Sophie, Countess of Wessex, married Prince Edward on 19 June 1999 and they have been together ever since. The pair have two children together, Lady Louise Windsor, 15, and James Viscount Severn, 11. Although they are both working members of the Royal Family, they have managed to keep a low-profile during their relationship. Sophie is thought of having a close relationship with the Queen which could help strengthen her relationship with Prince Edward.
Sophie and Edward first met in 1987 and it wasn’t until 1993 that they officially began dating.
On 6 January 1999, the couple announced their engagement and they married just a few months later at Windsor Castle.
The couple often step out on behalf of the Queen to perform their royal duties and Sophie has mingled with many members of the Royal Family.
Unlike other royal couples before them, the pair have stood the test of time, which could be down to her close relationship with the her mother-in-law.
In fact, many people believe Sophie could be the Queen’s favourite, which is likely to bring Prince Edward closer to his wife.
Royal brides often pick out tiaras from the royal collection, however Sophie wore a design which was reportedly commissioned by the Queen as a gift.
This gesture could have meant the Queen was already showing her affection towards Sophie and it also seems like the Countess kept the tiara, as she has worn it again since.
Sophie and the Queen have bonded over a number of interests which they have in common.
They both have a love of horses and have been spotted riding together around the grounds of Windsor Castle.
The pair are said to share a passion for military history and the Queen will even turn up unannounced to visit Sophie and Edward.
With the royal women being so close, Edward and Sophie are likely to have a stronger relationship because of it.
When Sophie began dating Prince Edward, the couple did something to protect their privacy which has since been copied by other royals.
Edward released a statement to the press to ask for the privacy of Sophie, and they have lived a fairly quiet life since.
When Prince William was dating Kate Middleton, he released a similar statement in the hopes of protecting her privacy.
Both royals have tried to keep their private lives separate from their work.