How Sophie, Countess of Wessex has moved mountains behind the scenes in the royal family

Right from the start, Sophie was everything we know to be royal. Her stunning wedding to Edward in 1999 set the precedent for what was to come...

Shortly after welcoming their first child, Lady Louise Windsor, Sophie and Edward were pictured looking proud as punch as they formally introduced her in November 2003.

She certainly knows how to do a royal wedding like no other. Attending the nutpials of Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and Sofia Hellqvist in 2015, Sophie was a vision in a pale grey gown.

She's not shy to speak up when it's needed! Attending the Autumn Racing & CAMRA Beer Festival in 2015, Sophie cheered on animatedly from the sidelines.

As she attended a women's meeting with the Queen in 2015, Sophie couldn't hold back the giggles as she and Princess Anne helped her cut a cake.

Both Sophie and Duchess Catherine compliment each other perfectly. They attended the Annual Meeting of The National Federation Of Women's Institute at the Royal Albert Hall together in 2015.

Long before Duchess Catherine's Back to Nature garden, it was Sophie who was a prominent regular at the Chelsea Flower show. She's pictured here looking radiant at the event in 2018.

The Countess is very well travelled to boot. She did a whirlwind tour of India in early 2019 - here, she's pictured visiting a school in the South Asian country.

Ever the Queen's right-hand-woman, Sophie was there to celebrate the work of the Monarch on behalf of the Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust at Buckingham Palace in 2019.

Her family is refreshingly wholesome. Sophie and Edward have had two children - James, Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor. They were pictured together in a rare (albeit sweet!) moment while visiting Bristol Zoo in 2019.

Ever the forward thinker, Sophie made the most of the amended dress code at Royal Ascot in 2019 - she opted for a chic jumpsuit, which had previously been banned for women. A fashion icon if we ever saw one!

At the 2019 Wimbledon tournament, Sophie made the ultimate fashion statement. Wearing a stunning blue printed frock she accessorised with a bag with the phrase: "I'm not saying I am wonderwoman. I'm just saying that no one has ever seen me and wonderwoman in the same place."

A style icon for the ages, Sophie looked stunning as she attended a film premiere in Mayfair in early 2020. This green silk dress is what dreams are made of.

During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, Sophie joined forces with Duchess Catherine to shine a light on the incredible work being done by nurses on the frontline. She partook in several special video calls to nurses in Commonwealth countries across the globe.

As the UK came out of its strict lockdown, Sophie was pictured visiting a local pub, where she spoke to several guests about how they were going in the pandemic. Nothing like a yarn over a cold beer!

Sophie also visited a local farm, where she enjoyed some decent grub from a local food truck. And yep, she's just as grounded as anyone.

Sophie looked radiant on day two of the Royal Ascot in 2021, and we must say, lavender is so her colour!

The countess showed off her animal lover side in 2021!

Following the announcement of Prince Philip's death, Sophie, her husband and daughter attended a television interview at the Royal Chapel of All Saints.

The camera loves her! Sophie shone amongst the beauty found at the Queen's Green Canopy Garden in September 2021.

In 2022 she caught many a royal watcher's eye in her effortlessly elegant ensemble for a service of thanksgiving in honour of Prince Philip.

As usual, her beautiful bond with her children was on display for the solemn event.

Then there was a trip to the US, where she delighted locals with her down-to-earth nature and charm.

Her devotion to Prince Edward was obvious during their royal tour of the Caribbean in April.

In May Sophie delighted royal watchers by showing off her dance moves at a Tea Dance in Guernsey.