A slimmed down royal family under Charles could leave no room for 'Queen's favorites', Edward and Sophie

Royal experts have suggested Charles’ slimmed down royal family leaves a question mark over Sophie and Edward’s roles

Prince Edward and Sophie's future as working royals is uncertain once Charles becomes king
(Image credit: Stuart C. Wilson - Pool/Getty Images)

Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie Wessex, are thought to be close confidants of Her Majesty the Queen, with many speculating that they are the Queen’s favorite child and in-law. However, royal experts have speculated that, when Charles becomes king, their place as working members of the royal family is unknown.


While many royal fans cannot imagine the monarchy without Queen Elizabeth at the helm, there will be a time when the longest-serving monarch will be replaced by her son, Prince Charles.

It’s understood that, when the time comes, the royal family under Charles will be slimmed down, with the working royals limited to a select few important members, including the likes of Prince William and Duchess Catherine.

Now, royal experts have begun to speculate where this leaves royals like Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie Wessex.

Sophie and Edward are thought to be favorites of the Queen

(Image credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

It’s recently been suggested that, contrary to long-standing rumor, Prince Andrew isn’t the Queen’s favorite child Edward is. Biographer Matthew Dennison wrote, "Prince Edward, seemingly a bit wet and a tad irritating to the rest of us, was always his parents’ favourite.”

However, this doesn’t guarantee him a spot in the future of the slimmed down monarchy.

Royal correspondent Richard Palmer discussed the Earl and Countess of Wessex and their future within The Firm.  He said, "The other big question mark is over Edward and Sophie. Many people had assumed that they would have a role."

But he went on to claim that, according to a royal source, there was an assumption that "there would be no role for any of the non-working members of the Royal Family under King Charles.”

He also added, "When they got married, it was made clear that the Queen's intention was for Edward to inherit the title of Duke of Edinburgh, after his father's death.” But he concluded, “It is, by no means, certain what's going to happen.”

Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward

(Image credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

This might strike a blow to both Edward and Sophie, especially after the Countess of Wessex has been a source of comfort to the Queen after she lost Prince Philip and has dealt with health issues.

Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe went on record earlier this year to state that, “Sophie Wessex has emerged as the Queen’s unlikely ‘rock’ as the monarch adjusts to life without Prince Philip. Prince Edward’s wife has—according to sources—made it her personal mission to ensure Her Majesty is fully supported by the family.”

“Since the Duke’s death in April, Sophie has driven the 10 miles from her Bagshot Park home to Windsor Castle every few days and most weekends to spend socially-distanced time with Her Majesty. And on days she can’t get there in person, the Duchess of Wessex has made a point of calling her mother-in-law at least once a day.”

Jack Slater
Freelance writer

Jack Slater is not the Last Action Hero, but that's what comes up first when you Google him. Preferring a much more sedentary life, Jack gets his thrills by covering news, entertainment, celebrity, film and culture for woman&home, and other digital publications.

Having written for various print and online publications—ranging from national syndicates to niche magazines—Jack has written about nearly everything there is to write about, covering LGBTQ+ news, celebrity features, TV and film scoops, reviewing the latest theatre shows lighting up London’s West End and the most pressing of SEO based stories.