Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward’s secret to their successful 25 year marriage lies in ‘pretty unusual’ choice early on
Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward got engaged in 1999 and the early days of their romance reportedly could have stood them in good stead
Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward’s secret to their successful 25 year marriage lies in a "pretty unusual" choice early on, according to a former royal correspondent.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh celebrated their silver wedding anniversary on the 19th June and stepped out together for Royal Ascot alongside many other royals. Ahead of this appearance the couple appeared in several special new snaps taken at their Bagshot Park home by photographer Chris Jelf in honour of the occasion. Wrapped in a warm embrace and beaming at each other, they looked happier than ever after 25 years of marriage and according to the BBC’s former royal correspondent Jennie Bond, this could all be down to a key decision.
Speaking to OK!, Jennie expressed her belief that "part" of their successful marriage could be down to Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie being together for many years before they actually got engaged in January 1999.
"Perhaps part of the secret of their successful marriage is that they spent five years in a relationship before tying the knot. And that was pretty unusual at the time," Jennie explained. "Sophie had seen at first hand the trauma of the Diana years, the breakdown of Charles and Diana’s marriage, the Yorks’ divorce and Anne’s divorce and second marriage."
The royal commentator put forward the idea that it was "probably quite courageous" for Duchess Sophie to "become another royal bride", knowing that Prince Edward's siblings' first marriages had ended in divorce.
"But, by the time they got married, both Edward and Sophie were mature enough to know that they were right for one another," she added.
Spending five years in a relationship, getting to know each other inside out is something that Jennie thinks could have helped cement a strong foundation for Prince Edward and Sophie’s loving 25-year marriage.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story by Robert Hardman | Was £22, Now £15 at Amazon
Robert Hardman's biography paints a picture of both King Charles's court and his reign and draws on access to members of the Royal Family, friends of the King and Queen, officials and unpublished royal papers. It includes reflections on the King's plans for the monarchy and his relationships with his family.
This decision early on could have paved the way for them and Queen Elizabeth reportedly also granted the Duchess the rare privilege of being permitted to use the royal apartments at Buckingham Palace before she and Prince Edward were engaged. In contrast to the Edinburghs, Princess Diana moved into Clarence House after she and King Charles got engaged, which is said to have happened less than a year after they started dating.
Despite Jennie claiming Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward dating for five years was "pretty unusual" at the time, it seems to have worked for them and likely also gave her vital insight into what it’s like in the royal spotlight.
"Understated, unshowy and as down-to-earth as you can be when you are born into the royal family. That’s how Edward and Sophie are today… and it’s how they were 25 years ago on their relatively understated wedding day at Windsor," Jennie said.
The expert added, "Sophie is a natural, humble woman - clearly still very much in love with her husband - and a woman who has grown into her role without fuss or fanfare."
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are senior working members of the Royal Family and have been seen stepping up even more in recent months to support King Charles. When they attend engagements or events together they always look so joyful and Duchess Sophie spoke glowingly of her husband in a speech ahead of his 60th birthday earlier this year.
"He has been my guide and shown me the way over the years. He has given me much help and advice (not always taken I admit), and his knowledge and instincts that have been honed over decades of service are invaluable," she said, before describing him as the "best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and still [her] best friend".
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
You asked, is the Ninja ZeroStick pan collection any good? Here’s my answer
The Ninja ZeroStick pan collection is non-toxic, beautiful, and versatile. I tested it to find out whether it's one of the best stainless steel pan sets
By Laura Honey Published
-
The royal family women's most stylish jacket and coat moments, from their Sunday best to Balmoral casual
Looking for coat inspiration? Look no further than the stylish royal ladies who always know how to tailor in style
By Anna Paul Published
-
Duchess Sophie's Puma trainers are the lowest price we've seen - such a bargain for a cool royal-approved shoe staple
Duchess Sophie's Puma trainers are a huge bargain right now and they add a elevated yet relaxed feel to an outfit with minimal fuss
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie is the picture of bold elegance in dark florals with candy pink nails
The Duchess of Edinburgh's sophisticated outfit proved that florals and shades of pink work just as well in autumn as they do in summer
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's terracotta pink jumper and T-shirt hybrid is the style solution we need in the current weather - it’s the perfect outfit base
Duchess Sophie's knitted top is the perfect staple to build a outfit around and the earthy pink shade is a brilliant alternative to jewel tones
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's head-to-toe tweed power suit proves it's easier than you think to be both polished and cosy this season
The Duchess of Edinburgh's power suit was the perfect blend of warmth and style for autumnal engagements and we're copying this look
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie just wore a fabulous burgundy blouse and matching heels - her take on this season’s must-have colour is so timeless
The Duchess of Edinburgh has embraced burgundy and we're taking inspiration from her about styling this on-trend shade so elegantly
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie missed out on title not held by royal for over 100 years after Queen Elizabeth 'granted' an unusual request
Duchess Sophie reportedly almost received a very different title to Countess of Wessex when she married Prince Edward in June 1999
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s emerald green wide-leg trousers and longline grey coat outfit was a masterclass in styling jewel tones and neutrals for autumn
The Duchess of Edinburgh isn't afraid to blend brighter shades and neutrals and did it in style at the zoo in 2022 with this gorgeous outfit
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s khaki trench coat dress is the perfect autumn layering piece - if you haven’t embraced muted greens yet you soon will
The Duchess of Edinburgh's sleeveless green trench coat dress was a gorgeous 2023 look that would work beautifully for autumn too
By Emma Shacklock Published