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

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.

• When Charles become king, it’s long been understood that he will favor a slimmed down royal family
• Now, royal experts have suggested this leaves a “question mark” over Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex’s roles, despite them being close favorites of the Queen
• In other royal news, Prince William gave heartfelt grief advice to Deborah James' children which will stay with them 'forever'

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.

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.”

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.”