More worldly than his wife, Philip felt Edward had taken a rational step, while the Queen saw it only in terms of family duty and royal reputation — which, by her logic, were one and the same. Here's what we know about her. The Earl and Countess have two children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn. For his 55th birthday, in 2019, Queen Elizabeth II gave Prince Edward a brand new title, but what does it mean for the rest of the family? Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward have been married for more than 20 years, Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward have stepped up their royal roles, Kate and Sophie Wessex step up for Queen to save Royal Family's rep, Sophie Wessex was sent a subtle message by her husband, Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward revealed Azalea is their favourite flower, Real reason Meghan Markle and Harry’s anniversary ignored by royals, Royal POLL: Do you think Kate and William have stepped up since Megxit, Sophie Wessex makes surprising comment about the Queen in interview, The Queen and Prince Philip attended the Chelsea Flower Show in 1949, Princess Anne can 'appear intimidating' proves 'age is just a number', Sophie, Countess of Wessex's special trait allowing her to 'shine', Sophie Wessex nickname: How royal earned this surprising nickname, The real reason Kate Middleton and William changed social media name, How to make Princess Diana's favourite bread and butter pudding, How Queen asked for pay rise as family 'couldn't manage', Sophie, Countess of Wessex on how she is 'closer' to Queen, The Royal Family’s ‘secret weapon’ after Meghan and Harry, Royal feud: How William and Edward's relationship turned sour. But after meeting again at a charity event in 1993, the two began a relationship soon afterwards, and their engagement was announced on January 6, 1999. The first day of Royal Ascot was the Queen's son Prince Edward and his wife's 19th wedding anniversary, but it was Meghan Markle who stole the show Does anyone know who Prince Edward really is? The Earl and Countess of Wessex named Azalea as their favourite bloom. The Countess also worked as a ski representative in Switzerland and spent a year travelling and working in Australia. Up until now Edward, and his wife Sophie, has been known as the Earl and Countess of Wessex, but from now on when carrying out royal engagements in Scotland, the pair shall be known as The Earl and Countess of Forfar - a nod to the Queen Mother’s heritage. Prince Edward was joined by wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and children Lady Louise and Viscount Severn Sophie, 54, cut an elegant figure in … READ MORE: Sophie Wessex nickname: How royal earned this surprising nickname. Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 55, was born Sophie Helen Rhys Jones on January 20, 1965, in Oxford to parents Christopher Bournes Rhys Jones and Mary. He was created prince of Wales in 1343. Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, are understood to be preparing to step up their royal work as the Queen stays in isolation amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Countess had to undergo an emergency caesarean section at Frimley Park Hospital, while the Earl of Wessex rushed back from Mauritius. Sharing the snaps, the Royal Family's Instagram account wrote: “The Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show is moving online for the first time. Asked who she thought could become King or Queen of … According to MyFlowerMeaning.com, the Azalea flower is usually considered to be a symbol of feminine beauty - which could be why Edward chose the flower to honour his wife. Ruthie dated Prince Edward on and off for five years and remains good friends with him, even attending his wedding to Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Touchingly, Sophie - who has an older brother David - was named after her father's sister Helen who died in a riding accident five years before her birth. Prince Edward with Princess Margaret and his wife, Sophie Wessex, 1994 Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images In the episode, Margaret is seen taking the news rather badly, longing for a sense of purpose. It's known that the … The Countess of Wessex does not have coronavirus but is currently self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who tested positive. Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 55, and Prince Edward, 56, have stepped up their royal roles recently and supported the Queen in promoting the values of … We pay for your stories! The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys Jones were married on June 19, 1999, at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle - the same location as Prince Harry and … Sophie then trained as a secretary at West Kent College, Tonbridge. Ruthie and Prince Edward dated in the 1990s (Image: EMPICS Entertainment) "So I learnt my lesson!" The website said: “A bouquet made of these flowers could be a great gift for your loved person. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. At the time, there was strife between Henry's supporters and those of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York , who had a claim to the throne and challenged the authority of Henry's officers of state. Prince Edward, 56, was asked how he, his wife Sophie and their two children were coping with the lockdown and whether they had any pets. On June 19, 1999, Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones (now Sophie, countess of Wessex), a public-relations consultant. order back issues and use the historic Daily Express "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Edward was born on 23 June 1894 at White Lodge, Richmond Park, on the outskirts of London during the reign of his great-grandmother Queen Victoria. WATCH: SOPHIE SLAMS CHARLES & CAMILLA IN SECRET RECORDINGS The popular flower show will be shown from Monday, May 18 to Saturday, May 24.⁣. Prince Edward and his wife Wallis Simpson (Duke and Duchess of Windsor) stayed married for life, so perhaps his sacrifice was not made in vain. Their engagement was announced on 6 January 1999. Prince Edward proposed to Sophie with a two-carat oval diamond flanked by two heart-shaped gemstones set in 18-carat white gold, and was made by the Royal jeweller Garrard & Co. While the Queen announced her favourite flower is Lily of the Valley - famous for appearing in royal wedding bouquets - her youngest son Edward gave his wife a sweet nod with his choice of plant. If this is to be believed, Edward sent his wife a subtle message with the choice of flower. Their intention to marry and her status as a divorcée caused … Sophie, the Countess of Wessex has been happily married to Prince Edward for the past 21 years. She then began a career in public relations, working for a variety of firms, including Capital Radio as well as public relations companies The Quentin Bell Organisation and MacLaurin Communications & Media. Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team?