Sophie Wessex being in the spotlight is what Prince Philip 'would have wanted'

Sophie Wessex taking a more central approach within the Royal Family would have made the late Prince Philip very happy, according to a royal insider.

• The Countess of Wessex has always stayed out of the spotlight
• But since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior royals, she's taken a more central role.
• This follows royal news that Prince Charles is set to make a decision about Archie and Lilibet's titles.

According to royal expert Ingrid Seward, the Queen is keen for Sophie to take on more since the exit of Meghan and Harry.

She told The Times: “The Queen is very canny. And she has always been very fond of Sophie. 

"Prince Philip adored Sophie, and the Queen feels that now is the moment to push her, just gently. 

"‘Give some interviews, do some stuff. You work very hard, no one takes any notice. Get out there.’ I can see her saying that."

She added: “It’s what Prince Philip would have wanted, and now he is gone, doing what he would have wanted keeps his memory alive.

"I think he would have really liked Edward and Sophie to be a bit more high profile.”

When the Duke of Edinburgh passed earlier this year, Sophie said: “He's left a giant-sized hole in our lives."

When asked about taking on extra work, Sophie has said: "There is increased interest in us as a family but, if it raises more awareness of the issues I care about, then that can only be a good thing." 

Sophie and her husband, Prince Edward, have been reported as 'royal favourites' for some time now. 

Prince Edward is the only one of the Queen's children not to have divorced.

His lasting marriage to Sophie is said to be a great comfort to the Queen, who holds dedication and longevity in high-esteem.

Royal journalist and author Robert Jobson previously told the Telegraph: "[The Countess] is probably the best example of an outsider coming into the family and learning on the job.

“She’s very much the Queen’s favourite, and you’ll notice that whenever there is a family holiday or gathering, Sophie and Edward often stay a while longer than the rest.”