Prince William's big plans as King for Duchess Sophie revealed

Duchess Sophie has earned a reputation as a ‘secret weapon’ of the royal family for her hard work and international influence.

According to a report by The Times, via the Mirror, Kate Middleton and Prince William also "get on very well" with Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and her husband Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh.

The palace insider told the media outlet, Kate and William’s appreciation of Sophie and Edward may mean that, when William does eventually take the throne, both will be asked to play more prominent roles in representing the Firm.

Royal expert Ingrid Seward told the Times: "With Sophie, it’s not all about her. She was one of the first ‘outsiders’ who came into the royal family and realised it’s about all of ‘them’ working together as a team.

"She really gets that and doesn’t want praise heaped on her."

Royal expert Roya Nikkhah shared her report for the Times on X, formerly Twitter handle, and tweeted: “Sophie at 60: The “tough”, dutiful duchess with “backbone” and a bigger royal future. An “outsider” who Queen Elizabeth II adored, how has Sophie become the monarchy’s “proper asset” and secret weapon?”