As King Charles calls on the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to take on a more prominent role, they display their dedication and devotion to duty
WORDS: REBECCA RUSSELL PHOTOS: GETTY, REX/SHUTTERSTOCK, PA
SHOW OF STRENGTH
They have rapidly become one of the royal family’s greatest assets and so it proved again last week when the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh stepped up to the plate and carried out a historic ceremony on behalf of King Charles.
And as Prince Edward, 60, and Sophie, 59, watched French soldiers parade before Buckingham Palace to mark 120 years of good relations between the two countries, they must have reflected that their rise has been many years in the making.
In the 13 months since Edward and Sophie were granted their new titles, their personal popularity and recognition within the royal family has skyrocketed as they are increasingly called on to represent the King at events while he focuses on his recovery.
Their latest outing, the first time a non-Commonwealth country has taken part in the Changing of the Guard ceremony, saw the couple walk past members of the 1st and 2nd Infantry regiments of the Garde Republicaine and then 40 guardsmen from F Company Scots Guards, who lined up opposite their French counterparts.
The event had an added significance for Prince Edward as it was announced later in the week that he had taken over the Colonelcy of the Scots Guards from The Duke of Kent, 88, who had held the position for an impressive 50 years. When the new role was revealed, Prince Edward – who is also the Colonel of the London Guards – said, “It is a distinct honour to be asked and entrusted by His Majesty to serve as the next Colonel. However, I accept with a degree of trepidation as I will undoubtedly be measured against the formidable record and reputation of my predecessor. I can only promise to do my best.”
“I’ve come to like and appreciate Edward and Sophie a great deal in recent years,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells OK!. “I remember covering their wedding and was impressed then that they opted for a much less stately occasion and asked guests not to worry about wearing hats. It seemed different and, since then, this obviously loved-up couple have faced quite a few ups and downs with a quiet fortitude.
“And now, finally, Edward and Sophie are being appreciated for the troupers they are. They deserve their life in the limelig
