The Duchess of Edinburgh will step into an “important role” when the Princess of Wales becomes Queen, a royal source has claimed.
Duchess Sophie, 59, is one of the more senior royals who have been forced to step up due to the King and Princess Kate’s absences from royal duties.
The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital for planned abdominal surgery last month, and has spent the past few weeks recovering at home in Windsor.
The senior royal is not expected to make a return to public duties until after Easter. Meanwhile, King Charles is currently receiving treament after being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer.
Speaking of Sophie’s future role within the monarchy, one source previously told The Mail that the mother-of-two will eventually become “Kate’s Anne” when she becomes Queen.
Princess Anne is often referred to as the hardest-working royal, having completed 457 engagements last year.
Sophie is noted to have completed 219 engagements in 2023, with the royal often being credited for her ability to undergo engagements in the background.
As a result of the Duchess of Sussex’s exit from royal duty in 2020, Princess Kate has formed a close bond with Sophie.
The pair’s bond has often been witnessed at royal events, such as the two sitting next to one another at the Christmas Carol Concert.
Kate and Sophie’s bond was also evident at the King’s Coronation last year, after the pair were spotted chatting away on the balcony.
One royal expert has also stated that the King is likely very pleased that Sophie has stepped up – especially as he is used to being surrounded by strong women.
A former Palace aide told The Mail: “The King is not frightened of powerful women, although he occasionally pretended he is.”
As well as Kate, Sophie also appears close to her three children – especially Prince George.
George and his younger sister, Princess Charlotte both attended their late grandmother Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022.
Sophie was spotted offering some maternal support to George by throwing her arm around him as they while walking into the Abbey.
