Why Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward are the Queen's 'favourites'

Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward are thought to be royal favourites.

• Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward are expected to bubble up with the Queen and Prince Philip for Christmas, according to a royal source.
• This seemingly confirms that they are 'favourites' of the Queen's.
• In other royal news, The Queen received a very unique gift on her wedding anniversary.

Why are Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward the Queen's 'favourites?'

Prince Edward is the only one of the Queen's children not to have divorced.

His lasting marriage to Sophie is said to be a great comfort to the Queen, who holds dedication and longevity in high-esteem.

The couple has two children, Lady Louise Windsor, 17, and James, Viscount Severn, 13. Their eldest spends much of her time away from their Bagshot mansion, studying at the private all girl's school, St Mary's Ascot. As a boarding pupil in the sixth form, Lady Louise Windsor's school is a major part of her life. James, on the other hand, spends a lot more time with his parents. The young teen is enrolled as a day pupil at St. George's, which is just a short drive from his luxurious Surrey home. 

Sophie and Edward are both working royals and The Countess is often praised for her royal duties.

Royal journalist and author Robert Jobson previously 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.”

Now, a royal source has said that The Countess and Prince Edward will join the Queen for Christmas.

They said: "Prince Edward and his family will be one of the two in her bubble."