Working like a charm! - DUCHESS SOPHIE'S SPECTACULAR RISE

The royal's popularity is no surprise to those who know her best

- Judy Kean

The King’s plans to slim down the monarchy mean those working royals left carrying the load are having to take on extra work.

And one of those proving time and time again why she is such an asset to the royal family is Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

The mum-of-two has worked tirelessly as a representative of the monarchy since marrying Prince Edward 24 years ago, but has stepped up even further since the death of the Queen last year.

And in recent weeks, she’s added even more engagements to her already full schedule, supporting important causes like a children’s hospice and a blindness prevention charity.

Evidence of her growing status in The Firm includes the appearance she made last week at an event alongside Prince William. The fact she accompanied the future king to the screening of Rhino Man, a documentary about wildlife conservation in South Africa, goes to show that she’s increasingly valued and no longer considered to be a “second tier” royal, says a palace insider.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond agrees that Sophie’s star is on the rise and deservedly so.

“It is much more evident now that Sophie is a key member of the list of working royals,” she tells. “I think people have really taken her into their hearts, especially after she showed her obvious grief at losing Prince Philip and the Queen.”