Who Is Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh? Age, Biography and Wiki
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was born on January 20, 1965. As of 2025, she is 60 years old. Sophie was born Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones and became a member of the British royal family after her marriage to Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, in June 1999. Sophie initially worked in public relations before stepping into royal duties, where she has carved a niche in charity work, focusing on issues such as disabilities and supporting the community.
Occupation | Countess |
---|---|
Date of Birth | January 20, 1965 |
Age | 60 Years |
Birth Place | Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, England |
Horoscope | Capricorn |
Country | England |
Popularity
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, stands at an elegant height of approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and maintains a healthy weight of around 120 pounds (54 kg). Her body measurements are approximately 34-27-36, showcasing her poised figure that reflects her commitment to a balanced lifestyle.
Sophie, who was a Brownie as a child, became the new president of Girlguiding UK in 2003, following the death of Princess Margaret in February 2002, and remained in that position until 2024 when she became the organisation's patron subsequent to the Queen's death in 2022.
She established the Women in Business Group in 2003 to support the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and reach more young people to help them develop skills that can transform their futures. The Countess became president of the Brainwave Centre in 2003, a charity providing therapy for children with developmental delay.
In June 2003, she became patron of the Greater London Fund for the Blind, which raises funds for smaller charities for visually impaired people in London. In August 2003, the Countess received patronage of the National Autistic Society, passed down from the Princess Royal.
In 2004, she joined St John Ambulance as grand president, and heads the work of St John's County Presidents, who provide a variety of support for their local St John members. She was associated with ChildLine for many years, preceding her appointment as their first ever royal patron in 2005.
In 2006, she lent her support to the Born in Bradford research project, which investigated causes of low birth weight and infant mortality between 2007 and 2010. In September 2006, she was appointed an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. In the same year, she became patron of England Hockey.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Sophie is married to Prince Edward, and the couple has been together for over two decades. They share a loving relationship and have two children: Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn. Their marriage has stood the test of time, and they are often seen supporting each other in royal engagements and charitable initiatives. As of 2025, Sophie continues to enjoy a harmonious family life, nurturing her children while fulfilling her royal duties.
Sophie grew up in Brenchley, Kent, and later attended West Kent College, training as a secretary. She then worked in public relations, representing firms across the UK, Switzerland and Australia before opening her own agency in 1996. She met Edward in 1987 while working for Capital Radio; they began dating in 1993.
Their engagement was announced in January 1999, and they married on 19 June at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The couple have two children: Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex, who are respectively sixteenth and fifteenth in line to the British throne as of 2024.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has an estimated net worth of around £30 million. This substantial wealth stems from various investments, royal funding, and her ongoing charitable work. While exact figures for her salary remain private, it is understood that Sophie's earnings are complemented by her husband Prince Edward's income and their shared investments.
Career, Business and Investments
Sophie's career began in public relations, where she gained valuable experience before entering royal life. As a member of the royal family, she has taken on numerous prestigious roles, including patronage for several charitable organizations. In addition to her royal duties, Sophie has invested in several businesses, focusing primarily on charities and ventures that promote health, education, and social well-being.
In 2002, Sophie closed her business interests and began full-time work as a member of the royal family. She is the patron of over 70 charities and organisations, including Childline and the London College of Fashion. She undertakes over 200 engagements each year, including visits to schools, universities and military bases.
Her charity work primarily revolves around people with disabilities, women's rights, avoidable blindness and agriculture.
Social Network
Sophie is active on various social media platforms, engaging with the public and sharing insights into her royal duties and personal interests. While she retains a low profile compared to some other members of the royal family, she utilizes platforms like Instagram and Twitter to connect with followers and support her charitable causes.
Sophie has since been cited as an under-the-radar "stabilizing influence" and a "safe pair of hands". She has been said to have a low-key approach to royal engagements, and often drives herself to and from events.
Amanda Pullinger stated to Town and Country, "She actually presents herself as an ordinary person and I think that is increasingly what the royal family needs to do." She has also been noted for her long-term work on "gritty" subject matters such as gender-based violence in conflict, and trips to "difficult areas", such as South Sudan and Sierra Le
one.
The Countess's engagements gained significant attention from the public post-Megxit, with her charity work and style choices receiving increased commentary and analysis. Writer Ingrid Seward states that Sophie "is not a self-publicist....She looks good, without being over-the-top, and she's not craving celebrity.
You often wouldn't know she had carried out all those engagements."
Education
Sophie attended school at Kent College in Pembury, followed by the University of Exeter, where she graduated with a degree in 1986. Her education has provided her with a solid foundation for her career in public relations and her responsibilities within the royal family.
Rhys-Jones was raised in a four-bedroom 17th-century farmhouse in Brenchley, Kent. She began her education at Dulwich Preparatory School, before moving on to Kent College, Pembury, where she was friends with Sarah Sienesi, with whom she subsequently shared a flat in Fulham and who later became her lady-in-waiting. Rhys-Jones then trained as a secretary at West Kent College, Tonbridge.