Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 56, is married to Prince Edward, 57, and has been dubbed in the past as the ‘Royal Family’s secret weapon’. The Queen’s daughter-in-law is reported to be a favourite and is praised in royal circles for her low key, no-fuss approach to engagements. She has two children, Lady Louise Windsor, 18, and James, Viscount Severn, 14.
The Wessex family live out in Surrey in a 120-room mansion, Bagshot Park, just a stone’s throw away from Windsor Castle where the Queen spends most of her time.
While Sophie is less high profile than Kate Middleton, 39, she has a loyal band of followers who gush over her elegant outfits and glowing complexion.
Since marrying Prince Edward in 1999, Sophie has managed to maintain a great figure in the 22 years since. So how does she stay trim?
The Countess, like Kate, is said to stick to a strict exercise regime which includes running three miles a week and cycling.
While Sophie is less high profile than Kate Middleton, 39, she has a loyal band of followers who gush over her elegant outfits and glowing complexion.
READ MORE: Is London doing New Year’s Eve fireworks? Where else you can celebrate
Since marrying Prince Edward in 1999, Sophie has managed to maintain a great figure in the 22 years since. So how does she stay trim?
The Countess, like Kate, is said to stick to a strict exercise regime which includes running three miles a week and cycling.
According to reports Sophie has a £999 lightweight bike and enjoys long-distance cycling. She is also a fan of pilates and swims regularly.
Aside from her gruelling exercise regime Sophie is careful about what she eats and favours plant-based foods, an expert has claimed.
Lily Simpson, a nutritional expert and founder of The Detox Kitchen previously told Mail Online: “Sophie Wessex looks fabulous thanks to her beautiful glowing skin.
DON’T MISS:
“A diet of plant-based foods and lean protein has a huge impact on the appearance of skin, as does keeping well hydrated and getting proper sleep.”
Rosalind Chapman, founder of cosmeceutical brand Transformulas told Mail Online: “Sophie leads a very healthy lifestyle – she rides horses and runs regularly both of which help keep her body and skin in great condition.
“She also lives out in the country which means there is less exposure to the damage caused by pollution and free radicals.”
She added: “The tone and texture of her skin is beautiful which suggests she uses some sort of brightening serum.”
Sophie also stays healthy due to a near-tragedy that occurred in 2003.
In 2003, while pregnant with Lady Louise, the Countess of Wessex began to haemorrhage at Bagshot Park.
Alone, as Prince Edward was away with the Queen, she was airlifted to the nearby Frimley Park hospital semi-conscious.
Louise was born a month early weighing less than five pounds and went straight to intensive care.
Sophie lost nine pints of blood and spent 15 days in the hospital.
Today, the Countess reportedly eats very healthily, choosing healthy organic food.
She avoids bread, fried food, sugary puddings or pastries and consumes very little alcohol.
Instead, the Countess opts for smoothies, porridge, chicken, fish, salads, and vegetables.
During a rare and personal interview, Sophie revealed her children are particularly fond of their dad’s cooking.
She told The Start Magazine: “He is very good at barbecues, and the children love those.
“He takes our son fishing, does a lot of riding with our daughter, he is very engaged as a father.”