Who Is Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Forfar? Details on the Royal Fashion Icon

Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Forfar, is widely known for her killer fashion choices. (Along with Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, of course.) But who is the 57-year-old royal? And when did she gain her royal title?

Keep reading for a brief refresher on Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Forfar.

1. Who Is Sophie, Countess Of Wessex and Forfar?

Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

She’s the wife of Prince Edward (aka the Earl of Wessex and Forfar), who is the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Sophie was born in Oxford and went on to study at West Kent College. After school, she worked as a publicist before opening her own public relations agency, which she co-ran for five years. Brains and beauty? Check.

2. How Did She Meet Prince Edward?

Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

The couple met in the summer of 1993 at a tennis event, where they immediately hit it off. If only we’d be so lucky to spot a royal in the wild…

3. When Did They Get Married?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

After announcing their engagement in January 1999, Sophie and Edward tied the knot in June that same year at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. (It’s the same venue as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s May 2018 wedding.)

4. When Did Sophie Inherit the 'Countess Of Wessex and Forfar' Title?

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

On their wedding day, Queen Elizabeth announced that she was giving Prince Edward the “Earl of Wessex” title. This meant that Sophie would automatically become the Countess of Wessex when she married the royal.

When Queen Elizabeth passed away in September 2022, Sophie’s title changed from “Countess of Wessex” to “Countess of Wessex and Forfar.”

5. How Was Her Relationship with the Queen?

Kirsty O'Connor/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Very close, actually. The Countess of Wessex even had a special nickname for her mother-in-law: “Mama.”

“Mama, when I have returned from my travels, I have been so proud to share with you the work I have witnessed being carried out under the umbrella of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and the care of so many people working so hard to save and cure sight,” she said during a speech.

6. What Is Her Style Like?

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Sophie has been giving Middleton and Markle a run for their money. From chic fascinators to tailored jackets, the Countess of Wessex has established herself as one of our favorite royal fashion icons.

7. Does She Have Any Children?

Ben Stansall/Getty Images

Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Forfar shares two children with Prince Edward: Lady Louise (18) and James, Viscount Severn (14), who have no idea how lucky they are.

Listen to ‘Royally Obsessed,’ the Podcast for People Who Love the Royal Family