Sophie to take over 'hardest working' crown

THE DUCHESS of Edinburgh is on course to take the "hardest-working royal" crown from Princess Anne after more than doubling the number of engagements she has conducted this month compared to last year.

- Nathan Kay

So far Sophie has undertaken 38 appointments compared to the 18 she carried out in September 2023.

By comparison, the Princess Royal conducted 20 last year, as listed on the Court Circular, dropping to 13 so far this month.

Sources say the Duchess, 59, has become a "secret weapon" as she steps up to support the Royal Family during a number of absences.

"Sophie has been working extremely hard over the past few months to bridge the absence gaps," said a source.

"She is starting to become the hardestworking royal, which is inevitable because three of the top dogs have been out of action due to illness or injury."

Both King Charles and the Princess of Wales have missed most of the year.