Underrated royal finally 'getting attention they deserve' ahead of milestone celebration

There are a number of exciting milestones coming up for the Royal Family in 2025 - and one taking place this month. The Duchess of Edinburgh has rightfully climbed the ranks and has become one of the most popular working royals who backs difficult causes which previously received very little global attention. As Sophie prepares to celebrate her 60th birthday on 20 January, a leading expert speaks about why Prince Edward will be feeling under pressure.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively told OK!: "I’m so pleased that Sophie is now getting the recognition she so richly deserves. She’s been quietly working away, tackling difficult issues, for so many years - always happy to operate under the radar and without a fuss."

As for how Prince Edward will be feeling ahead of his wife's special day, Jennie tells us: "I think her husband will be determined to make a fuss of her this year, as she turns 60: still an elegant and very beautiful woman. Sophie paid an emotional and very loving public tribute to Edward when he was 60, so he has a lot to live up to if he’s going to compete with that!"

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Not only is Prince Edward the only one of Queen Elizabeth II’s four children not to be divorced, but he has managed to find a wife with the strength of character to thrive in the Royal Family, while using her immense platform to benefit others.

Speaking at a celebration in March last year, Sophie took the opportunity to give a heartfelt speech to mark her husband’s 60th birthday in which she called him "the best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and still is my best friend.”

Prompting Edward to wipe away tears, Sophie said: “Like my father-in-law, my husband never seeks compliments for himself. So when acknowledgement has come his way, it has always been a total surprise to him, which is why I am grateful for this chance to, for once, be able to publicly celebrate and compliment him. So here’s to you, my darling Edward, and may I, along with all your family and so many friends and many others, wish you the happiest of birthdays.”

As for the Duchess's plans for 2025, Jennie adds: "Meanwhile, I think she will carry on with her challenging work, playing an important role in the firm. Her goals, I think, will be to see real progress in her various campaigns, such as stopping violence against women in conflict and also helping the visually impaired at home and abroad."

Then, referring to Sophie's upcoming milestone on 20 January, the expert concludes: "60 is quite young these days, so I don’t think we have to worry too much about Edward and Sophie taking on a heavier workload. But the working royals are spread thinly now... and that’s something that we’ll just have to get used to - until the younger generation are old enough to join The Firm”.

In recent years, The Duchess of Edinburgh has proved herself as an engaging and empathetic senior member of the Royal Family - with many referring to her as King Charles’ ‘secret weapon’.

When the Duchess is not carrying out ceremonial duties, her main charitable areas of interest include supporting young people with disabilities, eradicating avoidable blindness, agriculture, fashion and the prevention of sexual violence in areas of conflict.

Away from the spotlight, she and Prince Edward live at Bagshot Park in Surrey with their two children, Lady Louise Windsor, 21, and James, Earl of Wessex, 17.