Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s PDA withKing Charles thisCommonwealth Day did not go unnoticed – but their close bond has been on display before.
It was a brief moment, but before the service at Westminster Abbey began earlier this week, Sophie, 58,playfully shoulder-bumped the King, 74, with a meaningful grin.
According to body language expert Judi James, it was an ‘ice-breaking gesture’ ahead of the formal service – with Charles appearing “slightly impatient-looking”.
But, despite the fleeting nature of the act, it spoke volumes for the sweet bond Charles shares with his sister-in-law Sophie.
The new Duchess of Edinburgh has been a member of theRoyal Family for almost 25 years after marryingPrince Edward at St George’s Chapel Windsor on June 19 1999.
Since then, she has become a stalwart of The Firm – building a close bond with the lateQueen Elizabeth II.
And it appears that closeness is a feature of Sophie’s relationship with the new King too.
Last year at Royal Ascot, for example, they were seen sharing a joke – with body language expert Ms James saying their sweet bond was evident.
She toldThe Mirror at the time: “Sophie tends to get on with most of the royals and appears to be trusted at a very high level. She and Charles are seen roaring with laughter here and when Charles moves in to kiss her as they greet she seems to perform a rather cheeky facial expression, suggesting they are close friends.
"Sophie’s open-mouthed smile involves a rounding and a raising of the cheeks, making it look genuine and Charles’s face is wreathed in creases that suggest good humour in her company."
Sophie’s position in The Firm has become increasingly important sincePrince Harry andMeghan Markle decided tostep back from senior royal duties in 2020.
She played a poignant role in the aftermath ofPrince Philip’s death in 2021 – giving a televised tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s late husband.
In recent years, Sophie has chosen to highlight challenging issues – such as in 2019, when she publicly committed herself to supporting the UK’s work helping victims of rape, sexual violence and exploitation in war.
The Duchess was born Sophie Rhys-Jones and, likeKate Middleton, hails from a middle-class background, with her parents sending her to private schools.
Sophie, who once worked for Capital Radio, and Edward were brought together by a mutual passion for the ancient sport of real tennis and romance blossomed between them.
The couple went on to have two children, Lady Louise Windsor, 19, and 15-year-old James, Viscount Severn.
After marrying in 1999, however, problems arose when Sophie tried to combine her life as a royal with her professional career.
She was caught in a ‘fake sheikh’ sting and accused of trying to use her status to promote her public relations business.
It led to a lengthy inquiry into how working royals should be regulated and Sophie and Edward later stepped down from their individual careers to become full-time royals.
Today Sophie is patron of more than 70 charities and organisations, with interests including agriculture, fashion, supporting people with disabilities, and the prevention of avoidable blindness in developing countries.
Her new title was revealed last week after it was announced husband Prince Edward had beenmade Duke of Edinburgh by the King – honouring the wishes of the late Queen and Prince Philip.
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