Today, HRH The Countess of Wessex celebrates her fifty-fifth birthday.
Sophie's parents: Christopher and Mary Rhys-Jones
The Countess of Wessex with her father Christopher at the memorial service for her mother Mary (2005).
Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones was born on 20 January 1965 at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, United Kingdom. Sophie is the only daughter of Christopher Rhys-Jones (b.1931) and his late wife Mary (1933 - 2005; née O'Sullivan). Sophie's middle name was in honour of her paternal aunt Helen, who died in a horse riding accident in 1960. Sophie joined an older brother, David, who was born in 1963.
Sophie Rhys-Jones grew up in a seventeenth century farmhouse in Brenchley, Kent. She was a pupil at Dulwich Preparatory School, and then went on to Kent College, where she was friends with Sarah Sienesi, with later became her lady-in-waiting. Sophie then trained as a secretary at West Kent College.
After finishing her education, Sophie began a career in public relations. She worked for four years at Capital Radio, a regional radio station based in London. In 1996, Sophie Rhys-Jones founded her own PR agency, RJH Public Relations. During her time at Capital Radio, in 1987, Sophie met Prince Edward (b.1964), the youngest child of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Over the years, the two crossed paths over and over. A relationship eventually developed, and a romance blossomed. The couple's engagement was announced in January 1999.
On 19 June 1999, Prince Edward of the United Kingdom and Sophie Rhys-Jones were married at St. George's Chapel at Windsor. On the occasion of the marriage, The Queen bestowed upon her son the title of Earl of Wessex (a peerage in the United Kingdom) with the subsidiary title Viscount Severn (a peerage in the United Kingdom). Twenty years later, in 2019, the Queen granted her son the title of Earl of Forfar in the peerage of Scotland. Therefore, Sophie is normally styled and titled as HRH The Countess of Wessex; however, when in Scotland, she is styled and titled as HRH The Countess of Forfar. Notably, the Earl of Wessex is the only one of the Sovereign's children whose marriage has stood the test of time.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex have two children: Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor (b.8 November 2003) and James Mountbatten-Windsor, Viscount Severn (b.17 December 2007). James is the youngest of the eight grandchildren of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. The Countess of Wessex suffered an ectopic pregnancy in December 2001.
The Countess of Wessex is the Patron of over seventy charities and organisations. She is a hardworking, dedicated, and discreet member of the British Royal Family. The Earl and Countess of Wessex often represent The Queen at royal events on the Continent.
Late last week, members of the royal families of Greece and Hannover as well as of the princely house of Monaco were present at St. Moritz for the wedding of Greek shipping heir Stavros Niarchos II (b.1985) and Russian businesswoman Darya "Dasha" Alexandrovna Zhukova (b.1981). The groom is the son of Philippos Niarchos (b.1954) and his third (and former) wife Victoria Guinness (b.1960) of the Irish brewing dynasty. Stavros II is the paternal grandson of shipping tycoon Stavros Niarchos (1909 - 1996) and his third wife Eugenia Livanos (1927 - 1970). His maternal grandparents are Patrick Benjamin Guinness (1931 - 1965) and Baroness Dolores von Fürstenberg-Hedringen (1936 - 2012). Dasha Zhukova is the former wife of Russian-Israeli billionaire Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich (b.1966), to whom she was married from 2008 until 2017. Stavros and Dasha were civilly married in Paris during October 2019. Their religious ceremony took place on Friday in the Hotel Kulm at St. Moritz, Switzerland.
Royal and royal relations present for the Niarchos religious wedding on Friday, 17 January, were The Princess of Hannover (née Princess Caroline of Monaco), Charlotte Casiraghi, Hereditary Prince Ernst August and his wife Hereditary Princess Ekaterina of Hannover, Princess Alexandra of Hannover, Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece and his wife Crown Princess Marie-Chantal, as well as their daughter Princess Olympia. Numerous other people of society attended as well: Fiat scion Lapo Elkann, actor Orlando Bloom, and Simca heir Jean "Johnny" Pigozzi (a former flame of Princess Olga of Greece, who is now married to Prince Aimone of Savoy, Duke of Aosta). A "Russian Nights" themed costume party was held after the ceremony.
Custodian of the Crown Margarita and Prince Radu arrive at the Concert at the Atheneum on Saturday.
(c) SIMION MECHNO / AGERPRES FOTO
Over the weekend, Custodian of the Crown Margarita and Princess Sophie of Romania celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of their first (and joint) trip to their country back in January 1990. Several items were on the agenda: a book launch, the viewing of a documentary on the occasion, and a concert at the Bucharest Atheneum, which was broadcast live on Romanian television. Romanians and guests from around the world came to the Romanian capital to support the royal family.
(left to right) The Custodian of the Crown Margarita, Prince Radu, Princess Helen, Alexander Nixon, and Princess Sophie.
(c) SILVIU MATEI / AGERPRES FOTO
Margarita of Romania and her husband.
(c) SILVIU MATEI / AGERPRES FOTO
The Custodian of the Crown greets guests along with her sister Princess Sophie.
Andrew Popper, Head of the Royal Household, is behind Sophie.
(c) SILVIU MATEI / AGERPRES FOTO
The sole event on Friday was the presentation of two books, Margareta. Trei decenii ale Coroanei and Lumea Majestății Sale, about Custodian of the Crown Margarita at Cărturești Carusel. Margarita was accompanied by her husband Radu, Princess Helen (mother of Prince Nicholas and mother-in-law of Princess Alina-Maria), Helen's husband Alexander Nixon, and Princess Sophie. Crown Prince Leka of Albania was also on hand.
Cellists perform at the National Theatre to mark thirty years since the royal family's return to Romania.
(c) SORIN LUPSA / AGERPRES FOTO
The Custodian of the Crown with participants at the event at the National Theatre.
(c) SORIN LUPSA / AGERPRES FOTO
Margarita, Custodian of the Crown.
(c) SORIN LUPSA / AGERPRES FOTO
On Saturday afternoon, the viewing of the documentary was held at the National Theatre. Volunteers and members of the Margarita of Romania Foundation also performed a number of pieces of classical music. Accompanied only by her husband Prince Radu, Custodian of the Crown Margarita delivered a speech. Here is some of what she said:
"I remember very well the moment when I first came to Romania, thirty years ago...when for the first time in my life I felt like a complete person and not like a person without a shadow, as I felt before. But when I set my foot here for the first time, I felt complete. It is very touching and I am proud, and I want to thank everyone who helped us because it is quite clear I could not have done all this alone."
(left to right) Former President Emil Constantinescu, Princess Sophie, Mihaela Orban, Prime Minister Ludovic Orban, Custodian of the Crown Margarita, Prince Radu, Princess Helen, Alexander Nixon, and Crown Prince Leka of Albania.
(c) SIMION MECHNO / AGERPRES FOTO
Princess Sophie delivers a speech at the Atheneum.
(c) SIMION MECHNO / AGERPRES FOTO
Prime Minister Orban, Crown Princess Margarita, and Prince Radu.
The Royal Box.
(c) SIMION MECHNO / AGERPRES FOTO
On Saturday evening, a dinner reception was held at the Royal Palace, which is now a museum. The Royal Palace is used by the royal family on certain occasions, with permission from the government. The dinner was followed by a concert at the Atheneum in Bucharest, which has often hosted events for the Margarita of Romania Foundation. Over 700 guests were present for this event. Besides the Custodian of the Crown and her husband, the royal guests were: Princess Helen and her husband Alexander Nixon, Princess Sophie, and Crown Prince Leka of the Albanians. Romanian Prime Minister Ludovic Orban, who has acknowledged that he is a monarchist, attended with his wife Mihaela and they sat next to the Custodian of the Crown in the royal box. At one point, Princess Sophie gave a speech where she paid tribute to Margarita: "I love you, sister. To the core of my being. I have tried to be a good sister, and we both have striven to be good Romanians." The Custodian of the Crown was very moved by Sophie's words. As the royal family is close to the diplomatic corps in Bucharest, many diplomats were present, including U.S. ambassador Adrian Zuckerman. Former Romanian president Emil Constantinescu and Sir George Iacobescu, the only Romanian to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, were among the guests. Soprano Nelly Miricioiu, who has performed at Covent Garden in London, took to the stage of the Atheneum and awed the guests with her musical gifts.
The Atheneum of Bucharest.
(c) SIMION MECHNO / AGERPRES FOTO
Custodian of the Crown Margarita (b.1949) and her four sisters are great-granddaughters of Queen Marie of Romania (1875 - 1938) and her husband King Ferdinand I of Romania (1865 - 1927). Queen Marie of Romania was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom (1819 - 1901) and her husband The Prince Consort (1819 - 1861; né Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha). Marie of Romania was the eldest daughter of Victoria and Albert's second son Prince Alfred (1844 - 1900), Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and his wife Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna of Russia (1853 - 1920).
Margarita and her sisters are the daughters of King Michael of Romania (1921 - 2017) and his wife Queen Anne (1923 - 2016; née Bourbon-Parma). Michael was the son of King Carol II of Romania (1893 - 1953) and Queen Mother Helen (1896 - 1982; née Greece and Denmark). Michael and Anne had five daughters: Margarita (b.1949), Helen (b.1950), Irina (b.1953), Sophie (b.1957), and Marie (b.1964). King Michael attempted to visit Romania in 1990, but was forced to leave shortly after arrival. The king and Queen Anne were able to make their first real visit to Romania in 1992; during this trip they were accompanied by Princess Helen and her son Prince Nicholas.
Today, 18 January, the Queen has issued a very important statement on the future of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The couple are essentially withdrawing into private life. They will maintain their patronages and charity associations. They will be reimbursing for the refurbishments at Frogmore Cottage, which will remain as their home in the UK. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer receive public funds from the Sovereign Grant. They will not use their HRH titles, as they will not be carrying out public duties. Amazing. Historic. Shocking.
Here are the words of Her Majesty:
Statement from HM The Queen
Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family.
Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.
I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.
I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.
It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.
A statement was also provided from Buckingham Palace.
Statement from Buckingham Palace
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments. They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties.
With The Queen’s blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations. While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty.
The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home.
Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangements. There are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly-funded security.
This new model will take effect in the Spring of 2020.
You may be curious as to what all of this really means ( - I was!). Let us try to work through some of the issues brought up by this statement, and provide answers where possible.
The couple will legally remain Their Royal Highness The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They have not been stripped of the HRH style; they are simply choosing not to use it. Harry and Meghan will remain as members of the British Royal Family; they simply will not be working members. The Sussexes will not be receiving money from the Sovereign Grant anymore; this does not preclude them from receiving funding from the Prince of Wales via the income he receives from the Duchy of Cornwall, as this is Charles' personal income. Indeed, it has been confirmed now that Harry and Meghan will receive some funds from his father in the same way that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge receive funding from the Prince of Wales through the Duchy of Cornwall.
The Sussexes will no longer carry out any royal duties after this plan is put into action. None whatsoever. There will be no more tours. However, this new plan does not come into effect until the Spring of 2020. Therefore, the Sussexes will still be carrying out royal engagements that were already scheduled up until the Spring of this year. Harry will no longer be the Commonwealth Youth Ambassador. The couple will privately maintain their associations with their patronages. However, according to royal reporter Omid Scobie, the Sussexes will "still happily attend engagements for the Queen (such as Trooping the Colour)." Harry and Meghan will still be in their positions as President and Vice President, respectively, of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust.
Harry will be giving up his military duties. He will no longer be the Captain General of the Royal Marines, a role that he took over from his grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh. All of Harry's honorary military titles and associations will end after Spring 2020. According to Chris Ship of ITV, Lord West, the former Head of the Navy, has released this comment: "The whole situation is extremely sad, after his splendid service in the military, that he will now no longer be involved with the military in the UK."
Harry and Meghan will repay from their own funds the money that was used to refurbish Frogmore Cottage. The couple will still retain use of Frogmore Cottage after Spring 2020. They will pay for its running costs and upkeep. Yet, the Sussexes will be spending the majority of their time in North America: Canada, to be precise.
Come Spring of 2020, the couple will be known formally as Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. It is possible that in private life they will simply be known as Harry and Meghan Sussex or as Harry and Meghan Mountbatten-Windsor. More aspects of the Sussexes new life as private members of the British Royal Family, who will reside the majority of the year in Canada, will become known as time goes by. The Royal Family will review this plan and its outcomes in 2021 and make adjustments as necessary then.
On Sunday, 19 January, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave brief remarks to an ITV reporter: "I think the whole country will want to join in wishing them [Harry and Meghan] the very best. As I said before, that I was sure, the Royal family has been around a very long time, and [that it] would find a way forward, and I'm sure that it will."
.jpg)
.jpg)
