Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward may have the privilege of being the Monarch’s favourite relatives. According to a royal author, the couple make sure Her Majesty has company after family gatherings and holidays.

       Robert Jobson told the Telegraph: "[The Countess] is probably the best example of an outsider coming into the family and learning on the job.

       “She’s very much the Queen’s favourite, and you’ll notice that whenever there is a family holiday or gathering, Sophie and Edward often stay a while longer than the rest.”

       Sophie joined the Royal Family after she married Prince Edward in June 1999.

       Earlier this year the Countess showed her support for the Queen when Prince Philip died by being one of the first royals to break their silence.

       The Countess told those grieving at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor that the Duke of Edinburgh died “gently”.

       She said: “You know it's going to happen but when it happens it's just this massive, massive hole.

       "It was so gentle, it was just like someone took him by the hand and off he went.

       "Very, very peaceful - and that's all you want with somebody isn't it?

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