Sophie Wessex wanted a 'bigger role in The Firm' it's claimed—but these senior members of the Royal Family took the limelight

• Sophie Wessex wanted a 'bigger role in The Firm' it's been claimed by a royal expert.
• The Countess of Wessex is said to have been overshadowed by senior royals which meant her work was often overlooked.
• In other royal news, ever wonder why isn't Lady Louise a Princess even though she's entitled to be?

Sophie Wessex is said to have wanted a 'bigger role in The Firm' but was overshadowed by senior royals, according to a royal expert. However, in the years since the lady of Bagshot Park has stepped into the limelight.

The Countess of Wessex, who is married to Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, has been hailed a 'rising star' who's carved out her own path in the years since. In doing so, she's proven herself to be a fantastic asset to The Firm.

Royal expert Phil Dampier has said 'rising star' Sophie's 'time has come', telling the Express (opens in new tab), "I think Sophie was always willing to take a bigger role, but she was overshadowed by more senior royals."

It comes after the Queen formed a 'New Firm' of eight senior royals, which includes, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Edward, the Countess of Wessex, Princess Anne, and the Queen.

The mother of two, to daughter Lady Louise and son James Viscount Severn, volunteered throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, which greatly endeared her to royal fans.

The Countess even kept up her work as many parts of life went back to normal, including meeting one fan whom she has continued to keep in touch with over the phone. Sophie Wessex's lockdown friend was left in tears after a long-awaited meeting that shows fans how personable the royal truly is.

It's clear that her popularity appears to have passed down to her daughter. In fact, some say that Lady Louise Windsor become the 'royal family's secret weapon' in recent years.

Phil admitted that he thinks Sophie has a bigger profile than that of her husband Edward, with whom she lives at their family home at Bagshot Park.

Sophie was at the forefront of the Royal Family's response to the global COVID-19 crisis, but doing her work in a quiet way, out of the spotlight.

Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty declared the Countess a 'royal key worker,' and added, "She is making a difference in a very understated, very "Sophie" way."

And others have praised her low-key approach.

"These are private visits done in her own private time. When she leaves our kitchens, she generally then goes on to do more projects in different hospitals," Peregrine Armstrong-Jones, of Bentley's Entertainment told PEOPLE magazine.

Meanwhile, Phil also admitted that Sophie would be a safe pair of hands to take over the responsibilities that can no longer be carried out by Harry, Meghan and Andrew.

He added, "She is very close to Her Majesty and is a favorite of hers."

The Countess was one of the first members of the family to speak publicly after the passing of her father-in-law. This would have meant a lot to him as Prince Philip and Sophie Wessex had a special connection and many are of the firm belief that Sophie Wessex being in the spotlight is what Prince Philip 'would have wanted'

Phil added, "I think she wants to do more and would happily step up to the plate and take over more duties if asked."