How Sophie, Countess of Wessex, can be a 'safe choice' in Meghan's place to help Kate fulfill her royal duties
The Countess of Wessex, Sophie, who celebrated her 55th birthday at Buckingham Palace on January 20, may soon have much more to celebrate about in the coming months, particularly after Megxit. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, on January 8, made a shocking announcement, stating that they would step back as senior members of the royal family and work to become financially independent. This move could see the couple splitting their time between the UK and Canada.
With the departure of the Sussexes from the royal family, there is reportedly an empty space for a royal figure beside the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. Meghan and Kate made headlines for nearly two years as they attended multiple engagements as the foremost royal women of their generation. However, with Meghan gone, there are speculations that a new royal lady will step forward to support Kate in her royal endeavors and assume some of the duties left behind by Meghan, and reports state that the onus could fall upon Sophie, the wife of the Queen's youngest son Prince Edward.
Sophie, rumored to be the Queen's favorite daughter-in-law, would be an apt choice to take on a bigger royal role after Meghan's departure, according to the Daily Mail. Sophie is relatively older than the Duchess of Sussex and does not have the same celebrity status, which would assist in relieving pressure from her if she assumes the role.
Veteran royal reporter Phil Dampier, while talking to the outlet, explained how Sophie would be a safe choice to take over Meghan's royal duties.
"Prince Edward has kept a very low profile in recent years but his wife Sophie has become a star in her own right," he said, "She is very close to Her Majesty and is a favorite of hers. Recently she has been on several overseas trips and done fantastically well. I think she wants to do more and would happily step up to the plate and take over more duties if asked."
Dampier also believes that Sophie assuming Meghan's roles could also assist in bridging the gap between Charles' and William's generations.