AS SHE PREPARES FOR A BUSY YEAR OF ENGAGEMENTS THE DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH HOW SOPHIE'S CHARM AND EASY MANNER HAS MADE HER ONE OF THE ROYAL FAMILY'S MOST VALUED MEMBERS

'You know she's not putting on a façade, she's not putting on a front. The warmth that comes from her is clearly natural and authentic'

- EMILY NASH

With her daughter Lady Louise Windsor now settled at the University of St Andrews and son the Earl of Wessex midway through his teenage years, the Duchess of Edinburgh has reached a time where she can focus more on her passions and interests.

Sophie, who turns 59 on Saturday 20 January, has been a loyal and hard-working member of the royal family for nearly a quarter of a century.

Last year, she carried out 179 engagements in the UK and across the globe to support her brother-in-law the King and the more than 70 charities and organisations of which she is patron.

HELLO! also understands that this year, the Duchess is looking forward to working more with her patronages, meeting communities across the country and recognising those who support people with disabilities and promote opportunities for young people.

Her birthday week itself sees her visiting Katherine Low Settlement in Battersea, London, which works to reduce poverty and isolation and is celebrating its centenary.

Meanwhile, in June, she will celebrate 25 years of marriage to the Duke, who himself turns 60 on 10 March, giving the couple a great deal to look forward to.

COMMITTED TO SERVICE

But what is it that makes her such a stalwart of the royal family?

Like the Princess of Wales, with whom she can often be seen sharing a joke at family and sporting events, Sophie is widely admired for her caring, down-to-earth personality and easy ability to connect with others.

She was also close to Elizabeth II, who, with her dedication to duty, was her ultimate royal role model. And she is fully committed to her royal work, even if it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.