Overview
- Sophie and Prince Edward carried out a four-day diplomatic visit to Japan last week, including engagements in Tokyo and at Expo 2025 in Osaka to reinforce UK–Japan ties.
- Coverage highlights Sophie’s close friendship with Princess Catherine, with the duchess seen offering quiet support during the princess’s return to public events late last year.
- Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond characterizes Sophie as a mentor to Catherine who understands the unique pressures of senior royal life.
- Sources indicate Sophie is expected to take a significant supporting role when Prince William becomes king, reflecting a smaller pool of working royals.
- Her expanded brief includes representing the King at the Srebrenica 30th anniversary and advocacy trips to Ukraine and Iraq focused on survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, reinforcing her reputation as a reliable “safe pair of hands.”