In her first interviewsince 2001, the Countess of Wessex has opened up to Harper’s Bazaar UK about her relationship with her mother-in-law — Queen Elizabeth. Sophie Rhys-Jones, who married PrinceEdward in 1999, spoke candidly with the magazine ahead of her 50thbirthday on January 20.
Over the years, the royal haslearned many life lessons from the Queen. “It doesn’t matter how tired you are– carry on,” the Countess explained. “In the early days, I used to rush aroundas quickly as I could, but when you observe the Queen, she does things in sucha measured way, and I hope I’ve learnt to try not to bounce into the room, butdo things in a slightly more elegant way.”
Queen Elizabeth, 88, also has away of showing that every discussion matters. Sophie continued, “It’shard to make people feel that the conversation you’ve had with them wasworthwhile, but the Queen is very good at that – she makes everybody feel veryspecial.”
Lucky for Prince Edward’s wife and the mother of two, shehas often been described as “the Queen’s favorite,” as they both share apassion for horses and military history. They also have had “long andmeaningful talks” together throughout the time Sophie has been in the family.
We wonder what Queen Elizabeth willget her for her upcoming birthday.