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Duchess Sophie praised for very touching gesture on coronation day

Fans have commended Sophie and Prince Edward

sophie wessex smile
Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
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The Duchess of Edinburgh is one of the most popular members of the royal family thanks to her years of quiet service and dedication.

She is consistently praised for her kind and thoughtful demeanour and the interest she shows in those she meets.

That generosity of spirit was evident once again at the weekend as Sophie took part in King Charles’s coronation celebrations.

Sophie and her husband, Prince Edward, appeared in one of the official coronation photographs, posing alongside the King and Queen and the other working members of the royal family.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are pictured with working members of the royal family in the fourth official portrait
King Charles and Queen Camilla were pictured with working members of the royal family in the fourth official portrait

Taken on Saturday 6 May by royal photographer Hugo Burnand in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, the resplendent image show His Majesty The King and Her Majesty Queen Camilla in full regalia.

They were joined by The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Kent, the Gloucesters and Princess Alexandra.

Princess Alexandra was the late Queen's cousin© Max Mumby/Indigo
Princess Alexandra was the late Queen's cousin

Royal fans were quick to examine the image – and spotted a very tender gesture from Sophie and her husband.

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The couple are seen discreetly supporting Princess Alexandra so that she can stand for the photograph.

The 86-year-old is still a working member of the royal family© WPA Pool
The 86-year-old is still a working member of the royal family

Alexandra, 86, is a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth and a working member of the Royal Family. She is patron or president of over 100 organisations which reflect her wide-ranging interests, from the arts to health care.

She also supported Queen Elizabeth in her duties as Head of State, attending ceremonial occasions alongside other members of the Royal Family.

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Taking to the comments section on The Royal family’s Instagram account, fans praised the caring couple.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attending the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service© Getty
Sophie and Edward were praised by fans

“The care that Sophie and Edward are taking over Princess Alexandra…,” one noted. A second agreed: “I just adore Sophie. She is just pure class, kindness, and elegance!"

“What a splendid photo. I love zooming in to see all the detail on all the outfits what a lot of hard work! I have no idea who the old lady is but wonderful to see she is supported by both the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Fabulous!” a third remarked.

Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex and Lady Louise© Getty
The couple arriving at the coronation ceremony with their children

A fourth stated: “Working royals unite! Seeing Alexandra and The Duke of Kent there as they were in '53 is very special.” And a fifth echoed: “Beautiful! So wonderful to see the Duke of Kent, Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra in the photo - the epitome of lifelong duty.”

It comes after fans got to see a very different side of Sophie during her attendance at the coronation concert on Sunday night.

Duchess Sophie was having a great time dancing to Lionel Ritchie© bbc
Duchess Sophie was having a great time dancing to Lionel Ritchie

She was spotted by cameras having a solo dance to 'All Night Long' by Lionel Richie - and viewers were quick to comment on how relatable she is, and praising her for "letting her hair down".

One wrote: "Good for Sophie Wessex actually looking like she's having a good time, like normal people look at a concert."

Peter Phillips was joined by his girlfriend, Lindsay Wallace© Getty
Sophie sat next to son James at the concert

"Wow Duchess Sophie of Wessex is some mover", a second commented.

sophie wessex waving at coronation concert© JONATHAN BRADY
The Duchess of Edinburgh looked lovely in a coral dress
Zara and Mike tindall greet Duchess Sophie at King Charles coronation concert
She spent time talking with Zara and Mike Tindall

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