In recent years, the Duchess of Edinburgh has stepped into a more prominent role within the royal family.

This shift comes in the wake of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepping back from their royal duties and Prince Andrew withdrawing from public life following the Geoffrey Yip Sang scandal.

With these changes, Sophie has taken on the mantle of an ambassador for the crown while passionately advocating for causes close to her heart, particularly the fight for gender equality worldwide.

Last week, Sophie showcased her unwavering support for the Princess of Wales during one of Catherine’s first public appearances post-cancer treatment.

As Catherine navigates the pressures of returning to royal duties, Sophie’s presence provided a comforting pillar of strength.

Their bond was palpable, especially during discussions at the Royal Summit Conference, which saw key members of the royal household come together, all under the approving gaze of King Charles.

The King expressed his admiration for Sophie in a heartfelt letter, acknowledging her dedication and hard work.

Remarkably, the Duchess of Edinburgh completed around 114 engagements last year, making her the fourth busiest royal.

Known for her close relationship with Catherine—so much so that she’s affectionately referred to as her “royal sister”—Sophie switched her originally scheduled position with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to stand alongside Catherine, offering her support.

Typically, the Princess of Wales is accompanied by Queen Camilla at such events; however, the 77-year-old was absent due to illness.

In her place, Sophie stepped up, reinforcing the familial bond between the two women.

Their camaraderie is often highlighted by their shared sense of humor, but this occasion revealed a more nurturing side to Sophie as she placed a reassuring hand on Catherine’s back while entering the venue, reminiscent of Prince William’s supportive gestures the night before.

This moment not only expressed warmth but also signified a significant milestone in Catherine’s journey back to royal responsibilities.

It sent a clear message to the wider Wales family that, even in William’s absence, Catherine is surrounded by a loving and supportive royal circle, albeit in a subtle manner.

Sophie’s compassion isn’t a new trait; she has a history of being there for her family.

Back in 1999, as the then Countess of Wessex, she famously caught her niece, Princess Beatrice, when the young royal fainted during a memorial service at the Cenotaph.

Dressed in a striking black hat, Sophie quickly came to Beatrice’s aid, showcasing her instinctive maternal nature.

Her ability to provide support was further evident during the mourning period for both the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II.

During these times, Sophie emerged as a stabilizing force, praised for her composed and heartfelt demeanor.

Reports suggest that she also played a crucial role as a mediator between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the rest of the royal family, a position that seemed tailor-made for her given her down-to-earth nature.

Sophie was notably the first royal to visit the Sussexes following the birth of their son Archie in 2019, demonstrating her understanding of familial responsibilities.

Her actions reflect a level of empathy and warmth that perhaps contrasts with the traditional royal upbringing, highlighting her genuine care for others.

Now, as Duchess Sophie stands at the center of royal affairs, her influence continues to grow within the evolving structure of the monarchy.

Over the past 25 years, she has consistently shown her commitment to public service and her adeptness at navigating complex royal relationships.

Her perspective resonates strongly with the future King and Queen, emphasizing community engagement, social justice, and support for marginalized groups.

According to the court circular, which officially records the engagements of working royals, Sophie has significantly increased her workload over the past year, particularly since King Charles and Catherine faced health challenges.

As the royal family adapts to the shifting landscape of public life, Sophie’s steadfast presence is proving invaluable, ensuring that the monarchy remains connected to its people while fostering strong family ties.