While much attention has been on the more prominent members of the royal family, including Prince Harry and Meghan hosting the Invictus Games in Canada, and the Princess of Wales visiting the National Portrait Gallery, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have been quietly fulfilling their duties in Nepal. During a six-day trip to Kathmandu, Edward and Sophie planted magnolia trees and met with veterans and widows at the Gurkha Welfare Trust Centre, just as Edward’s parents, the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, had done in 1986. Reflecting on the trees planted by his parents, Edward noted with pride, “Gosh, they’ve done very, very well.”
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As Edward and Sophie’s marriage, which has lasted over 25 years, continues to thrive, the couple credits their enduring bond to humour and a healthy dose of competition. The pair first met in 1987 when Sophie was working for Capital Radio, and they began dating soon after. In January 1999, they got engaged and were married later that year. Their first dance at the wedding was reportedly to Sixpence None the Richer’s “Kiss Me,” and unlike many of his royal siblings, Edward has never divorced.
Speaking to The Times during their trip, the couple recalled a light-hearted moment during the tree planting ceremony. “There was a lot of banter going on,” Edward joked, explaining how they debated over who should plant the tree or the rhododendron. Sophie chimed in, laughing that they are always competitive, especially ahead of their upcoming trek to the mountain village of Ghandruk.
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Despite their low-key approach to royal life, both Edward and Sophie have remained supportive of one another, describing themselves as “best friends” and emphasising the importance of humour in their relationship. Their children, Lady Louise Windsor, 21, and James, the Earl of Wessex, 17, have also kept a relatively private profile. However, according to The Times, Prince William may plan to give the Duke and Duchess a more significant role when he becomes King, potentially increasing their responsibilities in the future.
