Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has become one of the Royal Family’s “brightest stars”, following her meteoric rise within the Firm, an expert has said. The Duchess, 58, has become increasingly visible since she took up the Duchy alongside her husband Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, having received a host of new patronages. A commentator has claimed she is now King Charles III’s “secret weapon” after having charmed her way into the top ranks.

Speaking to OK! Magazine Jennie Bond, a former royal correspondent for the BBC, said the royal is becoming an increasingly integral member of the senior working ranks.

She said that other family members appear to have “really taken her into their hearts” especially following her displays of “obvious grief” following Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II’d deaths.

The now-Duchess was one of her late mother-in-law’s closest confidants and was visibly grief-stricken after she died.

She appeared tearful when she emerged from Balmoral for the first time following news of the late Monarch’s death and crouched next to a pile of floral dedications.

She seemed similarly distraught when speaking to the BBC about Prince Philip’s death last year, breaking down in tears mid-interview.

Ms Bond said her closeness with the other royals was “so much more than a bond” and “looked like a deep affection for her in-laws”.

Her support for her in-laws has helped her mesh with the other members, but it is the Duchess’ “common touch” that gives her an edge as a rising star.

She said: “She has a common touch – perhaps because she lived a normal life before marrying Prince Edward.”

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“She connects with the people she meets and looks as if she really wants to chat.

“Sophie is absolutely one of the new female stars of the show – elegant, engaging and empathetic.”

The Duchess, alongside her husband, has dozens of patronages and positions and enthusiastically appears at official royal outings.

Her most recent official appearance was a visit to the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice in Guildford last week.

She met with staff, volunteers and service users during the outing on Wednesday, June 7.

After a brief introduction, she joined an arts and crafts activity, and made a plaster relief using natural resources.

The organisation also presented her with a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II created by the service’s users.

She also helped plant trees in the hospice’s garden.

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