In an unexpected turn of events within the royal family, Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh is on track to take the crown as the hardest-working royal, traditionally held by Princess Anne.
This month alone, Sophie has astounded onlookers with her dedication, clocking in an impressive 38 royal engagements.
In stark contrast, Princess Anne has managed only 18 appearances during the same period.
As the numbers speak for themselves, it’s clear that Sophie is not just stepping up; she’s leaping ahead.
Her commitment to royal duties this September marks a significant increase compared to last year, where she had fewer than half the engagements.
Meanwhile, Princess Anne, who has long been regarded as the most industrious member of the royal family, has seen a decline in her activity levels.
From 20 planned engagements listed in the court circular, she has completed just 13 so far this month.
Sources close to the royal family have dubbed Sophie, 59, as the firm’s “secret weapon.” Her readiness to fill in for other royals during their absences has proven invaluable.
With both the Princess of Wales and King Charles occupied elsewhere, Sophie has stepped into a more prominent role, showcasing her ability to handle increased responsibilities.
The shift in dynamics can also be attributed to Princess Anne’s recent health challenges.
After enduring treatment for undisclosed cancers, she faced a setback following a horse-related accident at her country estate, which resulted in a serious head injury.
Although she has been gradually returning to public life, the impact of these incidents has understandably limited her engagements.
Despite these hurdles, the 74-year-old Princess Anne hasn’t lost her touch.
She recently garnered praise for representing King Charles at a poignant ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands.
Her resilience shines through as she continues to make appearances, albeit at a reduced pace.
Meanwhile, Duchess Sophie has been busy expanding her royal commitments both at home and abroad.
Just last week, she visited several organizations in Surrey, including the Hale Community Centre and the Maine Chance Animal Sanctuary.
Her 38th engagement of the month took place at Domaine Evermond winery, further solidifying her reputation as a hands-on royal.
Sophie’s international efforts are equally commendable.
Last year, she made history as the first princess to visit Baghdad, Iraq, and she recently traveled to Tanzania to raise awareness about trachoma, a preventable disease that can lead to blindness.
Her relentless work ethic has not gone unnoticed; in 2023, she ranked as the fourth most active royal, completing 114 engagements.
For context, her husband, Prince Edward, managed 144 engagements last year, while King Charles led the pack with 197.
Princess Anne, despite her recent challenges, still attended 212 formal events in 2023, but her current trajectory suggests a potential shift in the royal workload.
Looking ahead, Sophie and Edward are gearing up for a busy schedule in Malta next month.
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