Overview

• Sean Smith’s forthcoming book, due July 17, discloses Sophie’s ectopic pregnancy in late 2001 and a critical placental abruption during Lady Louise’s birth in 2003
• Rapid intervention by Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance crews and hospital teams saved her life in both emergencies, with five pints of blood transfused in 2001 and nine pints in 2003
• Her personal trauma became the catalyst for long-term patronage of air ambulance services and advocacy for neonatal and blindness prevention organisations
• Since her engagement to Prince Edward in 1999, Sophie has earned a reputation as a reliable royal representative and was a particular favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II
• Her 2023 elevation to Duchess of Edinburgh coincided with an expansion of her public duties and support for more than 70 charitable causes