The Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex are both working members of the Royal Family. As such, Edward and Sophie complete royal engagements on behalf of the Queen, who right now is resting on doctor's orders. In the Queen's absence, Sophie and Edward have been busy with diary events this week

       According to the Court Circular, which lists royal engagements, Edward had an engagement for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation on Tuesday.

       Edward is Chairman of the Board of Trustees, following in the footsteps of his late father Prince Philip, who established the awards.

       The Earl of Wessex took part in a video call for an International Council Meeting, while Sophie was out in Guildford, Surrey.

       Sophie visited the Halow Project in Guildford Pavilion and was received by Commander Susan Lochner RN, Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey.

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       She then made another visit to the Changing Perceptions for the Meath Epilepsy Charity in Godalming.

       Sophie has kept a busy diary of royal engagements in recent years, and she also volunteered frequently during the UK lockdowns.

       Since joining the Royal Family in 1999, Sophie is thought to have become a firm favourite with her mother-in-law, the Queen.

       A palace aide told the Daily Mail in 2016: "She talks to Sophie in the way she used to talk to Princess Margaret.

       "Sophie has filled a terrible gap in the Queen's life that was left when her sister and the Queen Mother died in 2002."

       And according to reports, Sophie is also known to "cherish" her relationship with the Queen.

       A royal source told the Mirror earlier this year: "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.”

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       The Queen has missed several royal engagements in recent weeks following advice from her doctors to rest.

       And Buckingham Palace announced recently that the Queen will rest at her Windsor Castle home until at least November 14.

       The Countess of Wessex could be of great support to the monarch while she recuperates.

       Sophie and her family live at Bagshot Park, which is just a short drive away from Windsor Castle.

       And the Queen could perhaps be involved in the celebrations for her youngest granddaughter, Lady Louise Windsor, who turns 18 on November 8.

       While the Queen has cancelled all royal engagements, she is believed to be in good spirits in her Berkshire home.

       Earlier this week, the Queen was pictured driving around her Windsor estate enjoying her leisure time.