Sophie Wessex wouldn't let Prince Philip bully her, says author, who claims it was a 'relief' for the Queen
Sophie Wessex 'knew how to handle' Prince Philip, her late father-in-law, which Ingrid Seward credits with their closeness


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.
Thank you for signing up to Woman & Home. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Sophie Wessex wouldn't let Prince Philip 'bully' her, says author Ingrid Seward. Discussing their bond in her book, Prince Philip Revealed: A Man of His Century, she explains why the Queen was often concerned about female family members being able to 'handle' the Duke.
- In a passage, discussing their closeness, Ingrid reveals not only the secret behind their bond but the concerns that plagued the Queen.
- Prince Philip, who died aged 99 on April 9, 2021, didn't 'faze' his daughter-in-law one bit.
- In other royal news, Kate Beckinsale reveals the surprising Royal Family member she'd like to play
Sophie Wessex tribute to Prince Philip during a recent royal outing in Scotland, was an extra personal nod to their close bond. However, in the early days of their relationship, the Queen was worried it wouldn't be that way.
In her book, Prince Philip Revealed: A Man of His Century, author Ingrid Seward explains, “She got on very well with Philip. She knew how to handle him."
Sophie Wessex has been praised as an 'asset' to the Royal Family, with her charming demeanor, and ability to roll with the punches. Who could forget when Sophie Wessex was attacked by a wild animal? Or her incredibly rare trait that Sophie Wessex shares with Meghan Markle?
Talents, traits, and charm aside, to the Queen - she was a godsend. On the Countess' ability to get on with the Duke, Ingrid continues, “The Queen always found that a bit of a relief, if female members of the family knew how to handle Philip." Adding, “She made him laugh, and was not fazed by his abruptness. She would not let him bully her.”
Another factor, which is believed to have strengthened their bond was Lady Louise Windsor’s birth, as it marked a turning point for Prince Philip after a royal ‘snub’. So much so that the youngest female of the Queen's grandchildren was clearly his pride and joy.
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.

Aoife is an Irish journalist and writer with a background in creative writing, comedy, and TV production.
Formerly woman&home's junior news editor and a contributing writer at Bustle, her words can be found in the Metro, Huffpost, Delicious, Imperica and EVOKE.
Her poetry features in the Queer Life, Queer Love anthology.
Outside of work you might bump into her at a garden center, charity shop, yoga studio, lifting heavy weights, or (most likely) supping/eating some sort of delicious drink/meal.
-
-
Queen Camilla’s turquoise outfit showcases flair for mix-and-match styling as she brings back super chic taupe accessories in Bordeaux
Queen Camilla's turquoise outfit saw her revisit a tried and tested combination with some stunning neutral accessories
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Scarlett Johansson and Emma Watson just wore the same Prada bag in completely different ways - and we found a £20 alternative that looks identical
Amazon strikes again with the designer "dupes"
By Madeline Merinuk Published
-
The BBC presenter who almost stopped Sophie and Prince Edward meeting
Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward began dating in 1993 after a TV presenter's decision meant that the pair were forced together at an event
By Laura Harman Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s ice-blue midi dress has the most gorgeous print and her white wedges took it to a whole other level!
Duchess Sophie’s ice-blue midi dress is the perfect wardrobe staple for the summer/autumn transition and the shade is right on-trend
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie matches emerald green dress with her favourite go-to cream wedges
Duchess Sophie's emerald green dress at a recent engagement was a classic re-wear from the Duchess who showcased her go-to style
By Laura Harman Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s white oversized trouser suit and caramel-toned pointed toe boots couldn’t have been any more elegant if she tried!
Duchess Sophie’s white oversized trouser suit was a stunning choice for a visit to a royal fashion exhibition in 2005
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The sweet tradition Prince George, Princess Charlotte and their cousins might continue this year
The young royals could carry on a tradition that goes back to Prince Philip this summer
By Jack Slater Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s starfish earrings, sheer-sleeved cropped blouse and coral skirt is an outfit we want brought back this summer!
Duchess Sophie's starfish earrings and coral skirt made a statement when she attended Wimbledon back in 2016
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s flattering bob with swishy side parting is so chic it needs to make a comeback sometime soon!
Duchess Sophie's flattering bob in 2011 was a beautiful hairstyle for the senior royal and it looked especially fabulous for this special occasion
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s confident choice was once mirrored by Queen Elizabeth as they sent a message of royal power and renewal
Duchess Sophie's confident choice when it came to her royal style has age-old symbolism surrounding it and Queen Elizabeth went on echo it
By Emma Shacklock Published