Why Duchess Sophie Could Land a "Major Role" When Prince William Becomes King

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh might be getting a royal promotion once Prince William becomes king. According to a new report from Express U.K., the royal has been tipped to land a "major role" in the monarchy once William takes the throne. And while the specific role has yet to be disclosed, it will likely be more public-facing than she's had in the past. 

Speaking with The Sunday Times, a royal insider noted the particularly close bond Prince William shares with his aunt Sophie and uncle Edward. "They [the Waleses and the Edinburghs] get on very well," the source said, adding that William will be "eager for his aunt and uncle to play a more prominent role in public life."

Meanwhile, royal expert Jennie Bond shared a similar sentiment while speaking with The Mirror. "At just sixty, she is a relatively young member of the senior royals," she said. "So I am sure there will be a major role for her in the future, and King William will be leaning heavily on both Sophie and Edward to support the monarchy in all it does in the future."

She continued, "By any measure, Sophie has proved herself to be a major asset to the Royal Family, and William would be foolish to ignore the value she brings. She is dignified and elegant, and yet still the same Sophie she was when she met Edward: unpretentious, generous and with a natural charm."

Bond explained that Sophie, who is ranked as the fourth hardest working royal, has been behind-the-scenes for way too long. "She has worked below the radar for many years, neither expecting nor receiving the publicity she deserves," she said. "Recently though, with the slimmed down Royal Family, the public have come to recognize how important the Duchess is to the work of the monarchy."

The news comes less than a week after it was reported that William also has "big plans" for the Edinburgh's two children, Lady Louise Windsor, 21, and James, Earl of Wessex, 17, after he ascends the throne. According to the New York Post, William has begun "seizing more power" from Charles and is "putting his foot down on several key decisions," which includes giving "some lesser-known royals more of a spotlight."

Like their parents, Louise and James have mostly flown under the radar despite their royal status. But if they choose to accept William's offer, expect to see a lot more of them. "Should they accept the role, the duo will begin receiving public funding, which in turn would mean they will have to start undertaking public-facing engagements and events to represent the Crown," the New York Post wrote.

Read the original article on InStyle