The Queen wishes Sophie Wessex a happy birthday with adorable photo

The Queen has wished Sophie Wessex a happy birthday by posting an adorable photo of the Countess with one of her biggest passions—puppies. 

• The Queen has celebrated Sophie Wessex's birthday by sending the royal icon an adorable photo with a sweet message. 
• Prince Edward's wife, formerly known as the Countess of Wessex, turns 57 today. 
• In other royal news, Prince Andrew's Twitter and Youtube deleted after Queen strips royal privileges.
  

The Queen has issued a sweet message to the Countess of Wessex, in celebration of the royal icon's 57th birthday. 

Sophie, who has been married to Prince Edward since 1999, was honored by the 95-year-old monarch today (20 January) with a heartwarming photo of her performing one of her many charitable roles. It's understood that the Queen has long had a strong relationship with her youngest daughter-in-law, having reportedly always admired the Countess' 'unfussy' work ethic as a senior royal. 

In the adorable snap, a smiling Sophie is seen cuddling a black labrador puppy during a visit to the Guide Dogs National Centre in Leamington Spa last year. 

The Countess has been a proud patron of the charity since July 2021, having taken over the role from the Queen's cousin, Princess Alexandra. 

In November, she was invited to the center to observe how its dogs were being trained to assist individuals with visual impairments. It wasn't long before the mother-of-two, who has a couple of dogs of her own at Bagshot Park, was fawning over the gorgeous pups—and even letting them lick her royal chin. 

While it's unclear how Sophie plans to celebrate her 57th birthday, it's likely she'll be spending the special occasion at her country estate in Surrey with her husband and their 14-year-old son, James, Viscount Severn. 

The couple's eldest child, Lady Louise Windsor, is currently boarding at St Mary's School Ascot, meaning she may not be able to travel home for the festivities. The 18-year-old is also busy studying for her A-levels, so there might not be much room in her schedule for weekday parties. 

Last year, Sophie marked her 56th birthday by joining a virtual webinar hosted by the Center for Women, Peace, and Security. The industrious royal is the patron of over 70 charities and organizations, whilst simultaneously making time to parent her two teenage kids. It's been reported that her visibility in the Royal Family will continue to increase in the near future, as the Queen—who will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee next month—relies more on its younger members to represent the Crown in her older age.