, the Duchess revealed in advance that she wanted to spend the day modestly.
Sophie’s approach to her 60th birthday reflects her attitude to public service – often doing good deeds without too much publicity.
‘Like the late Queen, she puts duty and responsibility before self-interest and never seeks the limelight,’ Ailsa Anderson, Queen Elizabeth II’s former publicity secretary, told reporters. – ‘But she’s a lot of fun. She has a terrific sense of humour and is a really optimistic person. She is also totally devoted to her family and is one of the most active in the palace.’
Sophie became a close friend and confidante of the late Queen shortly after she married Prince Edward in June 1999. She met her future husband at a charity tennis event while working in public relations. As previous brides in the royal family had come from aristocratic backgrounds, Sophie was the first middle-class bride (she was the daughter of a tyre company director and a secretary). Sophie is now patron of over 70 charities and is involved with women’s issues in business and health.
