By Christine Estera| 15 hours ago
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, appeared distraught as she viewed the tributes for her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, outside the castle grounds of Balmoral earlier today.
The wife of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, was close to tears as she crouched among the countless flowers and letters mourners had left for the beloved monarch following her death on September 8.
Sophie was joined by her husband, their eldest child, Lady Louise Windsor, and other members of the royal family, including Prince Edward's older brother, Prince Andrew, and his daughter, Princess Eugenie, who was also emotional during the outing.
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It has long been known that Sophie had a special relationship with the Queen. Their bond has previously been described as "like mother and daughter", especially since the countess lost her own mother, Mary Rhys-Jones, to stomach cancer in 2005, six years after she married Prince Edward and became part of the royal family.
In April 2022, when the Queen lost her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Sophie reportedly returned the favour and was a "rock" for Her Majesty as she mourned his passing.
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A palace aide previously told The Mirror, Sophie had been a "tremendous source of comfort to the Queen", who considered her a confidant.
"Sophie cherishes her relationship with the Queen and not only appreciates her guidance and wisdom throughout her own life, she is very protective of her," the aide told the outlet.
"Their bond is very like a mother and daughter and the feeling of love and respect is quite mutual. It is very special."
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"Sophie is like another daughter to the Queen, they are that close. She is trusted and relied on like few others," Another royal source told The Sun
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe also confirmed the pair's tight-knit relationship, telling the publication: "Sophie has emerged as the Queen's unlikely 'rock' as the monarch adjusts to life without Prince Philip."
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"Prince Edward's wife has, according to sources, made it her personal mission to ensure Her Majesty is fully supported by the family," Larcombe added.
"Since the Duke's death … Sophie has driven the 10 miles [16km] from her Bagshot Park home to Windsor Castle every few days and most weekends to spend socially-distanced time with Her Majesty."
And when she can't make the drive over, the royal aide said the countess "made a point of calling her mother-in-law at least once a day".
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Their close bond was evident during festivities for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Trust event at Buckingham Palace in 2019.
In a heartfelt speech dedicated to the monarch and the tireless work she has done for the Commonwealth, Sophie referred to Her Majesty as "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," Sophie said in her speech during a reception at Buckingham Palace.
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