MORE: Royal family members pictured for first time after Queen's death - all the photos. I told her that I have two children at the school and she also asked about the percussion rooms. Sophie celebrated turning 56 on January . I can reveal that David Rhys-Jones has trained as an undertaker and now works at a funeral parlour in East Sussex. DISTRAUGHT Sophie Wessex was being comforted by Prince Edward last night after her mother died from stomach cancer. "They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it's highly unlikely.". Sophie lived in a four bedroom home in Brenchley, Kent, which is known for also being home to English cricketer Richard Philpott. "And he was full of praise for the way that it had been handled and how quick and easy and simple the whole process was. The. It was very quick then and I got to speak to her for longer this time, which was lovely. Countess Sophie of Wessex, the wife of Queen Elizabeth II's youngest son, Prince Edward, was one of her mother-in-law's closest confidantes. The mother-of-two has an older bother named David. He said:"My grandparents have had the vaccine and I'm very proud of them for doing that. Compared to other royals, the Wessexes lead a relatively quiet life in Berkshire. Prince Edward's wife Sophie Wessex was age 34 when she moved out of her family home, and that was to move straight into her marital home Bagshot Park in Surrey in 1999. Sophie Countess of Wessex: She is a descendant of King Henry IV of England, Queen was told NOT to wear hat to Sophie, Countess of Wessex wedding, Queen visits Balmoral with Prince Edward and Sophie, Sophie, Countess of Wessex: A look at the career of Sophie Rhys-Jones. She was born in Oxford and attended a private day school for girls after which she attended secretarial college. She has been described by her son as the Royal Familys secret weapon and may have praised how she has taken to royal life. Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! She is married to Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, the youngest sibling of King Charles III . James, Viscount Severn is largely kept out of the spotlight by his parents. The Countess of Wessex, 56, and her husband Prince Edward, 57, live just 11 miles. While former PR guru Sophie was a royal outsider before she tied the knot with Edward she comes from royal stock. They are understood to have stepped up royal duties in the wake of Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys withdrawal. Sophie Wessex wades into Megxit row, Royals admit they had 'lengthy chat' with Harry after Philip funeral, Queen kept busy with relentless job after Prince Philips death. RELATED:Why Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex will never give up 30m royal home. Princess Kate and Duchess Sophie join Charles for first Commonwealth Day service as King - best photos, King Charles's exchange with Duchess Sophie has royal fans all saying the same thing, Sophie Wessex: Confusion over 'curtsy' to Meghan Markle following new title. It was really scary!" But when their engagement was announced in 1999, she and her husband said: "We have always enjoyed Prince Edward's company and feel that they make a wonderful couple.". Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. And when her busy diary did not allow her to visit in person, she made sure she spoke to the Queen by phone daily. MORE: Holly Willoughby shares rare glimpse inside son Chester's room - look at all those toys! Moneybags philanthropist Dame Vivien Duffield knows how to throw a party. Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is advising me on how best to treat my blighted box hedges as her husband, Prince Edward, pours from an elegant black and white china teapot . Express. In a speech delivered at the National Federation of Womens Institutes annual meeting, the Queen's daughter-in-law touched on how her mother' early death has affected her. Now Sophie Countess of Wessex is a mum to two children. Mrs Rhys-Jones, a charity worker and former secretary, lived with husband Christopher, 72, in the Kent village of Benenden. WATCH: The Countess of Wessex: Everything you need to know about Sophie. MORE: Prince Edward and Sophie react to Prince Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview, Speaking to The Telegraph, Sophie said: "She's loved it, it's really pushed her into doing things that shes had to schedule into her routine. The monarch chatted and shook hands with Sophie's dad, who was present at the engagement as a former pupil of the school. Sophie celebrated her birthday on Wednesday 20 January, and found out in the days before that her father, Christopher Rhys-Jones, had the call up to get his vaccine against COVID-19. A title held by someone who becomes monarch is said to merge with the Crown and ceases to exist, so can be recreated. Sophie's decision to open up on private health matters comes a few days after the Queen decided to reveal she and Prince Philip had been vaccinated against Covid-19. It is thought, however, that James will attend the Queen's funeral, which will be held at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19th September. This is the kind of thing that really ticks the boxes for her. Sophie and Prince Edward are the second youngest working royal couple after Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge. Sophie,. A palace source gave further details about the royals' vaccination, saying the jabs had been administered by a household doctor at Windsor Castle, where the elderly royals are self-isolating. His business failure came six years after the Countesss former PR company, RJH Public Relations, also folded. She married Sophie's father Christopher Rhys-Jones and they went on to have a son and a daughter. Henry was the first English ruler since the Norman Conquest whose mother tongue was English rather than French. , updated In keeping with the Letters Patent issued when George VI gave Philip the title in 1947, the Prince of Wales, as the Dukes eldest son, inherits the title the Duke of Edinburgh. By They added: "To prevent inaccuracies and further speculation, Her Majesty decided that she would let it be known she has had the vaccination.". As pressure builds on minor royals to pay their way, the Countess of Wessexs brother has seen his own career take a grave turn. Sign up to our newsletter to get all of our celebrity, royal and lifestyle news delivered directly to your inbox. Monday, 1st May 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. READ: Touching moment Prince William helps Queen Consort during King Charles III's proclamation, MORE: Queen Elizabeth II's loving message to son Charles revealed. The Queen shakes hands with Sophie's dad Christopher, "I had first met the Queen many years ago in 2002 at the Jubilee Concert," said Caroline afterwards. The Countess of Wessex shares her pain of grief following mother's death, James recently became the new Earl of Wessex. Sharing that grief in public may well have felt like too much pressure for the young teenager. Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward's royal family record revealed! The Queen remarked that the flowers "match my dress", with Alice later admitting that she was "a bit nervous" but that the Queen was "really nice". You never know, his firm might end up doing the honours for members of the Royal Family.. Why James, Viscount Severn isn't on family trip but sister Lady Louise Windsor is. WATCH: Sophie Wessex shares joy that her father has received his COVID-19 vaccine Her mother passed away in August 2005 at the age of 71, when Sophie's daughter Lady Louise Windsor was. Her untimely death came when Sophie's daughter Lady Louise was not yet two years old. Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 55, married the Queens youngest son Prince Edward, 56, in 1999 and has since become a much-loved member of the British Royal Family. Offering royal fans a rare insight into her personal life, the wife of Prince Edward explained: "To this day, I miss her very much and there are moments where I hear some music she loved or I do something I know she'd have wanted to hear about, which makes her early departure very hard. A Buckingham Palace aide said: "The countess was very close to her mother and this is a very sad time. 01:07 BST 19 Sep 2016 Holly Willoughby shares rare glimpse inside son Chester's room - look at all those toys! It also offers woollen caskets with organic cotton interior lining made by Hainsworth & Sons, who hold a Royal Warrant. magazine. She is the only daughter of the man who was an importer of industrial tyres and rubber goods. Lady Louise is in the Girlguides, and is a keen equestrian, excelling at carriage driving. Former racecourse commentator Rhys-Jones, 53, who declines to comment on his unlikely career move, used to be a publican but his hostelry, The Royal Oak, at Brookland in Kent, called last orders in 2012 with debts of more than 100,000. ", Get our daily royal round-up direct to your inbox. Sophie Wessexs older brother is learning his trade at the family firm C. Waterhouse & Sons in Burwash. Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex are still . The Queen bumps into Sophie Wessex's dad on visit to Somerset see the photo, The Demise Honours are given out following the death of a significant royal, The Prince of Wales is on a two-day trip to the country, The crowning of King Charles III will take place on 6 May, The King delivered a speech at the Commonwealth Day service last Monday, James recently became the new Earl of Wessex. It is well-known that The Earl and Countess of Wessex shared an incredibly close bond with The Queen before her death at the age of 96 on September 8. She's quite a committed person anyway. Sophie Wessex was visibly upset today as she stepped out of Balmoral for the first time since it was announced the Queen has died. The decision to give Edward the title was taken in recognition of his work with, and commitment to, the Duke of Edinburghs Award programme of which he is a trustee, as well as chairman ofThe Duke of Edinburghs International Award. said Sam. Rhys-Jones, whose father was a tyre salesman, is close to Sophie, and their relationship survived a hiccup after she married into the Royal Family when he cashed in on his connections by selling photos of his sons christening to Hello! Prime Minister Liz Truss was informed about the monarch's death at 4 . Where is Heidi Klum's model daughter Leni living instead of $9.8m Bel-Air family mansion. James is just 14 years old and no doubt still coming to terms with the loss of his beloved grandmother. Yes, I have, she whispers. "I had a wonderful birthday present yesterday, it was an early birthday present, because my father received the vaccine. The ceremony took place in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Bespoke bikini designer Melissa Odabash, whose creations are worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, is asked if she has seen her clients naked during fitting sessions. She was born into a middle-class family. This decision marked a huge break with royal protocol, with Buckingham Palace rarely commenting on personal matters. Something went wrong, please try again later. Sophie became known as the Countess of Wessex when she married Prince Edward. Rachel Avery Homes Editor. Sophie Countess of Wessex: Parents revealed - Prince Edward wife has royal blood. Lady Louise accompanied her parents on the walkabout. Brenchley village is located near Royal Tunbridge Wells, and is renowned for its Tudor cottages and farmhouses, much like that of the Rhys-Jones family. "There had been a lot of musicians in the line-up but when I said I'd met her, she did show some recognition. "Whether you are general practitioner nurses or whether you are healthcare assistants, we all know how much this whole pandemic has put on you. "And I know that that wouldn't be happening without the care and attention of the nurses out in general surgeries. In one room, Sam Innes, 18, in the upper sixth, was with his piano teacher. The couple live in a sprawling mansion in Bagshot Park, 11 miles from Windsor. Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward united with other members of the royal family over the weekend as they stopped to view tributes to the Queen outside Balmoral . Share this: Monday, 1st May 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! The Countess of Wessex has opened up about her personal heartache over the death of her mother more than 15 years ago, saying she "missed out on so much". Their relationship became so close that Sophie touchingly began referring to the Queen as "mama". We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Sophie and Edward have unveiled much of the interiors during the coronavirus pandemic while they have been working from home, showing that it has a suitably grand design with hand-carved wooden walls, high ceilings and ornate furniture including glass kitchen cupboards showcasing a large selection of fine china. The house is a Grade II-listed 17th-century farmhouse with traditional thatched roofs, and four bedrooms inside. Mary, whose family was originally from Ireland, worked as a part-time secretary and was involved in charity work. Prices are competitive and start at 2,000 for an affordable send-off. While former PR guru Sophie. Sophie and Edward live at the royal residence of Bagshot Park in Surrey. Sophie had an especially close bond with her mother-in-law and looked visibly upset as she arrived with her husband at Balmoral last week. Philips great-great-uncle, Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, fourth child and second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was also a Duke of Edinburgh in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was sold by Sophie's parents in 2001 for 600,000, and is now believed to be worth approximately 1million. "Her Royal Highness this morning attended the Lincolnshire General Practice Nursing and Healthcare Assistant Conference via video link.". SOPHIE, Countess of Wessex, has given a rare glimpse into her family's touching afternoons with the Queen. 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Sophie shared a sweet insight into the 17-year-old as she fondly spoke about how participating in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award has "broadened her horizons". Rooms cost up to 1,750 per night. The Countess of Wessex revealed during the emotional chat she was "just so happy" her 89-year-old father,Christopher Rhys-Jones, had received the jab against Covid-19. SEE: Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward's stunning home in Surrey will blow your mind, Homestead Farmhouse was her family home and it is located in Brenchley, Kent and is believed to be worth 1million. In a previous interview, Sophie said she and Edward have raised their children as normal as they could within the royal setting. Sophie, 56, was flanked by her children Lady Louise Windsor, 17, and . Why Lady Louise Windsor has missed out on new royal title - unlike brother James. They also have a son, Sophie's older brother David. Sophie is said to be a favourite of the Queen and is praised for her no-fuss approach to royal duties. Now, the Countess and Earl live at Bagshot Park with their two children James Viscount Severn and Lady Louise. DON'T MISSSophie Wessex praised for really important work breaking down taboo [REACTION]Lady Louise Windsor: Sophie reveals daughter's grief at Philip loss [ANALYSIS]Sophie Wessex and Edward open up on lockdown visits to Queen & Philip [INSIGHT]. Her mother was Mary, who passed away in 2005, was a charity worker. Her father, Christopher Bournes Rhys-Jones (born 1931), is a retired sales director for an importer of industrial tyres and rubber goods. Despite being a day fit for celebrations, the Countess carried out several engagements via video link, as reported by the Court Circular, which registers the work by senior royals. But in terms of confidence, its given her a huge amount. Who is Sophie Countess of Wessexs daughter Lady Louise? Recorded under January 20, the Court Circular read: "Today is the Anniversary of the Birthday of The Countess of Wessex. The Wessexes' son James Viscount Severn was not born until two years after Sophie lost her mother. The Queen was given a tour of the music facility by headmaster Ian Wilmshurst. The monarch chatted and. On the one hand there's no reason why she shouldn't be accepted because he's divorced and she's divorced, but then again you've got issues of the monarch . However, Prince Edward is reported to have rejected the title and asked to go by Wessex instead as he admired the Wessex character in Shakespeare in Love. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. "She has missed out on so much, and I'm particularly sad that she hasn't seen my children grow up or seen how my work has grown and developed," she added. Sophie, 40, was at her side as she died peacefully in hospital on Sunday. Outside, the home also has its own private stables which are leased out. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Her mum, Mary Rhys-Jones, passed away in August 2005 at the age of 71. Sophie had an incredibly close relationship with the Queen. Prince Edward and Sophie's half-term plans with Lady Louise and James revealed? "It's really important that everyone gets their vaccine.". Mary's family hailed from Ireland, where her relations made their living as farmers and shopkeepers.