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10 photos showing the Countess of Wessex's unbreakable bond with her late mother-in-law the Queen

Prince Edward and Sophie married in 1999

sophie wessex the queen close
Sharnaz Shahid
Deputy Online Editor
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Over the past week, we have seen the Countess of Wessex stricken with grief as she mourns the loss of the Queen. There's no denying the 57-year-old formed a very close bond with her mother-in-law. She was welcomed into the royal family after tying the knot to Prince Edward back in 1999, and the couple have since welcomed two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.

MORE: Sophie Wessex's touching nod to the Queen that you might have missed

Since then, royal watchers have noticed how the monarch has formed a special attachment to Sophie – this was proved when the former PR revealed the affectionate nickname she calls her husband's mother during a reception at Buckingham Palace back in October 2019. In her touching speech, Sophie addressed the Queen as "Mama".

WATCH: HELLO!'s royal editor Emily Nash discusses plans following the Queen's passing

The royal, who is often described as "the Queen's favourite," has gone from being a supporting player in the royal family to becoming a more prominent fixture. She has been praised for her commitment to public service, her support to the Queen and to her husband Prince Edward.

GALLERY: 8 photos that prove just how close Kate Middleton and the Countess of Wessex are

MORE: Buckingham Palace release touching photo of 'heartbroken' Prince Harry with the Queen

sunday service the queen sophie wessex© Photo: Getty Images

Here, the pair are pictured at Sunday service at Sandringham back in 2006. Take a look at the rest of our favourite pictures of the two together...

MORE: Princess Kate discreetly curtsies to the Queen during final journey - watch

Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church

the queen sophie wessex christmas© Photo: Getty Images

The Queen was seen engaging in a jovial conversation with her daughter-in-law after they attended the annual Christmas Day service in 2008.

MORE: Why Countess Sophie and Prince Edward didn't pick London for their wedding - unlike the royal's siblings

The Armed Forces Parade and Muster

queen sophie armed forces© Photo: Getty Images

The pair appeared to be in great spirits as they stopped for a chat during the Armed Forces Parade and Muster in May 2012. Over 2,500 troops took part in the Diamond Jubilee Muster in Home Park.

Reception to celebrate the patronages of the Earl and Countess of Wessex

sophie edward queen© Photo: Getty Images

In 2015, the Queen hosted a reception to celebrate the patronages and affiliations of the Earl and Countess of Wessex at Buckingham Palace – a pretty special honour for the pair!

Royal Ascot 2019

sophie wessex the queen zara tindall royal ascot 2019© Photo: Getty Images

Photographers captured this sweet moment between the Queen, Sophie and the monarch's granddaughter, Zara Tindall, as they attended Royal Ascot in 2019. We'd love to know what they were giggling about!

MORE: The Countess of Wessex said the sweetest thing about Prince Edward at their engagement announcement

Christmas 2019

sophie wessex the queen church 2019© Photo: Getty Images

The Countess accompanied the Queen to church in Sandringham during the festive period in December 2019. Her Majesty usually invites her family to spend Christmas with her at her Norfolk abode.

Royal Windsor Horse Show

sophie kisses queen© Photo: Getty Images

A few days later, Sophie joined Her Majesty at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Upon seeing each other, the pair embraced one another with a sweet kiss on the cheek. The two women share a passion for military history and a love of horses. They are often spotted riding together at weekends in the magnificent grounds of Windsor Park.

MORE: A look back at all the iconic royal wedding kisses through the years

Centenary meeting of the National Federation of Women's Institute

queen cuts cake sophie laughs© Photo: Getty Images

The Countess of Wessex was seen laughing as she watched the Queen cut a Women's Institute Celebrating 100 Years cake at the Centenary Annual Meeting of The National Federation of Women's Institute at the Royal Albert Hall in June 2015.

READ: A closer look into the Queen's close bond with Meghan Markle

Royal Ascot

sophie queen royal ascot© Photo: Getty Images

The duo were again seen sharing a lovely exchange as they mingled with guests at Royal Ascot in 2016.

Ceremony Of The Keys

sophie queen final© Photo: Getty Images

Their final engagement together, the Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Queen Elizabeth at The Ceremony of the Keys on the forecourt of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 27 June.

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