Amidst a new crisis, the Palace announces a critical job given to Duchess Sophie

 

King Charles, who has become increasingly reliant on the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, got a flood of bad news on Thursday.

Duchess Sophie has frequently been referred to as the monarch's "secret weapon" while the royal family faces enormous issues.

As the senior members were preparing to reconvene for the King's Foundation's annual award presentation, Charles learned of the fatal shooting at a school in Graz, Austria.

Just hours after the King's announcement, it was announced that a London-bound airplane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, killing 169 Indian people, 53 UK nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and a crew of 12.

As the royal family dealt with the shock of the tragedy, the Palace depended on Duchess Sophie to go on with her obligations as a statement announcing her newest engagement was made.

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"Earlier this week, the Duchess of Edinburgh paid a visit to Northamptonshire. "During the visit," the Palace said.

"Her Royal Highness: commemorated the 350th anniversary of Northampton's Great Fire and subsequent reconstruction. She also met students from a nearby school who had developed artwork inspired by the fire," it added.

"Celebrated the tenth anniversary of Blackthorn Good Neighbours Nursery, which is administered by the charity Growing Together Northampton.

"Visited @NorthamptonBikePark, a mountain bike facility which helps to tackle inequalities in local communities by encouraging children and adults to become active."

Sophie has emerged as the most prominent royal since King Charles took to the throne in 2022. After the queen was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, and Kate Middleton had also sought solitude following her own cancer diagnosis, the Duchess of Edinburgh rose to the occasion.

She continues to play an important part in the monarchy, and it is predicted that she, along with Prince Edward, will have a significant role in Prince William's rule when he becomes king.