Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has opened up about the deep personal emotions she felt when she officially received the title in 2023—one that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Her heartfelt comments came during her recent three-day royal visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, representing King Charles at events commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide.
The occasion marked a poignant moment, not only for the historic remembrance but also for Sophie’s quiet revelation about stepping into one of the Royal Family’s most significant roles.
When King Charles granted the Duke of Edinburgh title to Prince Edward on his 59th birthday, Sophie automatically became the Duchess of Edinburgh. The role was previously held by Queen Elizabeth during the early years of her marriage to Prince Philip, who carried the title until his death.
Sophie acknowledged the emotional weight behind accepting the title once linked so closely with her late mother-in-law. “First of all it was quite large shoes to fill because not as many of the population alive today will remember but the Queen was Duchess of Edinburgh for the first few years when she and my father-in-law first married,” she shared.
Reflecting on the transition, she added, “For me, it was quite an emotional thing to sort of step into her shoes [as being Duchess of Edinburgh], it felt like quite a big moment.”
Before this change in titles, Sophie was known as the Countess of Wessex, a title she carried since her marriage to Prince Edward when he held the position of Earl of Wessex.
The couple has long been known for their low-key yet steady presence within the royal fold, often stepping in for public duties and offering support to the monarchy behind the scenes.
Now as Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie and Edward continue to carve out their role under King Charles’s reign, particularly with their involvement in international commemorations and charitable events.
The couple shares two children—Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James Mountbatten-Windsor, who now holds the title of Earl of Wessex, a courtesy title passed down from his father.