The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, and Sophie, are joyfully celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.
On Wednesday, June 19th, Prince Edward, 60, and Sophie, 59, delighted royal fans by unveiling a new photograph taken by Chris Jelf. This heartwarming image captures the couple sharing a smile and holding hands while seated on outdoor steps adorned with flowers. It appears to belong to the same session as the earlier photo released on the eve of their special day.
“We are so grateful for the many kind and lovely messages we have received on our Silver Wedding Anniversary. Wishing everyone who is celebrating their own anniversaries a special day too,” read the image’s caption, which was signed “Edward & Sophie.”
Following their signature approach, the attached message bore their signatures, making the release even more personal. This gesture is familiar among royals, as Prince William and Kate Middleton often add their initials to personal posts.
The second surprise photo followed the release of a charming portrait on June 18th. In that first image, also taken by Chris Jelf in the gardens of Bagshot Park, Edward and Sophie are seen posing happily. This snap was taken on June 10th at their serene residence, about 10 miles south of Windsor.
Back in January 1999, after dating for five years, Prince Edward and Sophie announced their engagement and tied the knot in June at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. On their wedding day, Queen Elizabeth honored her youngest son with the title of the Earl of Wessex, making Sophie the Countess of Wessex.
The couple proudly welcomed two children, Lady Louise Windsor, who is now 20, and James, Earl of Wessex, 16. Last year, James inherited his father’s title. In March 2023, on Prince Edward’s 59th birthday, King Charles honored him with the Duke of Edinburgh title, previously held by his late father, Prince Philip. This title bestowed upon Sophie the corresponding Duchess title, linking her sentimentally to Queen Elizabeth, who was the Duchess of Edinburgh from 1947 until her accession in 1952.
In recent years, Prince Edward and Sophie have taken on more significant roles within the royal family. The number of active royals has decreased following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s move to the U.S. in 2020 and Prince Andrew’s withdrawal from public duties due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
This year, with King Charles and Princess Kate undergoing cancer treatments, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have stepped up to represent the monarchy more prominently.
On June 15th, the couple attended Trooping the Colour with their daughter, Lady Louise. Sophie was seen sharing a warm moment with her nephew, Prince William, as she gently placed her hand on his back during their retreat back into Buckingham Palace.
On June 17th, Sophie and Prince William shared another friendly interaction following the Order of the Garter service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The Prince of Wales traveled by carriage with Sophie and Edward, highlighting their close bond.
