Sophie Wessex handed new royal role as she steps up duties following Meghan and Harry's exit
The Countess of Wessex has been taking on more royal roles
Sophie Wessex has been handed another important royal role as she takes on more work following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's exit.
- Sophie Wessex is taking over Guide Dogs patronage from Princess Alexandra.
- This comes as the Countess has been stepping up as part of the Queen's new team of 'key' royals.
- This follows royal news that Prince William may defy royal protocol to move home.
Princess Alexandra, The Queen's cousin, is stepping down from the patronage role after more than 60 years.
The two royals opened the new Guide Dogs South West regional centre in Bristol this week to officially mark the handover.
The royal pair met people who are supported by the charity, plus some cute dogs and puppies, and watched training demonstrations.
Guide Dogs Chairman Jamie Hambro said: "We are incredibly honoured to mark, and to thank in person, Princess Alexandra for her wonderful contribution over the last sixty-seven years, first as our President, then since 1957 as our Patron.
"We hope she feels proud of the organisation that has flourished under her Patronage. From our first four guide dog owners back in 1931, we are now helping thousands of people with sight loss, of all ages, to enjoy freedom and independence."
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
He added: "We’re looking forward to working with our new Patron to continue to highlight our work which enables people living with sight loss to live the lives they choose."
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.
Sophie, who is married to the Queen's son Prince Edward, has been described as the royal family's 'secret weapon' and the Queen has relied on her more than ever in the past two years.
It's also been reported that Sophie and Edward are the monarch's 'favourites', due to the fact he is the only child of hers not to have been divorced.
His lasting marriage to Sophie is said to be a great comfort to the Queen, who holds dedication and longevity in high-esteem.
Robyn is a celebrity and entertainment journalist and editor with over eight years experience in the industry. As well as contributing regular to woman&home, she also often writes for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman's Weekly and The Sun.
-
The significant family event Meghan Markle has always missed out on since becoming a royal
The Duchess of Sussex has always missed out on one particular royal occasion over the years despite experiencing so many others
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's chunky gold earrings she wore in 2004 are right on trend 20 years later
The Duchess of Edinburgh has proved that statement gold earrings are a timeless jewellery essential as her pair from 2004 are right on trend
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's chunky gold earrings she wore in 2004 are right on trend 20 years later
The Duchess of Edinburgh has proved that statement gold earrings are a timeless jewellery essential as her pair from 2004 are right on trend
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s voluminous golden ponytail is the spring/summer up-do that we’re recreating
The Duchess of Edinburgh pulls off a ponytail in such an elegant way and it's a style that can see you through from day to night
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's statement accessory is a key part of her signature style and she'll probably bring it back again this Easter
The Duchess of Edinburgh loves going bold with one type of accessory and Easter could give us a glimpse at another spectacular design
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's selfless sacrifice left Queen Elizabeth 'so fond of her' - and Kate's been 'careful' to do the same
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess of Wales have both made the same sacrifice as senior royals and it's reportedly part of their 'success'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's crisp white Puma trainers are a year-round style essential - and they have £40 off today
The Duchess of Edinburgh's white Pumas are yet another pair of royal-approved trainers we love
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Duchess Sophie's sage green painted walls and creamy kitchen cabinets at Bagshot Park provide a cosy cottage-core feel
The Duchess of Edinburgh once gave a rare glimpse inside her Bagshot Park kitchen
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Duchess Sophie's standout stripes and ultra wide-leg trousers are the easy spring staples we're shopping
Duchess Sophie combined vibrant stripes with wide-leg trousers to create a winning spring style combination
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie just wore Kate Middleton's 'safe bet' wardrobe staple
Duchess Sophie stepped out for a day of engagements wearing one of the Princess of Wales's go-to style staples
By Emma Shacklock Published