Nobility Royal with a mission: Duchess Sophie turns 60
In the British royal family, she is regarded as an important pillar who champions difficult issues: Duchess Sophie - sister-in-law of King Charles III - turns 60 today.
20.01.2025, 05:00
SDA
She will celebrate her birthday together with her husband, Charles' youngest brother Prince Edward, in a private setting, according to the British news agency PA.
The palace published a new photo of the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie's official title, in advance. Last year, she made several high-profile appearances for the royals.
In spring, she was the first member of the royal family to travel to Ukraine since the start of the Russian war of aggression. Sophie has long campaigned against sexualized violence - she also travelled to Chad and met women there who had fled the civil war in Sudan. She also campaigns for people to talk more openly about menopause and menstruation.
Moment of support for Kate
When Princess Kate attended a large memorial for the world war dead after her chemotherapy ended, Sophie stood by her side and put her hand protectively on her back at one point.
Edward and Sophie have been married for more than 25 years and have two children, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James Mountbatten-Windsor, who holds the title of Earl of Wessex. The family is considered to be relatively modest and largely free of scandal. The family resides in a stately manor house called Bagshot Park.
