Special Connection

Prince Edward’s unassuming and hardworking wife, Sophie, is a clear favourite with Queen Elizabeth

- Jane Vorster

SHE may be a few rungs down the royal ladder and fade into the background during family gatherings on the famous Buckingham Palace balcony – but that suits her just fine.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is happy to allow other members of the royal clan to hog the headlines while she flies under the radar. But make no mistake: the 54-year-old wife of the queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward (55), is no wilting wallflower.

She may not be a future queen or a glossy American former actress, but something sets her ahead of the pack: she’s the British monarch’s undisputed favourite. Queen Elizabeth (93) enjoys sharing a joke with Meghan, gossiping with Kate and talking about horses with Camilla, but nothing comes close to the bond she shares with Sophie.

The world recently got a touching insight into the warm rapport that exists between the queen and her daughter-in-law. As her majesty stood by beaming, Sophie paid tribute to her at a glitzy reception at Buckingham Palace, celebrating the work of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust to prevent avoidable blindness.

“Mama, when I’ve returned from my travels, I’ve been so proud to share with you the work I’ve witnessed,” she said. “Each time you’ve listened with interest and each time I’ve been stunned as you’ve shared with me your deep knowledge of each of these countries.”

While people were a bit taken aback to hear her referring to the queen so informally, palace officials weren’t surprised.

“She’s like another daughter to her majesty – they’re that close,” an insider told British newspaper The Sun.

The queen depends on Sophie more than just about any other member of her family, palace sources say.