Sophie Wessex reveals Prince Edward’s secret skill as he follows in Prince Philip’s footsteps

Sophie Wessex reportedly shared that Prince Edward is 'very good' at this family tradition

Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward visit Forfar Golf Club
(Image credit: Photo by Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Sophie Wessex has reportedly revealed that Prince Edward has a particular skill he likes to showcase for their children—and his late father Prince Philip would be proud.  


Sophie Wessex has supposedly shared a heart-warming insight into her life with Prince Edward as she shared he has followed in Prince Philip’s footsteps with one special talent. The Earl and Countess of Wessex have been happily married for 22 years and share two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, who are the youngest of the Queen’s grandchildren. The family reside at Bagshot Park in Surrey, though they are known to frequently spend time in Scotland and Norfolk, visiting the Queen as she stays at Balmoral Castle and Sandringham

This year the Queen has made her first solo trip to Balmoral since the death of Prince Philip. As in previous years, it’s thought that the Wessexes might well join her during her summer break. 

And if they do, it seems Prince Edward could possibly pay tribute to his late father by showcasing his cooking skills.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex attend the start of Sophie, Countess of Wessex's Diamond Challenge cycle ride

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

As reported by Express.co.uk, Sophie Wessex has previously revealed that her royal husband enjoys cooking, reportedly declaring, “He is very good at barbecues, and the children love those.”

She also went on to praise Prince Edward’s approach to parenthood, explaining, “He takes our son fishing, does a lot of riding with our daughter, he is very engaged as a father."

The Earl of Wessex’s supposed skill with barbecues and spending time in nature is made all the more meaningful given his own father’s love of outdoor cooking. Throughout the Queen’s 73 year marriage to Prince Philip, he showed his prowess on the grill during their relaxing Balmoral summer breaks.

Prince Philip grills with Princess Anne

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Opening up to Marie Claire, former royal chef Darren McGrady previously claimed that the Duke of Edinburgh would often come and discuss the food options ahead of him taking to the barbecue. 

"Philip would cook out on the grill. He'd come down to the kitchens and discuss what food we'd have: 'Do we have any salmon that any of the family have caught? The Queen's been picking strawberries with Princess Margaret, let's have those for dinner'," Darren explained.

Whilst the Queen and Prince Philip’s grandson Prince Harry referenced the Duke’s expert grilling skills in a heartfelt tribute to the “legend of banter” after his passing in April. 

In his moving statement, Harry declared, “He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke.

Prince Harry and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attend the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Pool/Indigo/Getty Images)

“But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ‘til the end," he continued.   

Prince Edward’s reported skill at barbecuing for his own children, Prince Harry’s cousins, could be seen as a wonderful reflection of his incredible bond with Prince Philip. Just as the Duke of Edinburgh made a name for himself as the “master of the barbecue” in the Royal Family, now Prince Edward seems to be continuing this wonderful tradition.

Emma Shacklock

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!