The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh Celebrate a Year of Achievements Amid Royal Changes
As King Charles’s reign progresses, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have firmly solidified their position within the royal family.
With an unrelenting dedication to their duties and a calm, drama-free approach to royal life, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie have garnered admiration from both the public and palace insiders.
Recently, the couple heaved a sigh of relief following a significant announcement that capped off the royal family’s New Year’s celebrations.
Duchess Sophie, often described as King Charles’s “secret weapon,” has risen as a vital member of the monarchy, earning widespread praise for her diligence and approachable demeanor. As she approaches her 60th birthday this January, her role within the royal fold has expanded, particularly amid the monarch’s ongoing health challenges.
“She’s a very popular member of the family because she’s easygoing, there’s never any drama, and she just gets on with the job quietly and diligently,” one palace insider noted. This grounded and steadfast approach has made her an indispensable “cog in the royal machine.”
An Increasingly Prominent Role
In 2024, Sophie’s contributions to the royal family took center stage. Her global engagements included a notable visit to Tanzania, where she served as the global ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. While there, she celebrated partnerships in health, agriculture, and women’s empowerment—key areas of her advocacy.
Sophie’s influence extends beyond her public duties, as she is also a unifying presence within the family. Her support for Catherine, Princess of Wales, during challenging times—particularly health struggles and the fallout from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal departure—has been described as invaluable. Royal insiders recall Sophie acting as a peacekeeper during these turbulent years, understanding the difficulties faced by the monarchy without overstepping into its internal politics.
Festive Adjustments at Sandringham
Christmas at Sandringham Castle this year brought its own mix of challenges and relief for the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. The couple was reportedly relieved when King Charles took measures to ensure Prince Andrew’s absence from the festivities. Following reports of Andrew’s controversies, Sarah Ferguson, the Duke of York’s former wife, encouraged Andrew to withdraw from the gathering.
This year, the Duke and Duchess were granted accommodations at Wood Farm, Prince Philip’s former retreat, which they considered an improvement from the previous year when they were assigned smaller quarters. Still, tensions reportedly rose over shared proximity with the York family, underscoring the complexities of royal dynamics during family events.
The Splendor of Bagshot Park
When not attending royal engagements, Edward and Sophie reside at Bagshot Park, their long-term home located 11 miles south of Windsor. The Grade II-listed mansion, which boasts 120 rooms, a private lake, stables, and 51 acres of land, was gifted to the couple by Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate their 1999 wedding.
The mansion, built in 1879 for Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, underwent significant renovations overseen by Edward and Sophie. While the property remains private, glimpses inside have revealed its grandeur, including marble fireplaces, ornate carvings, and sprawling conservatories overlooking manicured lawns.
Despite its historic charm, some parts of Bagshot Park reflect its Victorian origins, which the couple has embraced while modernizing key areas. In 2021, Duchess Sophie gave a rare peek into the home during a BBC interview, showcasing the blend of history and family life that defines their residence.