Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has been part of the Royal Family since she married Prince Edward on 19th June 1999. The couple married in a ceremony at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle and they have had two children together since. She is often spotted carrying out royal duties on behalf of the Queen and this week she attended Royal Ascot 2019 alongside other members of her family. Sophie may be married to the Queen’s son who is also 11th in line to the throne, but she has still missed out on the title of Duchess.
Formally Sophie Rhys Jones, the Countess married into the family just months after they announced their engagement.
Four years later, the couple had their first child, Lady Louise Windsor, 15, and in 2007, their son was born, James, Viscount Severn, 11.
When Edward’s older brother, Prince Andrew, married Sarah Ferguson, both 59, she was given the title of the Duchess of York.
Kate Middleton, 37, married Sophie’s nephew, Prince William, 37, she also got Duchess status and became the Duchess of Cambridge.
However, Sophie missed out on the title of Duchess and Princess when she wed and this is apparently down to a choice made by Prince Edward.
When Prince Edward married, he took on the title of the Earl of Wessex, reportedly by request.
Sophie was then given her title based on being the wife of an Earl and not as the wife of a Prince.
This has also meant their children have missed out on Her Royal Highness status.
At the time of Sophie’s wedding, a statement was issued by Buckingham Palace which explained any children the pair had would be named as the children of an Earl and not as the grandchildren of the monarch.
This meant her children were not given Prince or Princess status either.
For Sophie or her children to be given new titles, the Queen would need to issue a letter patents to do this.
Although she does not have these titles, Sophie’s role within the family appears to be growing.
Recently, she became the first member of the Royal Family to ever travel to Lebanon.
While there, she met with UK-backed charities working to end sexual and gender violence.
For her wedding, she wore a stunning custom-made tiara and jewellery gifted to her by Prince Edward, which showed her commitment to the Royal Family.