Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 56, and Prince Edward, 57, have been dubbed the Royal Family's "rising stars" after stepping up in the wake of Megxit. The couple are known to be close to Queen Elizabeth II, 95, and are also in Scotland during Holyrood Week, which this year falls amid growing calls for another Independence Referendum.

       While the Queen usually travels to Scotland alone for the week-long visit every summer, this year she has been bolstered by younger members of the monarchy.

       Her grandson Prince William, 39, joined her for the first day of the tour on Monday and Sophie and Edward have been carrying out separate engagements elsewhere in Scotland.

       Their presence seems to indicate the British Government's wish to strengthen Scotland's ties with the crown amid mounting calls for another independence vote.

       On Monday Sophie and Edward who are known as the Earl and Countess of Forfar in Scotland carried out a number of engagements in Forfar and Angus.

       READ MORE: Sophie Wessex and Edward 'part of bid to save Union' in Scotland

       On Tuesday, they were in Edinburgh where the Queen is staying at Holyroodhouse.

       Photos of the Wessexes in the Scottish capital on Tuesday were shared by the Queen's official Twitter account.

       The first tweet read: "Today, The Earl and Countess of Wessex and Forfar carried out engagements in Edinburgh.

       Their Royal Highnesses first visited St James Quarter, the new retail and leisure centre which will transform the city’s east end."

       A follow-up tweet added: "Later in the day, The Earl and Countess took a stroll along the Royal Mile, where they stepped into some of the shops to hear how they have been impacted by the pandemic.

       "The Countess visited Clam Shell before Their Royal Highnesses greeted members of the public."

       Sophie and Edward are a hit with royal fans and many were quick to praise them on Twitter.

       Reacting to their latest engagements one fan gushed: "The Countess of Wessex is splendid-so natural and pretty, inside and out! Very happy to see more of her!"

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       Another put: "Superb. That's how it's done being ROYAL and supporting the Queen and the country."

       A third chimed in: "Great addition to #royalweek."

       And a fourth wrote: "Delightful couple."

       While dozens of others commented with hearts and smiley emojis.

       On Tuesday the Queen hosted Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at Holyroodhouse.

       While their conversation was confidential they are thought likely to have discussed the SNP's bid for a second independence referendum.

       Prince William was back in England on Tuesday night and stepped out with his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, 39, and son Prince George, seven, to watch England beat Germany at Wembley.

       He will join his brother Prince Harry, 36, at Kensington Palace tomorrow to unveil a new statue of their late mother Princess Diana at Kensington Palace.

       Harry travelled back to the UK especially for the engagement but it is not known whether he will get the chance to see the Queen while he is in Britain.

       Tensions between the Firm and the Sussexes have been running high since the couple's interview with Oprah Winfrey and there are hopes tomorrow's reunion could be a chance for the brothers to publically reconcile.