Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex greet well-wishers

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Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, and her husband Prince Edward, the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II, have shared their grief in a statement on Friday where they spoke of their “beloved mama”. Sophie, who was known as the Queen’s second daughter, was said to be extremely close to her mother-in-law and has been seen on the brink of tears in recent days. As she viewed tributes outside Balmoral last weekend, the Countess was seen kneeling down and looking red-eyed as she grieved the late monarch.

The Queen’s bond with Sophie had previously been described as a mother-daughter relationship filled with respect and love. As wife to the Queen’s youngest son Edward, Sophie isn’t a senior member of the family but is often described as their “secret weapon”.

Her Majesty invited Sophie to several church services personally and the pair were said to have watched old films together. 

After the death of Prince Philip, a royal source said Sophie has been a “tremendous source of comfort to the Queen”.

They added: “Sophie cherishes her relationship with the Queen and not only appreciates her guidance and wisdom throughout her own life, she is very protective of her.

“Their bond is very like a mother and daughter and the feeling of love and respect is quite mutual. It is very special.”

Prince Edward and Sophie has said the death of the Queen has left “an unimaginable void in all our lives” as they thanked the public for their support.

The Earl of Wessex said in a statement the Royal Family have been “overwhelmed by the tide of emotion that has engulfed us”, thanking the public “who have gone out of their way to express their own love, admiration and respect to such a very special and unique person who was always there for us”. 

Edward said “we are united in grief”, again thanking people for their support while adding:”You have no idea how much it means”.

He said in a statement: “As a family, we have grown up learning to share our parents, especially our beloved mama, with the nation, her realms and the Commonwealth. While it has been lovely to have spent time saying our own farewell privately at Balmoral, it is now time to allow others to be able to say their farewell.

“We have been overwhelmed by the tide of emotion that has engulfed us and the sheer number of people who have gone out of their way to express their own love, admiration and respect to such a very special and unique person who was always there for us.

“And now, we are there for her, united in grief. Thank you for your support, you have no idea how much it means.”

Prince Edward shares two children with Sophie – Lady Louise Windsor, 18, and James, Viscount Severn, 14. 

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The Earl of Wessex added the Queen’s death has “left an unimaginable void in all our lives”, before he paid another heartfelt tribute to the late monarch and ended his statement with: “Long live the King”. 

Edward concluded: “The Queen’s passing has left an unimaginable void in all our lives. Sophie and I have taken huge pleasure in seeing our James and Louise enjoying the places and activities that their grandparents loved so much.

“Given that my mama let us spend so much time with her, I think she also rather enjoyed watching those passions blossom. Those times together, those happy memories, have now become massively precious to each and every one of us.

“May God bless Her Majesty and may her memory be long cherished even as the baton she has carried for these past 70 years now passes to the next generation and to my brother, Charles. Long live the King.”

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