Sophie's latest role comes amid being called the “royal family’s secret weapon,” royal commentator Afua Hagan told Us Weekly in April. “She really gets on with the job. She connects very well with people on these engagements, and she does a lot of them behind the scenes. Now, we’re seeing Prince Edward stepping out in his own way as well.”

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has been given a prominent new role as royal patron of Plan International, a global charity that supports children in some of the world’s poorest communities.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has secured a boost following the latest Royal Family announcement. On November 25, Plan International UK announced Sophie, 59, as its new royal patron, taking over a post that the late Prince Philip held from 2015 until 2018.