THE Countess of Wessex has reportedly given the Queen “tremendous comfort” following Prince Philip’s death.
Sophie, married to Prince Edward, has supported the monarch since the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing on Friday, which left a “huge void” in her life.
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She was one of the first to visit the Queen following the announcement of Philip’s death.
The pair are thought to share a “special bond” – almost like mother and daughter.
Sources told The Mirror: “The Countess has been a tremendous source of comfort to the Queen.
“The Queen is very practical in making sure everyone is okay and despite her tremendous grief at the passing she is no different.
“Sophie cherishes her relationship with the Queen and not only appreciates her guidance and wisdom throughout her own life, she is very protective of her.
“Their bond is very like a mother and daughter and the feeling of love and respect is quite mutual. It is very special.”
At the weekend the countess tearfully described the Queen as “amazing”.
And speaking outside church on Sunday she said Her Majesty is “thinking of others before herself”.
The monarch has spent much of the pandemic isolated at Windsor Castle.
Sophie, Edward and their children Lady Louise, 17 and James, Viscount Severn, 13, have been regular visitors from their home at Bagshot Park, Surrey.
The pandemic has halted the Queen’s usual busy schedule of public engagements, instead bringing about a new kind of event.
She tried her hand at video calls for virtual events and knighted veteran NHS fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore in the grounds of Windsor in July.
One of her first engagements since the pandemic started, after returning to Windsor last October, was with Sophie Wessex.
The pair took part in a video chat with eye care specialists from around the world to mark World Sight Day.
The 56-year-old, whose mother Mary died in 2005, is said to be like another daughter to her.
Sophie’s packed schedule mirrors that of the Queen, carrying out hundreds of engagements both at home and abroad.
One royal source said: “Sophie takes her role within the family incredibly seriously but is tremendous fun, which is probably why the Queen and her get on so well.”
It was announced at the weekend the monarchy and their households would observe two weeks of royal mourning, with members of the family “continuing to undertake engagements appropriate to the circumstances,” a royal official said.
Princess Anne took part in her first official event since the death of her father, joining, via video-link, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s Spring Conference in her role as the organisation’s patron.
And the Queen returned to royal duties today – just four days after the death of Prince Philip.
She marked the retirement of her household’s most senior official for her first in-person event since the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing on Friday.
She will also attend the state opening of Parliament with son Prince Charles on May 11.
