‘Emotional' to assume title once used by late Queen
She was formerly the Countess of Wessex, but became the Duchess of Edinburgh after the King handed her husband Edward, Charles' youngest brother, their late father's Duke of Edinburgh title on his 59th birthday in 2023.
This was in keeping with his parents' wishes and in recognition of Edward's commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award youth scheme.
The duchess told the paper that her change in title 'felt like quite a big moment' as the late Queen had previously held the same one.
She said: 'First of all it was quite large shoes to fill because not as many of the population alive today will remember but the Queen was Duchess of Edinburgh for the first few years when she and my father-in-law first married.
'For me, it was quite an emotional thing to sort of step into her shoes [as being Duchess of Edinburgh], it felt like quite a big moment.'
'But of course being practical my role and my husband's role is to support the King as it was to support the Queen and we are fortunate because we are able to not be in front and centre role, so it allows us the flexibility to explore our own interests and then also be available to do things like this where the King asked if I would represent him here, it so happens it also covering an area of interest personally for me too. But yes, we are there to support and that will continue.'
On being described as the royal family's secret weapon, Sophie said: 'I like to fly under the radar.
'It's all very well being a secret weapon but if no one knows, maybe it's too secret.'
'I suppose I should take it as a backhanded compliment,' she added.
'I don't see myself in a frontline position per se, that said admittedly there are fewer working members of the family these days so I suppose more and more I'm becoming less secretive.
'I just wonder what they are going to describe me as next.'
During the visit, Sophie met mothers of victims of the genocide and delivered a message from the King in which he said he was 'greatly saddened' not to be there in person, adding that he is 'most touched and grateful to be able to share these words as we pay our respects'.
More than 8,000 men and boys were killed on July 11 1995 by Bosnian Serb forces amid the break-up of the former Yugoslavia – Europe's worst atrocity since the Second World War.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Emmerdale fans predict tragic turn for Bear Wolf as he makes 'worrying' return
Bear made his return during tonight's episode of Emmerdale, as he debated sending an apology to his son Paddy - but will he ever send the text and will they come face-to-face? During tonight's episode of Emmerdale, fans saw Bear Wolf make his return to the ITV soap after making a brief exit from the Dales - as some predict a tragic turn. At the start of the month, the character drove away from the village during a secretive storyline which saw his personality change and him displaying concerning behaviour. Viewers had seen the character behaving angrily and aggressively, and then returning to his usual self as if nothing had happened. Before his exit, he told his son Paddy Kirk after yet another run-in that he was going to stay with a friend in Ireland. During tonight's episode, Paddy and Vinny could be seen having a chat as Paddy revealed his dad Bear hadn't been in touch. Vinny then told Paddy that his dad was probably protecting him - as Paddy responded: "It doesn't matter now, I don't need him and he doesn't need me. He'll be having the time of his life somewhere in Ireland now." The camera then panned to Bear in a field as he got into his messy car. He was then seen typing a text to Paddy, which read: "Paddy, I'm sorry," although he didn't appear to press send. As his return aired, fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter - as some aired their concerns for Bear, worried he may take his own life after writing out the message. Others were left confused, as one wrote: "I wonder what is wrong with him?" questioned one fan, as another exclaimed: "No Paddy, there is something wrong with Bear!!!!" A third penned: "So we didn't find out what's wrong with Bear then. Just seeing him alone and isolated in a field," as a fourth asked: "Is bear living in his car?" However, some fans think they'd worked out exactly where he'd gotten to, as one penned: "Is he in one of Moira's fields? I don't think that he's gone far at all." Previously talking to the Mirror about the storyline, actor Joshua Richards who plays the character said: "There's an element of confusion in Bear's thinking. I think he's lashing out because he feels vulnerable and a bit afraid,' he said. 'He's a man who, in the past, has been incredibly physically strong and has earned his living from being fit and healthy. And he can fight. He still has that capability," he explained of where Bear's head was at at the time. Speaking about what would happen when Bear returned, Joshua said: "I think it's going to be an excellent storyline to take on because I haven't seen anybody take it on before." *If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@ or visit their site to find your local branch
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Coronation Street fans say 'please no' as they 'figure out' sinister Gary twist
Coronation Street viewers are convinced something dark is on the way for Gary Windass after he returned from hospital this week, with some comments hinting at a new plot Fans of Coronation Street are convinced there's a new plot ahead for Garry Windass after a worrying scene. The character was left in a coma for two weeks after being attacked by Lou Michaelis amid a blackmail storyline. When he woke up, it emerged Lou had faked his identity and her own to stop his family finding out what had happened, trying to cover her tracks. Maria Connor eventually located her husband at the hospital and he's since been discharged. But scenes earlier this week left fans sure there was a sinister twist on the way. Other fans believed a mental health based storyline could be on the cards, after his past experiences with PTSD. Gary was speaking to Maria where he opened up to his wife about the impact of the attack. He then claimed he'd felt as though he'd been letting people walk all over him for too long. Maria shut the chat down though, and questioned who he meant, denying this was the case. READ MORE: Emmerdale Joe and Crowley's secret murder victim 'sealed' - and it's a past villager Gary was frustrated though and told Maria to forget it, fleeing. But it was clear it was weighing on his mind, and that he wasn't going to be the nice guy anymore - while he's still covering up the fact he killed Rick Neelan, caused the death of Rana Habeeb and his dodgy dealings led to the deadly siege that led to two deaths in 2019. While Gary has been on the right path of late with fans commenting on his dark secrets not coming to light, it seems Gary could be about to head back to his old ways. Viewers were sure "evil Gary" was looming, with fans saying "please no". Taking to social media one fan said: "Psycho Gary coming soon," as another posted: "Please no evil Gary again." A third fan commented the same saying: "Oooh evil Gary is coming back." A further post read: "I think it's shook him up a bit and he thinks he's not the tough guy he once was as he's settled down with nice wife, nice house etc. He'll be hard man Gary soon." Other fans believed the soap was headed for a PTSD storyline with the character, or perhaps anxiety after the attack. Gary has suffered with the condition in the past, with fans wondering if the attack would trigger it. A viewer questioned: "I wonder if Gary's PTSD is returning?" Another viewer agreed: "I can see Gary going to have PTSD after his attack," while a further post read: "Gary having an episode - stress anxiety?" Get the latest drama from the Dales by joining our Emmerdale WhatsApp group As drama continues to unfold in the Yorkshire Dales, the Mirror has launched its very own Emmerdale WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest breaking news, secrets, and spoilers delivered straight to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Katie Price could be homeless just months after selling Mucky Mansion
Despite claiming to earn a substantial income from her adult content subscription service and various brand partnerships, Katie has confessed to facing difficulties securing a guarantor for a new rental. Katie Price is facing the possibility of homelessness as she may need to vacate her rented accommodation. The ex-glamour model and television personality has previously been candid about her housing issues, having had to relinquish her 'Mucky Mansion' due to escalating debts. Currently, the 47 year old resides in a mock Tudor, four-bedroom house in Sussex, where she's been for the past eight months, paying approximately £5,000 per month in rent. However, Katie has recently discussed her future at this property, acknowledging that she's reached a turning point. Despite claiming to earn a substantial income from her adult content subscription service and various brand partnerships, Katie has confessed to facing difficulties securing a guarantor for a new rental. "I was supposed to have this place for about two years," she remarked about her present abode, before revealing: "The guy who owns it – such a nice guy – he let me have the place even though I didn't have a guarantor. "And I've been on time with all the payments, as you should, bills and everything. But now he wants to sell it." On her podcast, The Katie Price Show with sister Sophie, Katie elaborated: "It p****s me off. Some houses I look at, I can't get a guarantor. Some people don't earn money like me to be a guarantor," reports the Mirror. "One house I do want, the landlord wants six months' rent up front in case I miss a payment and he also wants a guarantor – even though I've got the best reference ever from this guy. It's so annoying. Because that guy has read the papers and that, I get judged on it. It's so annoying." Sophie tried to reassure Katie, pointing out: "Nowadays with renting they are asking for more, it is more competitive." But Katie, who has always been open about her difficulties, revealed: "The truth is people don't realise I got into all that bankruptcy stuff not because I didn't want to pay but because I had a breakdown." The television personality has faced bankruptcy twice - first in November 2019 and again in March 2024, with both cases subsequently discharged. Her previous residence, Mucky Mansion, which she bought in 2014 from Francis Maude, went on the market in December following her eviction over money problems. Earlier this month, Katie revealed she'd begun searching for fresh accommodation on Rightmove after learning her current landlord planned to sell up. She shared: "I've got to move house as the guy who owns it wants to sell the house now. So, I've got to go on the house hunt again. "I might go closer to the kids' school. I am gonna talk to the guy, he might let me stay there a bit longer but he might not." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Should she be unable to remain, Katie is keen to relocate nearer to her children's schools. In December, she eventually secured a buyer for Mucky Mansion after slashing the price twice. The property was initially on the market for £1.5 million, before being reduced to £1.35 million. However, the celebrity, who was ousted due to mortgage arrears, later dropped the price to £1.15 million. Unfortunately, she didn't receive any proceeds from the sale as it was used to settle her outstanding debts.
