Sophie Wessex has ‘very big shoes to fill’ as Queen announces her prestigious new role

Sophie Wessex’s new role has seen her take over from a major royal figure and fans have taken a trip down memory lane…

Sophie Wessex's new role announced, seen here as she opens the new Jigsaw Hub
(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Sophie Wessex now has “very big shoes to fill” according to fans who were quick to express their excitement as the Queen announced her prestigious new role.


As a member of the extended Royal Family, the Countess of Wessex has long held a huge number of important roles and royal patronages. Now she has added to that number with a significant appointment as the Queen announced her daughter-in-law will take over one of Prince Philip’s former positions. 

The late Duke of Edinburgh had a keen interest in engineering throughout his life, something that has previously been commented on by his and the Queen’s children. And for over 50 years he was the proud Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME).

Now this hugely prestigious role has been taken over by Sophie Wessex, almost a year after the Duke of Edinburgh passed away at Windsor Castle leaving her devastated. 

The announcement was made by the Queen via the Royal Family’s official social media accounts as they remarked that the position previously combined Prince Philip’s fascination with engineering and “enduring support of the Armed Forces”. To mark her new role Sophie received REME’s Master General, Colonel and Corps Adjutant on March 30th. 

The delighted Countess opted for a stunning plum-toned maxi dress and elegant gold necklace as she was pictured alongside her distinguished guests. Whilst the history behind the role couldn’t have been clearer as they also shared a sweet snap of a beaming Prince Philip surrounded by servicemen. 

Fans were quick to remark upon the transfer of this role from the Duke to his daughter-in-law as they remarked upon the “big shoes” Sophie has to fill. 

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (L), Colonel-in-Chief, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) speaks to a soldier

(Image credit: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

“The Countess of Wessex has some very big shoes to fill. But, she will do so with dignity and grace”, one fan declared, reflecting on the legacy of Prince Philip and Sophie rising to the challenge of his former role. 

“Wow Sophie Wessex looks absolutely gorgeous 😍 I’m so happy for her , she took over the role of prince Philip 😢 so well deserved 👏❤️🙌”, a second person commented.

Meanwhile someone else expressed their belief that her late father-in-law would have been thrilled by the appointment, stating, “Well deserved the duke would be delighted”.

“Yay, Sophie! Love seeing her representing the family’s legacy with pride and commitment. 🙌”, a fellow fan shared. 

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Sophie, Countess of Wessex wait for the start of the Epsom Derby

(Image credit: Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images)

The Countess is understood to have been incredibly close with the Duke and Prince Philip and Sophie’s special connection has often attracted the attention of fans and commentators. 

Royal expert Ingrid Seward previously told The Times that he would’ve been pleased to see Sophie Wessex in the spotlight taking on more responsibilities.

"It’s what Prince Philip would have wanted, and now he is gone, doing what he would have wanted keeps his memory alive,” she claimed. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!