RoyalGossip 2010 Archive: The Wessex Family: News and Photos

Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: india on February 21, 2015, 11:26:29 pm
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Sophie makes an effort to do the right thing.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on February 21, 2015, 11:29:12 pm
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It is odd that Sophie didn't have a birthday portrait with her children. Instead she issued one that had her hair down around her face trying to look all sexay. :-

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on February 26, 2015, 07:20:39 pm
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Sophie is quite popular with the old dears, while the younger generations are less impressed with the young man at the end of the video saying he'd never heard of her. :bored:

www.itv.com/news/channel/2015-02-24/countess-of-wessex-liberation-visit-your-thoughts/

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Rosella on February 27, 2015, 12:38:39 am
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Well, it may be that he hasn't heard of Sophie Wessex. A lot of people don't keep up with individual members of the royal family IMO, and sometimes it's amazing when people don't know the name of the Prime Minister even, or care.

I was in Ireland a few years ago and somebody (a shop owner) couldn't remember the name of the President at that time and her friends in the shop we were in couldn't either.
Sophie'll just have to keep on keeping on and at least she's appreciated by some, I guess!

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on February 27, 2015, 02:38:15 pm
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^ It is indeed scary when shows do the roving reporter who asks people who current politicians are. The ignorance is astounding. :nervous:

It is sad for Sophie, though, that rather than being content to be a valuable (which she is to her charities) behind-the-scenes player (Duchess of Kent, etc.), she expends so much money and energy to be noticed, and, it isn't working.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on March 08, 2015, 05::16 pm
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^ Anyone have any news of the Wessex kids? They've been out of sight for a long while -- especially James. I hope that Sophie will decide to bring her son to Easter service with the rest of his family!

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Countess of Holland on March 09, 2015, 11:12:40 am
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Why? So you can accuse her of trying to steal Wasty's thunder?

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: india on March 09, 2015, 04:00:54 pm
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Quite frankly, there is no thunder to steal from The Moronic Potato Head who appears to be coming apart at the seams from all the stress of living a complete lie which in this case is a treasonable offense.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on March 09, 2015, 04:42:23 pm
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Kate's thunder or her lack thereof have nothing to do with Sophie and her children.

Sophie has a son, age 7. He has never been to the family Christmas service. That is odd. It is odd for the BRF who have historically brought their young children to church with them. It is especially odd for a woman who is touted as being a devoted mother. Easter is coming up, and hopefully Sophie will insist on bringing both her children to church with her.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on March 12, 2015, 12:57:11 am
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Sophie and her scraggly hair went to the Royal Cornwall Ag Show. (Why are her fingernails blue??)

scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t31.0-8/10520575_840497162652593_8601060864975015931_o.jpg

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Kuei Fei on March 12, 2015, 03:01:33 am
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Quote from: Miss Hathaway on March 09, 2015, 04:42:23 pm
Kate's thunder or her lack thereof have nothing to do with Sophie and her children.

Sophie has a son, age 7. He has never been to the family Christmas service. That is odd. It is odd for the BRF who have historically brought their young children to church with them. It is especially odd for a woman who is touted as being a devoted mother. Easter is coming up, and hopefully Sophie will insist on bringing both her children to church with her.

That is strange how her son is so hidden.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Rosella on March 12, 2015, 03:33:09 am
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Quote from: Kuei Fei on March 12, 2015, 03:01:33 am
Quote from: Miss Hathaway on March 09, 2015, 04:42:23 pm
Kate's thunder or her lack thereof have nothing to do with Sophie and her children.

Sophie has a son, age 7. He has never been to the family Christmas service. That is odd. It is odd for the BRF who have historically brought their young children to church with them. It is especially odd for a woman who is touted as being a devoted mother. Easter is coming up, and hopefully Sophie will insist on bringing both her children to church with her.

That is strange how her son is so hidden.

James might be one of those rather twitchy sort of little boys who can never keep still. I'm sure he'll come to the service in the future.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on March 12, 2015, 05:38:15 am
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^

Harry was quite twitchy. Diana took him to church.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: meememe on March 12, 2015, 07:54:55 am
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The Wessexes didn't take Louise to the Christmas Service etc until she was past 8 and they are following the same pattern with James.

Unlike Harry, who will live his life in the public eye - whether he likes it or not - the Wessex children will be able to live their lives basically under the radar with the occasional appearance at the big royal events and so can be brought to public events less often and thus grow up more in private.

I see nothing strange in not taking James past the baying crowd on Christmas Day, or whenever the royals appear in public.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Countess of Holland on March 12, 2015, 10::11 am
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Exactly and Edward and Sophie made this very clear in an early stage when they stated they wanted their children to be known as Lord x or Lady x and not as Prince/ Princess like the York girls.

Louise and James will have a life away from the royal scene, especially if Charles goes through with his ideas of a core royal family. In order to give them a proper chance of making it, as a private citizen, it is only decent to allow the two to have a life as normal as possible. And that includes that they shouldn't be paraded around at all times.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on March 12, 2015, 03:00:11 pm
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Going to church with your family is not being paraded.

Edward and Sophie did not decide to protect their children's privacy. They were offered the opportunity to become totally private citizens after Sophie was caught trading on her royal status. They hastily rejected that notion, quit their jobs and became full-time ribbon cutters because they LOVE their royal status.

Zara and Peter are private citizens and they have always gone to church with the family from very young ages.

It is weird that the Wessex children are not allowed out very often. I wonder why?

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Alexandrine on March 14, 2015, 11:31:54 pm
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My personal theory is that they are not "parading" the children because they want to get in Charles good graces when QE dies then we will see what path they take.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Countess of Holland on March 15, 2015, 04:04:09 pm
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The Wessex-couple has a lot of contact with the continental royals and the continental royals all protect the privacy of their children like a lion. You will see some of the children on official trips, like the Danish royal children to Greenland last year or Estelle on the road with her mother.

But especially the minor royals, like the children of Prince Laurent of Belgium, younger brother of the King, or the children of Prince Constantijn of The Netherlands, are very rarely spotted by the press.

I get the feeling that in this respect, the Wessex-couple has taken a page from the continental royal rule-book. They realise perfectly well that, no matter what Charles wants, their children will have a very minor role in the royal future, to be compared to the role of f.e. Princess Alexandra of Kent or Prince Michael of Kent, or even less if Charles indeed downsizes the RF the moment he becomes King. So they want to prepare their children for a private life, with a career and all. And the less royal exposure they have (or had), the more they will be able to grow into that private role. And I say good for them!

Part of good parenting is to prepare your children for a future, and it seems that the Wessexes are doing just that. And in the end, when Louise and James are adults, I think Louise and James will proven to be the most sane grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II, with a proper career and the ability to stand on their own two legs.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Kuei Fei on March 15, 2015, 04:09:21 pm
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I've said negative things about Sophie, but she is raising her kids right, but also being smart about behaving herself. She isn't making a spectacle of herself on the world stage, treating the world like a stage where she is determined to have the starring role. She's done posing, but she isn't causing half the mess that she could be if she were even more narcissistic. She isn't acting out like Fergie or releasing routine documentaries like Camilla.
Quote from: Alexandrine on March 14, 2015, 11:31:54 pm
My personal theory is that they are not "parading" the children because they want to get in Charles good graces when QE dies then we will see what path they take.

Yes, they are showing Charles that they will not at all challenge him.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Countess of Holland on March 16, 2015, 10:41:03 am
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And rightly so...they have no business challenging him. He is the future monarch and once he is..his word goes in matters concerning the monarchy, in terms of who is needed for royal work and appearances. And he will have the strings to the royal purse.

The UK monarchy can do very well without young siblings trying to undermine the monarch or the heir...there has been plenty of drama in the past.

We'll see what happens in the future, but I wouldn't be surprised if it will be all about Charles and Camilla. Charles is a very insecure person and he hates it when someone else gets the attention (hence his problems with his first wife). And if he feels that Sophie is more liked by the people than Camilla, he will yank Sophie's chain and make sure Camilla will outshine all the other royals. Lord knows he realises that Waity won't be a threat in the work-department.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on March 17, 2015, 01:57:23 pm
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Quote from: Countess of Holland on March 15, 2015, 04:04:09 pm
The Wessex-couple has a lot of contact with the continental royals and the continental royals all protect the privacy of their children like a lion. You will see some of the children on official trips, like the Danish royal children to Greenland last year or Estelle on the road with her mother.

But especially the minor royals, like the children of Prince Laurent of Belgium, younger brother of the King, or the children of Prince Constantijn of The Netherlands, are very rarely spotted by the press.

I get the feeling that in this respect, the Wessex-couple has taken a page from the continental royal rule-book. They realise perfectly well that, no matter what Charles wants, their children will have a very minor role in the royal future, to be compared to the role of f.e. Princess Alexandra of Kent or Prince Michael of Kent, or even less if Charles indeed downsizes the RF the moment he becomes King. So they want to prepare their children for a private life, with a career and all. And the less royal exposure they have (or had), the more they will be able to grow into that private role. And I say good for them!

Part of good parenting is to prepare your children for a future, and it seems that the Wessexes are doing just that. And in the end, when Louise and James are adults, I think Louise and James will proven to be the most sane grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II, with a proper career and the ability to stand on their own two legs.

The Wessexes are nothing like the minor royals of Belgium and The Netherlands, however. The Wessexes live in the largest private home of all the royal children. They receive an allowance from the Queen to carry out official duties. Sophie spends a fortune on her clothes and regularly releases press releases to the media to keep herself in the news. They were given the option in 2001 to withdraw from royal life and to be private citizens and carry on with their businesses. They refused and chose to be working royals. There are not many similarities between Edward and Constantijn in actuality.

I think the best way to prepare children for the future is to love them and make them feel accepted by their family. It's the best foundation. And I think that some day James will look back at all the photos of his family going to family functions and will ask why he was never taken and why he was not allowed to be a part of the waning years of his grandmother's reign, when all the other children in the family were there. His grandmother is the Queen, after all. That's a part of his reality. He can be prepared just as Peter Phillips was: "Your grandmother happens to be a queen; you are a private citizen." I don't know why it is so different for the Wessex children.

And, if the Wessexes goal in all this is to keep their children completely private, then they made a huge mistake by allowing Louise to be in the Cambridge wedding. They should have politely declined, citing privacy issues and their desire to be more like the Dutch. But it seemed to me they reveled in the attention their daughter got and basked in the reflected glow.

It's a strange situation . . . . :-

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: simplyme on June 17, 2015, 10:16:41 am
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sorry for the double post

pbs.twimg.com/media/CHryuZyUMAEmFwL.jpg

louise with her class wacthed the parade, the other day, so nice! :thumbsup:

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Stephanie on June 17, 2015, 12:57:10 pm
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Louise will be a pretty girl when she reaches her teens.
Her eye condition is hardly noticeable anymore.
She IMO needs braces though.
I think she's at that awkward age where you just don't know what to wear.
No more children's clothing but adult clothing won't fit and doesn't suit you.
I think she and her mother should go on a major shopping trip and visit different stores then they usually do.
Try on different things and find out what works for her.
Overall a likable kid, seems quit social and fun loving IMO.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: gingerboy24 on June 17, 2015, 02:50:22 pm
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^Agree, she is going to turn out to be a very pretty girl I think. She does need braces on her front teeth, no doubt about that, and I do hope her mother makes sure she gets them. Maybe they want to want until early teens, on dental advice? I feel sure Sophie must have looked into it, any parent with enough money to afford the dental work would want to have it done. She is going to be a very attractive young lady as she grows older.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: simplyme on June 17, 2015, 03:53:40 pm
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Cute little "princess" :thumbsup:

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on June 17, 2015, 08:19:36 pm
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Are there photos of the Wessex siblings interacting affectionately with one another? There were many of the York sisters and the Wales brothers as they grew up. And I love this one of Peter and Zara:

s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/78/e5/87/78e587c65f414f18007e661cfb96798c.jpg

The Wessex siblings always seem to be separated from one another in photographs, not interacting at all.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on July 23, 2015, 04:27:31 pm
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Interesting. This article has appeared -- not in People, not in the Daily Mail -- but in a PR publication:

everything-pr.com/countess-of-wessex/258431/

Revisiting Sophie's blunders. And at the end:

Maybe the Queen has just grown used to all the publicity and scandals from her children and grandchildren. But the question remains, will those creditors ever recover all of what is owed to them?

It was only a matter of time before the spotlight turned again to the Grand Wessexes in their Manor. We'll see how this plays out. :cookie:

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: simplyme on July 30, 2015, 04:52:35 am
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Quote from: Miss Hathaway on June 17, 2015, 08:19:36 pm
Are there photos of the Wessex siblings interacting affectionately with one another? There were many of the York sisters and the Wales brothers as they grew up. And I love this one of Peter and Zara:

s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/78/e5/87/78e587c65f414f18007e661cfb96798c.jpg

The Wessex siblings always seem to be separated from one another in photographs, not interacting at all.

I' m thinking you are right :dontknow:is strange, or maybe is because they weren't like all other cousins in the spotlight for all these years

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on July 30, 2015, 10:09:36 pm
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Louise was kept out of the spotlight early on because of her eyes; we don't know why James has been so sheltered. But, yes, it is odd - the dynamics between these siblings. They don't even behave as though they are acquainted. :-

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: leogirl on July 31, 2015, 06:00:27 am
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I think their parents are trying to make their lives as normal as possible, which is why they don't go out in public very often. The press/public know they are the queen's grandchildren and they will want to bother them with photos.

Maybe they won't be close until they're teens or adults. There is a 4-year age gap and they're not the same gender. Different interests, different friends, etc. :dontknow:

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Countess of Holland on July 31, 2015, 07:29:03 am
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Agreed. My sister and I differ four years as well, I am the elder one. And we weren't close as children, my mother could hardly get us toegther for the annual Christmas picture.

Now that we are older, we get along much better and even make an annual city trip of 4-5 days together. The first time that happened, my mother almost fell of her chair. And the difference in gender is another hurdle for the Wessex-children that my sister and I didn't have.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on July 31, 2015, 10:43:59 am
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Quote from: leogirl on July 31, 2015, 06:00:27 am
I think their parents are trying to make their lives as normal as possible, which is why they don't go out in public very often. The press/public know they are the queen's grandchildren and they will want to bother them with photos.

Maybe they won't be close until they're teens or adults. There is a 4-year age gap and they're not the same gender. Different interests, different friends, etc. :dontknow:

Edward and Sophie aren't trying for normalcy for their children any more than Princess Anne did. Anne's children weren't even "lord" and "lady" as are the Wessex children, and Edward and Sophie have fought tooth and nail to raise their children in the largest private residence of all the royals when advisers preferred that they scale down their lifestyle. So they don't want to be all that normal.

Plus, Anne's children are different genders, like the Wessex children, and there is a four-year age difference, also like the Wessex children. But unlike the Wessex children, Peter and Zara appeared to be fond of one another and have a great relationship both as children and now as adults.

The Wessex children don't appear to have a healthy relationship, in my opinion. I wonder why? :-

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: simplyme on July 31, 2015, 12:51:42 pm
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Quote from: leogirl on July 31, 2015, 06:00:27 am
I think their parents are trying to make their lives as normal as possible, which is why they don't go out in public very often. The press/public know they are the queen's grandchildren and they will want to bother them with photos.

Maybe they won't be close until they're teens or adults. There is a 4-year age gap and they're not the same gender. Different interests, different friends, etc. :dontknow:

I agree. They are going in different schools, if I remember well.

The education from 70" is different from now, in some aspects is better in other is worst

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: leogirl on August 01, 2015, 07:16:21 am
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^^ Just because Peter and Zara were close as kids doesn't mean other siblings with a similar age gap are close. Sometimes, kids find something in common; other times, they prefer to keep to themselves.
Normal for a rich family, not normal for regular people. If they went out together as a family, they would be followed, photos taken, etc. Titles and large homes are part of being upper-class and rich in the UK. They still go to school and have friends, but we don't get to see photos very often. I was responding to why they are sheltered from the public eye. :flower:

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: simplyme on August 09, 2015, 06:14: am
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hrhcountessofwessex.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-wessex-familys-trip-to-gatcombe-park.html

So cute and normal kids

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on August 10, 2015, 03:27:30 pm
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And once again a family outing and zero photos of the Wessex siblings interacting with one another. They're not even in a shot together. He was playing on the slide with the Phillips girls and Louise was with Edward.

Then, everyone except James is in this shot. Where is he? Why is he always left out?

previews.rexfeatures.com/preview/4931242c.jpg?co=rex&wm=1&br=1&sb=rex&sr=30299844&pi=30299844&authorization=date-20150810T142436Z.expires-20150810T143936Z.company-rex.version-01.signature-af2c11f772eb6087a66a1dc43332b9dfe229573db7f229858559791b5d384ee6

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: kolkomilko on August 10, 2015, 04:59:11 pm
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They seem to be a happy family. It is good to see two royal families together.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: gingerboy24 on August 10, 2015, 05:06:31 pm
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I like Sophie, always have done. She also appears to have become a firm favourite of HM, which is nice. A rocky start, but fast learner. Rather her any day than wasty or fergie.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: marion on August 10, 2015, 05:25:46 pm
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ITA Now she IS a normal middle class girl unlike waity - no grasping vulgar mother there. True, she made her mistakes but she learnt from them and moved forward - isn't that one of the things life is - a learning curve?

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: gingerboy24 on August 10, 2015, 06:16:09 pm
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Yup, agree, for most people, but we must remember the medds are a breed apart, not a breed one would want replicated either.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on August 10, 2015, 07:17:09 pm
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Quote from: kolkomilko on August 10, 2015, 04:59:11 pm
They seem to be a happy family. It is good to see two royal families together.

But without James. Why is James never included? Very odd.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: simplyme on August 10, 2015, 09:15:20 pm
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He was played with his little cousins

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on August 10, 2015, 10:06:15 pm
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Yes, he played with the Phillips girls. Then the Phillips girls, their mother, Sophie, Louise and Edward were all sitting in the grass together. James is not with them. He's never with his family. Only for short periods of time and then, what -- whisked off by the nanny?

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: leogirl on August 11, 2015, 08:06:07 pm
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He's a 7-year-old boy. Maybe he's a trouble maker at home so they want him to be out in public as little as possible?

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on August 30, 2015, 07:17:33 pm
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www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3216136/Better-not-fall-Countess-Couture-Sophie-Wessex-wears-935-Peter-Pilotto-dress-play-HOCKEY-daughter.html#comments

The Copycat Countess is at it again. She's replaying Kate's hockey field photo op while wearing wedges like Kate. She look ridiculous.

And speaking of ridiculous . . . can the woman not EVER put her daughter in clothes that fit her? The blouse is too small and the shoes are hideous.

:- :bored: :-

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Fly on the wall on October 08, 2015, 01:33:00 am
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Countess of Wessex speaks movingly about plight of blind people across the world
THE COUNTESS of Wessex has spoken movingly of the plight of blind and visually-impaired people across the world.
Speaking as patron of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness to mark World Sight Day tomorrow, Sophie said 39 million people have sight problems but that 80 per cent of blindness is preventable.

The 50-year-old royal, who is also global ambassador for Vision 2020, a worldwide initiative aiming to eliminate avoidable blindness over the next five years, gave the poignant speech in Doha, as part of a four-day trip to Qatar with the sight-saving charity Orbis UK.
www.express.co.uk/news/royal/610581/Countess-of-wessex-Sophie-world-sight-day-royal-family-orbis-uk-Qatar-Airways

The Countess of Wessex urges big businesses to do more for charity
THE Countess of Wessex has urged big businesses to do more for charity, saying some companies "fall far short" of their corporate social responsibilities.
www.express.co.uk/news/royal/610316/Countess-of-Wessex-big-business-charity

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Alexandrine on October 08, 2015, 04:24:14 pm
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wait wait

She is in Quatar?! So what Andrew did more or less has gone to these two? Or even Sophie alone? How many trips the BRF does to middle east a year? :-

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Countess of Holland on October 10, 2015, 08:37:27 am
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Sophie has been involved with the organisation Vision 2020 (actually with more organisations that are involved with the issue) for many years. She is in Quatar because the organisation held its annual meeting there.
Nothing to do with what Andrew did.

If the organisation holds its annual convention in Peru next year, the countess will be there as well I guess.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Alexandrine on October 11, 2015, 07:37:30 pm
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Quote
Her Royal Highness this afternoon attended a Lunch with the Qatar British Business Forum at W Hotel, Doha.
The Countess of Wessex later visited the offices of Standard Chartered Bank, Doha.
Her Royal Highness afterwards visited Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Center) and Information and Communication Technology Senior Management Team, Doha.
The Countess of Wessex, Global Ambassador, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, this evening attended a Dinner for Orbis and Seeing is Believing on board SHAMEKH.

The Countess of Wessex this morning departed from Heathrow Airport, London, for Qatar and was received upon arrival this afternoon at Hamad International Airport by Her Majesty's Ambassador to the State of Qatar (His Excellency Mr. Nicholas Hopton).
Her Royal Highness, Global Ambassador, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, this evening attended an Awards Ceremony and Dinner for the Qatar British Business Forum at the British Embassy in Doha.

I agree that she went because of her patronage but the rest of the agenda is iffy.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Countess of Holland on October 12, 2015, 11:16:00 am
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But how would the public react if Sophie is there for her charity and Andrew is there for another event, and probably took a different route, so a different plane?

The outburst would be massive; two royals in the same country, at the same time, meaing double security detail in that country, being paid overtime etc. Now it is just one royal who combines things.
I really see no problem in that.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Alexandrine on October 12, 2015, 11:59:31 am
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But I didn't say that? Simply that the Wessex seem to be taking the controversial role Andrew had as trade ambassador.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Countess of Holland on October 12, 2015, 01:51:28 pm
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Could be, but I am not convinced after just one visit. Especially after her other activities could be easily explained by stating that she was in the country anyway because of the annual conference of her charity.
We'll see what happens in the future. If Sophie and/or Edward will start making dedicated visits to country for the sole purpose of trade-missions, we will know more.

Anyway, I wouldn't mind seeing less of Randy Andy. Edward is not perfect (who is) but at least he was never mentioned in a child-abuse case like Andrew.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Miss Hathaway on October 12, 2015, 02:23:59 pm
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The British royals never miss an opportunity to kiss up to rich Middle Easterners. I don't know if Sophie is taking on any of Andrew's responsibilities -- it's a thought -- but certainly she isn't going to let any opportunity slip by. She might get an expensive jewel or two, after all! Remember how enthusiastically she went after the "shiekh" to tell him insider tidbits to reel his supposed millions in to her company. This is not new ground for her. :bored:

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: My2Pence on October 29, 2015, 09:04:39 pm
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Sophie, Louise, and James attend Families' Day on board HMS Daring

hrhcountessofwessex.blogspot.com/2015/10/hrh-attends-families-day-and-trafalgar.html (http://hrhcountessofwessex.blogspot.com/2015/10/hrh-attends-families-day-and-trafalgar.html)

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Alexandrine on November 02, 2015, 10:16:54 pm
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I didn't saw this one. The kid is cute! And Louise has grown a lot. But she will need a makeover soon.

Though funny that they are giving the kids a lot more limelight even on official (semi?) events. This will end up like the Yorks...

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Rosella on November 02, 2015, 11:47:03 pm
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^ I think Sophie Wessex mentioned once after taking Louise and James to see a charity in action when they were overseas that she and Edward thought it was valuable that their children saw how others lived, away from their comfort zone. The Wessex kids are probably quite curious about how their parents occupy their time. I think it's been made quite clear to them that they will have to get jobs and lead a normal life.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Countess of Holland on November 03, 2015, 10:04:54 am
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Quote from: Alexandrine on November 02, 2015, 10:16:54 pm
I didn't saw this one. The kid is cute! And Louise has grown a lot. But she will need a makeover soon.

Though funny that they are giving the kids a lot more limelight even on official (semi?) events. This will end up like the Yorks...

Oh please...
First 'we see too little of the Wessex-children and 'something is wrong with them'. Now we see a little of them, as they grow older, and they will turn out like the Yorks. No matter what the Wessexes do, someone will find fault in it.
Princess Beatrix (when Crown Princess and later when Queen) brought her three sons to some events, if they were of interest to the boys. And the younger two sons of the Queen turned out OK. They have (or in Friso's cade had) their own careers, are only spotted on royal events on the big days and that is about it. I think Louise and James will be brought up in this manner and are prepped by their parents to have their own lives.

As for Louise needing a make-over. What a horrible thing to say. We ridicule Kate because she is too focussed on who she looks, we protest magazines who place pictures of models that look like they neer had a decent meal in their lives and you feel it is OK to say that a girl barely in her teens needs a make-over. As far as I am concerned, that comes pretty close to bullying. And it is dangerous as well. Louise doesn't need to be body-shamed. She will go through a natural make-over in a few years like all girls who turn into young women do. Until then she looks perfectly OK for her age.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Alexandrine on November 03, 2015, 10:31:27 am
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When did I say she needs to diet? *confused* Or criticised her body? Even body shamed?? Maybe you should reread my post before you accuse anyone of something like bullying.

She will need a makeover because she is still dressing as a child and will soon be a teenager. Im sure it will be fun to experiment and find her own style. I was more like thinking that she needed a haircut.

But really you like to found fault with wathever I say. I enjoy discussing with you even when we not agree but I see is not the same for you.

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Title: Re: The Wessex Family: News and Photos
Post by: Countess of Holland on November 03, 2015, 12:05:30 pm
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I guess it is semantic; in my point of view a make-over is much more than new clothes and a new hairstyle (BTW...I know plenty of teenage girls with long hair, like Louise). And even so, the use of the term 'need' is rather forceful. No one can decide wether she NEEDS a make-over. Louise can decide if she WANTS to make changes to her wardrobe and her hair.

Royal Gossip
The British Royal Family *Windsor* => Wessex => Topic started by: benign on April 24, 2011, 01:51:18 am

Title: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: benign on April 24, 2011, 01:51:18 am
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www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1380021/She-s-wearing-Bruce-Oldfield-Countess-Wessex-feeling-little-frayed-Sophies-outburst-bodyguard-outside-bridal-shop.html
Quote
It would seem that prenuptial nerves are not confined to Kate Middleton and her family.
Prince Edward’s wife Sophie seemed frayed around the edges as she was spotted leaving Bruce Oldfield’s bridal salon last week.
She took out her irritation on her personal bodyguard by waving her arms and jabbing at him with her fingers as she came out of the exclusive Knightsbridge boutique.

- poor bg..

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Yooper on April 24, 2011, 01:55:10 am
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Can you imagine being in the employ of stellar designers like Oldfield and others and dealing with these nervous wrecks on a daily basis? I know, they make a fortune, but still. I walked in, saw the dress, had it fitted and left because, well, I'm perfect. Just kidding. It's just all so nuts, to me right now. I'll get back in the groove.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Duchess Georgiana on April 24, 2011, 04:23:04 am
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I feel sorry for the butlers/maids who work for this witch. I once saw pictures of Mette-Marit of Norway doing the same to her female protection officer. That's what happens when commoners marry into a Royal House. Their egos reach the moon and they think they can walk all over everyone.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Yooper on April 24, 2011, 04:25:58 am
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Seriously. Nothing is worse than a newbie but they eventually disappear. I hope.

OT - anybody see the slaughtering (in my mind) of Upstairs/Downstairs by BBC recently? I hated it. They lost the whole sense of the thing this time 'round.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Kezza on April 24, 2011, 04:37:25 am
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Dragging Sophie into the dirt to prop up you know who.

Dont know what has upset her.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Earth Angel on April 24, 2011, 04:57: am
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Dear God, this makes Carole look like she fits right in. First UG and Andrew with comparable shady behaviors and now Sophie and Carole with unprofessional behavior in association with couture designers. However, I venture a guess that Sophie had both outfits commissioned from the same designer and/or made it clear from the beginning that she was not sure which outfit she would wear. Either way, the indecisive pretentiousness is uncalled for. Get a grip!

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Kezza on April 24, 2011, 04:58:21 am
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Edit timed out sorry to double post.

I think the fact the media was out there might be a clue as to why Sophie wasnt happy. Did someone from the media get in the shop while Sophie was in there and got a bit too close to comfort for Sophie? Maybe even tried to get a peek at something she was trying on in there? It might explain the reason she was angry and upset at the bodyguard if something like that did happen.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Earth Angel on April 24, 2011, 05:01:41 am
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^^^ It's not Sophie's day! What's the big deal if the public has an idea of her outfit prior to the wedding day. It's not like she's the center of attention anyway. Why be so haughty? She and Carole will probably get along well. It appears they've lost their minds! Uncalled for and immature, imo. ...

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Kezza on April 24, 2011, 05:39:03 am
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As I said i'm not judging her. Fact the media was there is perhaps a clue to what has set Sophie off. The media has gone crazy over the wedding and perhaps went a bit too far like trying to get a peep at what she was trying on in the changeroom while trying to get an inside scoop as to what one of the members of the RF maybe wearing to the wedding. Maybe she was angry and upset at the bodyguard for allowing the situation to develop by not checking properly as to who was entering the shop.

Sophie has never striked me as being someone who is after attention and just maybe at the time she felt justified at being a little upset at the time.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: berlin on April 24, 2011, 06:10:51 am
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I like seeing Sophie like this. It cuts away from her cookie-cutter image.

However, I do suspect that the media is trying to hurt Sophie's image to make way for Kate. Reminds me of what happened to Diana when Sophie came onto the scene. It will be interesting how Sophie reacts and treats Kate. Of course she'll have to walk a fine line so as not to incur William or Charles' wrath.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Earth Angel on April 24, 2011, 06:22:46 am
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Well Kezza, it's obvious I am judging Sophie and I am comfortable with doing so. Their security is supposed to protect them from physical harm, not from media leaks. Sure they can try to keep the media at bay, but the public does not pay their security bill to ensure the public is kept in the dark about their personal lives. Granted, they should be allowed to have personal lives, but I don't think it is their security's responsibility to make sure that is possible. Their security is to protect them at public events and from harmful people. Their PR, which Sophie is well trained in and capable of herself, is to protect their public image. If your scenario is the case, then Sophie failed to maintain her own privacy. It's nobody's fault but her own. It is not the security guard's fault, imo. ... Boundaries, these royals need to have boundaries, and they should know how to behave in public, as well as how to treat their hired help with dignity. Sophie's behavior is unbecoming and she failed herself for all account and purposes, as far as I'm concerned. ...

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Kezza on April 24, 2011, 06:48:30 am
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Quote from: berlin on April 24, 2011, 06:10:51 am
I like seeing Sophie like this. It cuts away from her cookie-cutter image.

However, I do suspect that the media is trying to hurt Sophie's image to make way for Kate. Reminds me of what happened to Diana when Sophie came onto the scene. It will be interesting how Sophie reacts and treats Kate. Of course she'll have to walk a fine line so as not to incur William or Charles' wrath.

I agree Berlin. The media will play the rest of the RF off against Kate and vice versa. Its not a side of Sophie we see and her and Edward like to keep a quiet and low profile, so I wonder what happened. I suspect the media may of gone too far or the Body guard wasnt doing the job he was paid to do.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Kuei Fei on April 24, 2011, 08:32:16 am
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I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that Sophie isn't reacting well to the chaos that the RF has just been plunged into and I am sure she isn't thrilled with the thought of her ill daughter Louise being exposed to so many around the world. Then considering the regard that Sophie has for HM, I am sure that Sophie is a bit peeved at the stress that William has caused HM and the rest of the family. At some point Edward is going to get picked at by the press and then there's this joke of a wedding she will have to go to. See if that doesn't cause problems. This is horrible for all involved really.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Gaeaskywalker on April 24, 2011, 06:52:10 pm
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Actually the media, tries to make a twist with this story. They try to make the reader think it has something to do with the designer, but they don't no why Sophie was up set. I don't think she did a Carole here.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Alexandrine on April 24, 2011, 07:01:48 pm
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She looks really upset and nearly crying. I hope we read more about this.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: June on April 25, 2011, 05:17:06 am
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^ Yes, she does. However, I agree with EA - this kind of public induced hissy fit is just not acceptable conduct for a royal of her status. I wouldn't classify her as a "minor" royal - she is married to the Queen's son and is part of the immediate family. Of course, once William steps up more, she will take a further back seat, but that is not the case for now.

I do wonder what got to her though. Perhaps the strain from the wedding, as Lady Louise is in the bridal party? :think:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Kuei Fei on April 25, 2011, 06:59:07 am
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I think that it could be nerves about Lady Louise and I am sure that there's something else. It looks like the whole RF is on tempermental tenterhooks.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Varya on April 26, 2011, 04:43:43 am
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Who knows what the situation really is/was. Maybe in fact her bodyguard didn't do something correctly (aka: let the media too near or something) or most probably it doesn't have anything to do with the designer or the bodyguard but something entirely different.



OR (conspiracy theory here) maybe the Middletrashes took up his entire time to do their outfits and Sophie's was pushed to the side... :whistle:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: June on April 26, 2011, 04:49:21 am
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I'm going to give her a pass this time because she looks really distressed. Still, there is a time and place for such misconduct, and this was not it. bignono

Is it her job to discipline the protection officer? I highly doubt it; he is not one of HER employees - he's hired and paid for by the government. There would be proper channels she could go through if she wasn't satisfied with his performance.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Kuei Fei on April 26, 2011, 06:57:42 am
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Look, people can come unhinged at any point if pushed badly enough.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Lanvin Pearls on April 26, 2011, 07:34:33 pm
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Sophie is allegedly adored. She can do no wrong. IMHO at 46 it is simply menopause. Same with Carole but Carole is probably PAST it at 56 IMHO.


Yooper - YES I was like "WTF" ?? "Upstairs Downstairs" was the most simple, poorly-written, boring series ever. The scenes with that sister of Agnes were the worst.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: Kuei Fei on April 27, 2011, 12:37:11 am
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I can't fathom how Edward might be losing it regularly or how many courtiers might be ranting and raving over the phone, so I don't blame her for looking frayed and perhaps being a little tempermental.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex feeling a little bit frayed
Post by: June on April 27, 2011, 01:38:51 pm
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I was surprised at Sophie's public display of temper and distress too, but that only adds to my disappointment in her.

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Title: Sophie gets a trainer to keep up with Kate
Post by: Nighthawk on June 12, 2011, 03:46: am
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Sophie gets a trainer to keep up with Kate
www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2002586/Kate-Middleton-Sophie-gets-trainer-younger-royals.html#ixzz1P1fzJqzY
Quote
The Countess of Wessex has hired a personal trainer to help her keep up with the younger members of the Royal Family.

Prince Edward’s 46-year-old wife has undertaken gruelling sessions at their home in Bagshot, Surrey, to regain her svelte figure.
:rolleyes:

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Title: Re: Sophie gets a trainer to keep up with Kate
Post by: Contessa on June 12, 2011, 11:12:31 am
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I hope she does well.
Though she's not overweight, she may just feel a little uncomfortable.

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Title: Re: Sophie gets a trainer to keep up with Kate
Post by: Byechoc on June 12, 2011, 11:16:33 am
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Well get a trainer is not bad.. and help us with our health
Good for her...

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Title: Re: Sophie gets a trainer to keep up with Kate
Post by: Yooper on June 12, 2011, 03:16:33 pm
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Sophie gets a trainer to keep in shape should've been enough for the article topic. Comparing is flawed and unnecessary. The best motive to get in shape is to do it for yourself, not to try and be the bone that WK or what anybody else is. Does Wasty have to be the yardstick and reason for everything? It's condescending to a woman who, probably, in fact, is wise enough to be aware of doing things for her own reasons. Silly to say otherwise.

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Title: Re: Sophie gets a trainer to keep up with Kate
Post by: Kuei Fei on June 13, 2011, 03:40:22 am
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I think Kate has been leaking; before the engagement, we knew next to nothing about the Wessexes, but now we know more.

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Title: Re: Sophie gets a trainer to keep up with Kate
Post by: Alexandrine on June 13, 2011, 08:42:32 pm
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I think that it's the press making a battle between them to create drama, although I can believe that about Sophie.

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Title: Re: Sophie gets a trainer to keep up with Kate
Post by: Yooper on June 13, 2011, 10:06:42 pm
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Well, I think the media is going to end up on the stinky end of the stick on this one because something tells me that this wedding is going to be gracious, understated, elegant and royally appropriate. I might even go so far as to say that it sets a new standard. Not the gaudy three-ring circus of the Cambridges' mess-a-thon.

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Title: Re: Sophie gets a trainer to keep up with Kate
Post by: Nighthawk on June 13, 2011, 10:09:24 pm
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I'm glad that sophie is working out and all that but did they really have to use WK's name seriously

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Title: Re: Sophie gets a trainer to keep up with Kate
Post by: Yooper on June 13, 2011, 10:13:32 pm
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Drives me nuts, too, NH. She has to be mentioned in everything. What Would Kate Do? should be a bumper sticker on every party bus in California next month, if she wants PR so badly. Let's at least get it accurate for once.

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Title: Re: Sophie gets a trainer to keep up with Kate
Post by: Fernanda Nunes on June 13, 2011, 10::03 pm
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I believe Sophie is better, better, better than Kate :cookie:

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Title: Re: Sophie gets a trainer to keep up with Kate
Post by: YooperModerator on June 13, 2011, 10:49:49 pm
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And I agree, agree, agree with you my dear!

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: memyselfandroyals on October 06, 2011, 10:28:48 pm
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That was so unfair :thumbsdown:

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: Alexandrine on October 06, 2011, 10:31:51 pm
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If she hadn't done anything wrong, she wouldn't have been find out.

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: memyselfandroyals on October 06, 2011, 10:35:04 pm
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But in the begining it's normal to make some mistakes

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: serene grace on October 07, 2011, 12:08:24 am
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I agree but it was different than Sarah in that Sophie was not sneaking around.. she was working for her PR firm conducting business, it was not some underhanded secret business on HER part, the problem was not that she went to dinner with the sheik for business because she always went to dinner or lunch with pr clients, it was conducted as normal business(and Sophie thought he was a real sheik and if he was real, there would not have been a problem besides gossiping she was doing)...the problem was Sophie discussed royalty and her private thoughts politically during the conversation.

The fake sheik idea was said to have come from Prince Charles pr office in attempt to put Sophie out of the press,and to have her as a new bride in the house of windsor viewed unfavorably in order to prop-up Camilla who he was trying to build up her image. Up until that point, Sophie was getting basically good press and Diana comparison's I do believe Charles was involved in that whole shiek-set up, despite it all being covered up now. One of his men who stopped working for him a few years later, said that Pr.Charles was involved in that whole sheik affair, I believe it.

Sophie basically said the Queen Mother was an Old dear.
She said Charles and Camilla were the two most unpopular people in the Country at that time.
She said Blair was too Presidential
and she something about Blair destroying the Countryside.

She did not say anything about Princess Diana....that was made up by the NOTW. Sophie never said one unkind thing about the Princess, but the press ran with that.

Still I think Sophie is very respected now, despite the press attempts to destroy her and if one mistake is all they can find about her since marrying into the Royal family, I think she's performing quite well. Because if you look at Sarah Ferguson, she was in the press messing up every month when she was married to Pr.Andrew.

Sophie's made one wrong move in the press, which was a set-up from a newspaper, but she wasn't doing underhanded business like Sarah, it was perfectly ok for her to take on a sheik pr-client and to take him to lunch or dinner, she did not know the guy was fake, if the sheik was real it would not have been a big story..except that she gossiped about the royals which was really what she did wrong, imo.

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: memyselfandroyals on October 07, 2011, 12:13:34 am
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Quote
Up until that point, Sophie was getting basically good press and Diana comparison's I do believe Charles was involved in that whole shiek-set up, despite it all being covered up now. One of his men who stopped working for him a few years later, said that Pr.Charles was involved in that whole sheik affair, I believe it.


Oh God, if that is true... Family is suposed to be to protect, not to do these things... :wopedo:

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: serene grace on October 07, 2011, 12:20:08 am
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I read it quoted from one of Charles former PR men, he said Charles was in on that whole set up, he did not want Sophie to be popular,because he was working on Camilla's image and he also said Charles was determined to stop Pr.Edward's company, he had various reasons for wanting Sophie and Edward contained,he did not want them out front in public. I believe it. The idea was negative press until they throw in the towel and come in under the umbrella of the firm, quietly retreating to the backround.

IMO Kate can forget it, if the thinks she can beat Pr.Charles at the pr game, Kate is never going to be put on the world stage in a big way, If Pr.Charles has anything to say about it.

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: memyselfandroyals on October 07, 2011, 12:26:49 am
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Indeed.

I imagine what they talk in the table, on dinner (considering all those things)

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: YooperModerator on October 07, 2011, 12:36:01 am
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Ah so that's what happened I always found it odd that she was put into the shadows like that because of one mistake.
Especially if you consider the fact that HM apparently likes her a lot!
Always thought that Charly was a sly devil that you shouldn't underestimate at any case.
Good luck going against him Kate! :tehe:
Wonder what would happen if the Wessexes decided to quit the Firm and start a business on their own again :think: after all Camilla is 'inside' now so...

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: serene grace on October 07, 2011, 12:48:51 am
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Thank goodness Sophie had the Queen and Pr.Phillip behind her at that point. Yes she made a mistake, but the press pounding was a bit over the top for one mistake. imo The Queen made a public statement that she supported Sophie.
Sophie was breaking down in public if you remember after the story came out, she was going to things and crying publicly, I think the Queen put a stop to it on the inside and put a protective arm around her in the press, but by then Charles and the press minions had their way.imo

I think with Kate the difference is the press is on her side and they want Pr.William to be golden, whereas Edward had made a enemy of the press and they didn't care about Sophie really, she whatever happened to them was just collateral damage. The problem for Kate is she only has one real protector in the House of Windsor, it's Pr.William, but I don't think anyone else would step up to save her, the way the Queen did with Sophie.

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: memyselfandroyals on October 07, 2011, 01:02:03 am
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Quote
Thank goodness Sophie had the Queen and Pr.Phillip behind her at that point. Yes she made a mistake, but the press pounding was a bit over the top for one mistake. imo The Queen made a public statement that she supported Sophie.

HM is my hero :spooky:

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: Kuei Fei on October 07, 2011, 02:45:34 am
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Quote from: memyselfandroyals on October 07, 2011, 12:13:34 am
Quote
Up until that point, Sophie was getting basically good press and Diana comparison's I do believe Charles was involved in that whole shiek-set up, despite it all being covered up now. One of his men who stopped working for him a few years later, said that Pr.Charles was involved in that whole sheik affair, I believe it.


Oh God, if that is true... Family is suposed to be to protect, not to do these things... :wopedo:

Another reason men should not marry mistresses; they spend so much time working on getting them accepted that the man in question always ends up backstabbing his own family in order to ensure social acceptance at any cost.

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: Alexandrine on October 07, 2011, 05:36:49 pm
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Interesting post SG! But I thought that the big mess was more related to using her connections as a new royal for her business.

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: serene grace on October 08, 2011, 08:15:28 am
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it was that she went to dinner and name dropped Royalty ,she discussed her royal opinions and she discussed political things and mentioned royals, but that was all she did, she gossiped about royals which was a no, no......because it was viewed as using royals to impress the client, but she didn't do more than that.

She said the Queen(Mother's) an old dear

She said Charles and Camilla were two of the most unpopular people

She said Blair was too presidential and ruining the countryside

She didn't say anything mean about Princess Diana, that was totally made up ,by NOTW

Sophie went to a very public lunch or dinner with a client who pretended to be a sheik. She started chitcatting about royalty and private things at a lunch-dinner , some felt it was to impress the client, but she never did more than sit and talk, nothing more. It was not some sneaky backroom deal like Sarah. Sophie just basically was gossiping too much.

The sheik was the dishonest person in that meeting, not Sophie, she truly thought the guy came to her PR company for pr, she was doing what she always did, taking a client to lunch, but she did gossip too much, she should never have been discussing the royals even if it was a comment like the Queen's an old dear, the press blew it all up to be way more.

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: MOSAIC on October 09, 2011, 03:46: pm
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I've just been looking at the GREMB and came upon the 40th birthday festivities given by King Harold and Queen Sonia of Norway for their only daughter Princess Martha, and there celebrating with them was a large group of royals from the Netherlands and other places and there in the front row I saw Sophie Countess of Essex, and presumably Edward.
No Charles and Camilla, no other British Royals. So she and Edward are the Queen's automatic choice as representatives at European and Scandanavian courts. They must all know her very well now, and that is very important. Wasty will never replace her in that way, good heavens they don't even know William that well!!!!

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: Byechoc on October 09, 2011, 06:53:21 pm
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When Charles be king will chose other people to represent him... but if Sophie and Eduard can make friends with those royals maybe they can get a invite for them... Waiity will do everything to go to that parties...

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: memyselfandroyals on October 09, 2011, 10:13:12 pm
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Quote
No Charles and Camilla, no other British Royals. So she and Edward are the Queen's automatic choice as representatives at European and Scandanavian courts. They must all know her very well now, and that is very important. Wasty will never replace her in that way, good heavens they don't even know William that well!!!!


Sophie is amazing. I admire her so much :sigh:

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Title: Re: Sophie Countess of Wessex has six pages of Charities & Royal patronages
Post by: Varya on January 05, 2012, 04:08:07 am
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Quote from: Kuei Fei on October 07, 2011, 02:45:34 am
Quote from: memyselfandroyals on October 07, 2011, 12:13:34 am
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Up until that point, Sophie was getting basically good press and Diana comparison's I do believe Charles was involved in that whole shiek-set up, despite it all being covered up now. One of his men who stopped working for him a few years later, said that Pr.Charles was involved in that whole sheik affair, I believe it.


Oh God, if that is true... Family is suposed to be to protect, not to do these things... :wopedo:

Another reason men should not marry mistresses; they spend so much time working on getting them accepted that the man in question always ends up backstabbing his own family in order to ensure social acceptance at any cost.

That's very true! Look what happened with Wallis Simpson and Edward!

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Title: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Alexandrine on October 18, 2014, 12:58:41 am
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I also do not see the need of making Kate image worse by tring to make the rest of the BRF women as saints.

Kate is a mesd but so is Sophie. And no one can forget the Yorks.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Mandosiel on October 18, 2014, 01:12:52 am
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Anne is the only one who acts the same she always has and doesn't care about fashion, just doing her job and damn hardworking at it too, but she's not a saint either.

I don't really think Sophie is the perfect Royal wife, she does the best she can with her situation and that's pretty much anyone could expect given her standing in the pecking order. I do think she's been a bit off lately, feeling the weight of looking her years I guess and not happy about it, happens to a lot of woman, especially ones who are under scrutiny like celebs and such.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Alexandrine on October 18, 2014, 01:25:58 am
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^ was not able to think a better title if anyone offers something catchy I can change it.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Rosella on October 18, 2014, 02:02:17 am
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I don't think Sophie Wessex is perfect, she has had her share of mistakes and is fairly low down in the pecking order of the Royal Family. However, she always looks interested at her public engagements, (for which she doesn't get a great deal of publicity), is hardworking and has made an effort to maintain her marriage, be a good mother and get on well with her mother-in-law. As a minor royal you can't ask for more from Sophie really.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Mandosiel on October 18, 2014, 03:41:56 am
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^Totally agree.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on October 18, 2014, 03:17:53 pm
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Quote from: Alexandrine on October 18, 2014, 01:25:58 am
^ was not able to think a better title if anyone offers something catchy I can change it.


It's perfect! :flower:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: AnaBolena on October 18, 2014, 09:03:34 pm
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Quote from: Miss Hathaway on October 17, 2014, 11::34 pm
Quote from: AnaBolena on October 17, 2014, 10:23:19 pm
I tend to agree with you MissH but I see no sense in pulling Sophie apart. It isn't going to make Kate look better in any way at all, not even if Sophie looked and acted like a dragon.
:cookie:

True, just as criticisms about Kate do not make Sophie younger, prettier, more interesting, more genuine, and the next Princess of Wales. :thumbsup:



I never said they did. Neither do I even think that.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on October 18, 2014, 09:43:21 pm
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Quote from: AnaBolena on October 18, 2014, 09:03:34 pm
Quote from: Miss Hathaway on October 17, 2014, 11::34 pm
Quote from: AnaBolena on October 17, 2014, 10:23:19 pm
I tend to agree with you MissH but I see no sense in pulling Sophie apart. It isn't going to make Kate look better in any way at all, not even if Sophie looked and acted like a dragon.
:cookie:

True, just as criticisms about Kate do not make Sophie younger, prettier, more interesting, more genuine, and the next Princess of Wales. :thumbsup:

I never said they did. Neither do I even think that.

I'm just bringing full circle your statement that criticizing Sophie wasn't going to make Kate look better with the other side of the coin that neither will criticizing Kate make Sophie look better. Both women stand alone on their own individual merits. I fully agree with you.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Alexandrine on October 18, 2014, 11:21:49 pm
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my comment was not towards you anabolena in case you felt it that way :flower:

Now I've been a long royal watcher and many times I've seen one royal idolised while some other is considered the worst. I think that everyone has their good and bad points (even Kate :tehe:) and I enjoy discussing all of them.


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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: AnaBolena on October 19, 2014, 05:13:17 am
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I was in a rush so made hasty replies, but I agree with both ^^ I shouldn't work and post lolol bignono

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: CathyJane on October 20, 2014, 08:03:52 pm
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I think the press is comparing Waity and Soph because they look to be the same age. Waity looks decades older than Zara and the York sisters even though they are closer in age.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on October 21, 2014, 02:30:23 pm
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Quote from: CathyJane on October 20, 2014, 08:03:52 pm
I think the press is comparing Waity and Soph because they look to be the same age. Waity looks decades older than Zara and the York sisters even though they are closer in age.


I haven't seen the press compare Kate and Sophie, but there are numerous posters on several venues who believe the photoshopped photos of Sophie to be accurate and that she really looks younger than Kate in real life. :laugh:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: HC on October 21, 2014, 07:18:33 pm
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Sophie looks very average.

I dont know which profile she has made for herself ør which causes she is known for.

And I don't understand why she is not doing a normal career instead. She has the opportunity to have a normal life. If it is me I would escape and get a job.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Kit on October 31, 2014, 03:10:30 pm
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The only real difference between the 2 is that Sophie understands that she must sing for her supper. HM appears to have greater work expectations for her children. Chuck doesn't seem to have that same power over the lazy duo.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Alexandrine on October 31, 2014, 03:22:04 pm
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^ LOL but very well said.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on October 31, 2014, 04:48:38 pm
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Quote from: Kit on October 31, 2014, 03:10:30 pm
The only real difference between the 2 is that Sophie understands that she must sing for her supper. HM appears to have greater work expectations for her children. Chuck doesn't seem to have that same power over the lazy duo.

Charles lost mor@l ground when he divorced his sons' mother and married his mistress. So, if he tries to preach duty to the monarchy to them, they just have to point to Camilla and say, "Reallllllly?!?" :bored:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: india on November 12, 2014, 03:49:47 pm
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That is all well and good but the fact of the matter is that The Faker Kate is cut from a different cloth than Camilla. To wit, her ungodly low rent family and The Faker's ungodly, heinous behavior in all areas. This female is one disaster after another. An unending sh*t show.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: gingerboy24 on November 12, 2014, 05:01:56 pm
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I do not agree with the way Princess Diana was treated, and I most certainly do not like camzilla. But to be fair, chucky has always got on with it and done his duty, and marrying camzilla did not turn him into a lazy, bone idle good for nothing like wimpo, , shouting and wanting to sue everyone in sight who dared to take a photo he did not approve of. I am not a fan of chucky, not one bit, but in my personal opinion losing mor@l ground did not change his nature from a full time working member of the rf into the person his son always appears to have been, but has become worse aided and abetted no doubt by the ghastly, greed, grasping, down market, sink estate meddleton family. I do not think he would have been completely different had he done the sensible thing and stayed away from them, but IMO they have definitely made him much, much worse.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: india on November 13, 2014, 11:28:47 am
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You are so right GingerBoy. Chuck has carried on with his duties but Prince Punk Petulant has morphed into one hot, lazy, entitled brat of a mess since he aligned himself with all things Middleton. What a disaster.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on November 13, 2014, 03:49:53 pm
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^^I agree with you both that Charles works hard and has been a dutiful Prince of Wales. However, he ignored the advice of his mother the queen and all of the courtiers by marrying the divorced woman who was his mistress during his marriage.

And now, despite the fact that most people agree that Camilla seems a good egg and all, there is a taint attached to her and Charles. She doesn't dare use the "Princess of Wales" and there continues to be debate about whether she should be called "Queen Consort". There is talk Australia is hanging in with the Commonwealth only until after Her Majesty dies because they really don't respect Charles.

He undermined the throne. He did what Edward VIII was not allowed to do. Queen Mary is rolling over in her grave.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Alexandrine on November 13, 2014, 04:31:23 pm
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:BOT:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on December 08, 2014, 10:42:59 pm
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Sophie has been able to develop a persona for herself of being the "perfect" royal wife, trotting along to her various engagements and connecting with people.

But doesn't the perfect royal wife show themselves to be interested mothers, engaged in their children's lives? Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, was very present and engaged in Lilibet and Margaret's lives. The present queen, while not as warm as her mother, was often photographed with her children at Balmor@l, Sandingham, etc. Diana, of course, was a famously hands-on, huggy mother. Sarah, too, was very involved in her children's lives and photographed often with them [still is, in fact]. Anne was not tactile, but she was with her children at all the family functions and obviously was active in their lives.

Sophie seems strangely aloof from her children. James rarely is seen with the family. Louise more so since she was asked to be a part of the Cambridge wedding. But if Sophie is so interested and connected and good with children, then where are the photos of her hugging and interacting with her kids?

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Alexandrine on December 08, 2014, 11:09:29 pm
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I don't think you can question how involved she is because we get no press about this at all. No photos doesn't mean she is not a good mother, simply that for whatever reason they are not choosing to use the kids for PR. In that sense what you say is true it is strange that Edward and her do not use photoogs to get more popular.

Maybe they had to agree with what Charles/Queen said about the future role of their children and so they are more hidden. This way they cannot used the way the York daughters are.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on December 09, 2014, 03:46:15 am
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You put it perfectly: ". . . we get no press about this at all." I mean, how is it avoided? Diana spent every minute she could with her children, and therefore their interactions were photographed. Likewise every other member of the royal family. We saw Peter, Zara, William, Harry, Beatrice and Eugenie grow up. They weren't used for PR -- they were simply living their lives and they were photographed doing so.

The future role of the Wessex chlldren has no bearing in their going about their lives as part of the Windsor family. Peter and Zara don't have courtesy titles at all nor a royal role, and they have been quite prominent all their lives simply because they have been involved with the family.

I am sure that Ed and Sophie dearly love their children, but why don't they interact as a unit? The kids are old enough now that it is just strange. :sob:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on December 26, 2014, 01:22:56 pm
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So, the cracks in the myth of Sophie being a perfect royal wife get bigger:

1. Remember how often we heard how much the queen loved Sophie so much that only Sophie was asked to ride in the car with her at appearances? Well, Sophie hasn't ridden with Her Majesty since Christmas 2011 -- three years ago (and when Kate married in). Did the Queen kick Sophie out of the car? Or did Sophie tell the Queen to stuff it because she wanted to walk and have her photo taken?

2. If Sophie were a perfect royal wife, she should pay less attention to her clothes and hair and seeking out and grinning at the camera, and pay more attention to what her pre-teen daughter is wearing. Louise is way too big and old to wear white tights and mary janes like a little girl. Her coats tend to be too small for her or too big. Sophie needs to spend less money on herself and a bit more on her daughter. I think Sophie is going to be one of those mothers who feel threatened by their daughters growing up and becoming "competition".

3. And James. Again, James is left with the nanny on Christmas. Why? He is seven years old. No longer a toddler. Why does Sophie not want to let her son be a part of the family? Very, very strange situation.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: terrajoule on December 26, 2014, 02:18:14 pm
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Okay, where in the h3ll was/is James? Locked in the tower? Poor kid always hidden away like Colin in Secret Garden or like Miss Rochester in the attic or like the Humpback of Notre Dame or like Prince John. Kid have epilepsy, attention deficit or something? How Odd. :-

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Alexandrine on December 26, 2014, 04:41:16 pm
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He comes out from time to time. Though I also find it strange that he is so little shown. But in any case the problem lies in both Sophie and her husband whatever the reason is.

She had a very difficult pregnancy with Louise and lost another but James had a normal childbirth and nothing has been talked about.

Maybe they are simply trying to be nice with Charles.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: benign on December 29, 2014, 09:39:22 pm
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Quote
I don’t recommend that to anyone,’ she says quietly. ‘He was six weeks old, and we went through 24 hours of tests, which wasn’t much fun for him. Trying to fill 10 phials of blood from a tiny baby isn’t easy.’ Fortunately, the hospital was to diagnose the cause of his ill health as a milk intolerance, ‘and we were lucky because it was caught so early, he didn’t suffer any lasting effect... But some children aren’t so lucky, and by the time they end up in Great Ormond Street they are in a seriously bad way, and have to be fed via an intravenous method because their stomachs are so damaged’. Such is her gratitude to Great Ormond Street that she has proved to be a loyal fundraiser for the hospital and its research facilities.

- thanks Alexandrine. Was it ever reported her son was taken to the hospital after 6 weeks? Good to see that she at least learned something and adapt to it.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Kuei Fei on December 30, 2014, 12:25:17 am
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Quote from: Stephanie on December 29, 2014, 09:04:45 pm
I like Sophie.
There's a lot more to her then meets the eye.
She's intelligent and learns something new every day, then puts it to good use.
She is a hard worker and makes things happen-not necessarily glamorous things that sell ad in the papers.
Seems capable to deal with life lessons whether good or bad, not self absorbed and those are good qualities IMO.

Certainly as a result of her business success and her career, she has those traits. Yet she seems determined to throw that away on being as retroactively conformist as she can be. I think this is the only reason HM likes her.
Quote from: CarryingOn on December 29, 2014, 07:38:46 pm
Quote from: Kuei Fei on December 29, 2014, 01:50:01 pm
Quote from: CarryingOn on December 29, 2014, 07:52:21 am
^ Exactly. Sings for her supper like Kit said. You have to wonder though how long she's going to keep that bit about dressing Louise up the way she does. Isn't the girl heading into her teens soon? It's just stupid now.

I'll never understand WHY so many modern career successes end up being the most conformist royal wives; Sophie should be dressing her daughter in a way that healthily makes her like her peers, it is possible to be modern an appropriate. By dressing her daughter in an Edwardian way she's making her daughter conform to a way of life that is literally dying and of course, Louise needs to be groomed for a more practical way of life outside of the royal ring.
I don't understand it either. Times change, time moves forward and it's NOT coming back! I think that's another reason why I don't like he way Louise dresses. You can tell there's nothing authentic or loved about the way she dresses, it's just another way for Sophie to show her conformity. Same with George, no love and appreciation of the style of dress, just another way to draw parallels between the way William and Harry grew up dressing. Not to mention, although, Louise is plain too old to be dressing the way she does, there are so many designers that are doing a more modern version of traditional dress. There's a woman I follow on instagram who dresses her little girl (and boy) in a more traditional manner but it's lots of pretty prints and bright colors going on. Also very cute and bright colored Mary Janes www.gramfeed.com/allieroyall (http://www.gramfeed.com/allieroyall). I think the mother shows a real love of the style of dress.

Right; there are dozens and dozens of nice stuff, look at Modcloth or dozens of other retailers who have wonderful designs that are modern, chic, and still very modest. While HM has billions, will have billions to give away, it's not healthy to cut Louise off and groom her for a life in an Edwardian cocoon. William and Harry to me were just dressed nicely and I don't think the little Edwardian outfits were too bad as infants and toddlers, since the styles are practical and nice. It's just when it spills over past a certain age, that is when it becomes creepy and unhealthy. With her professional background I for one would have been dressing my kid in a nice long dress, long thermals, and sensible boots to keep the feet covered and warm.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Rosella on December 30, 2014, 01:48:51 am
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I wonder whether the fact that Edward and Sohie are older parents has something to do with Louise's style of dress. After all, Sophie is just about fifty, Edward is already there. Sophie can probable remember wearing strap shoes, tights and long coats when she was Louise's age and so just automatically copies it, in a way a parent in their thirties or early forties probably wouldn't.

I don't think Sophie does it deliberately, though there have been suggestions on blogs etc that she might be trying to keep Louise child-like for as long as possible, so she doesn't make Sophie look old.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: meememe on December 30, 2014, 02:15:42 am
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Have any of you ever seen Louise's friends and how they dress? They may dress the same way.

Personally I see nothing wrong with the way she dresses - similar to the 11 - 12 year old girls I know.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Fly on the wall on December 30, 2014, 02:34:17 am
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Showing off her super-slim figure and, now, risking major controversy by praising the burka. As she turns 50...Is Sophie trying to snatch the limelight from Kate?


She was just another skier with two young children parking their equipment at the end of the day at the hire shop.

There was nothing to distinguish the Countess of Wessex and her children Lady Louise, 11, and James (Viscount Severn), seven, from any other family holidaying in Zermatt, Switzerland.

Surprisingly, for a senior royal, she hadn’t expected their police protection officers to carry the skis back to the shop for them. Even the children carried their own.
www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2890663/As-turns-50-Sophie-trying-snatch-limelight-Kate.html

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Kuei Fei on December 30, 2014, 03:29:14 am
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I do find it odd that Sophie is going on this sort of blitz.

Why the sudden need to promote herself has come up I don't know and I don't understand why Sophie is being so visible all of a sudden.
Quote from: meememe on December 30, 2014, 02:15:42 am
Have any of you ever seen Louise's friends and how they dress? They may dress the same way.

Personally I see nothing wrong with the way she dresses - similar to the 11 - 12 year old girls I know.

I might be wrong, but most kids aren't wearing clothes straight out of an Edwardian portrait.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on December 30, 2014, 04:57:52 am
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Quote from: Kuei Fei on December 30, 2014, 03:29:14 am
I do find it odd that Sophie is going on this sort of blitz.

Why the sudden need to promote herself has come up I don't know and I don't understand why Sophie is being so visible all of a sudden.

...


Indeed. Wasn't Diana criticized for "outshining" HER husband, a royal prince? And yet Sophie is going all out on an obvious, deliberate make-over to outshine not only royal princes, but their wives who are above her in the pecking order. To what end? What does she think she's going to get out of this? The people will fall soooo in love with her beautiful, sexy 50-year old self that they'll make her queen? It's ridiculous! And why doesn't the queen put her in her place as she did Diana? Why does Sophie get to do all this crazy stuff unchecked? It's very odd.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Rosella on December 30, 2014, 05:53:14 am
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Quote from: Miss Hathaway on December 30, 2014, 04:57:52 am
Quote from: Kuei Fei on December 30, 2014, 03:29:14 am
I do find it odd that Sophie is going on this sort of blitz.

Why the sudden need to promote herself has come up I don't know and I don't understand why Sophie is being so visible all of a sudden.

...


Indeed. Wasn't Diana criticized for "outshining" HER husband, a royal prince? And yet Sophie is going all out on an obvious, deliberate make-over to outshine not only royal princes, but their wives who are above her in the pecking order. To what end? What does she think she's going to get out of this? The people will fall soooo in love with her beautiful, sexy 50-year old self that they'll make her queen? It's ridiculous! And why doesn't the queen put her in her place as she did Diana? Why does Sophie get to do all this crazy stuff unchecked? It's very odd.

There are a few things going on there, probably. Edward, like Andrew doesn't like the idea of a slimmed down monarchy. That balcony appearance with just Charles, Camilla and his children standing beside the Queen was a shock to the siblings in my opinion.

Allied to that rather grim future as far as the Wessexes are concerned, is that younger members of the Royals are squeezing out the older ones as far as media coverage is concerned. Even Charles complains that his charities aren't getting the publicity they deserve. How much more so for Sophie who is down the pecking order and is not getting very much media oxygen at her public engagements?

Sophie can see the writing on the wall. Her status as a favoured daughter in law of the Queen isn't going to mean squat after the aged monarch is dead and a new reign has begun. IMO Sophie is getting a bit of public notice while she can. It's likely to be sparse in future years.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Val on December 30, 2014, 08:28:38 am
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The RF are behind the promotion of Sophie as a much more suitable representative than Kate who has constantly embarrassed them with her inadequacies and frequent flashing of body parts (not to mention her pushy social climbing family). A response to the Burka article says much about public feeling too.


ExPatPat, Lisbon, Portugal, 39 minutes ago
AND she knows how to talk and act in public, she smiles and she doesn't make a grimace instead of a smile, no fiddling with too long locks, no heavy handed make up and too short skirts, she is extremely pretty and it would be better not to make a comparison as Sophie Wessex is miles ahead of Kate Cambridge. Also we have never seen her parents elbowing their way into the royal circle.
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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Stephanie on December 30, 2014, 10:25:49 am
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At least the public can now see what a working royal actually does (as opposed to Wasty).
About Louise's Christmas outfit; maybe Louise wants to wear white stockings because she feels that's the festive and Christmassy thing to do.
cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000CqbqhU1EgL0/s/650/650/NEWSPIX1181104-Lady-Louise.jpg
Louise has plenty of nice clothes and boots.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: gingerboy24 on December 30, 2014, 10:51:06 am
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I like Sophie and think she is far superior to wasty in every area. As far as it goes, for me wasty has not even hit the starting block yet, and doesn´t look likely to, ever, an d she has that vile family of hers to drag along everywhere, gives me the impression she can´t function without ma pushing her buttons. Sophie is much more her own woman.

Some lovely photos of her on here

princessmonarchy.eklablog.com/nouveau-portrait-de-la-comtesse-sophie-de-wessex-dans-le-domaine-de-su-a114105260

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Stephanie on December 30, 2014, 11:09:15 am
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:thumbsup:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Freya on December 30, 2014, 11:12:08 am
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^^
I agree. Sophie is much more soft and natural looking than Kate who has a hard look. Kate looks as if she is acting out a part and not comfortable in the role.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Stephanie on December 30, 2014, 11:22:17 am
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Sophie at 49 isn't using botox and fillers like wasty.
Why should she have to wipe out the few mimic lines that she has?
Sophie's skin is way better than Wasty's- no muscle atrophy from botox, no horrible leathery orange skin with neglected clogged up pores.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: india on December 30, 2014, 12:13:33 pm
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All in all, I would say if you had to compare Sophie's competence as a representative of the RF to that of WK, there is no competition. Sophie wins hands down. WK is a loser in all areas and in all arenas. WK has only been successful in snagging the idiot prince. And that is it.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: gingerboy24 on December 30, 2014, 01:38:25 pm
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^ Nothing to add to that India, just about sums it all up for a lot of us.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Val on December 30, 2014, 01:48:10 pm
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The RF are actively promoting Sophie as a representative as they have accepted that Kate is totally incompetent and unsuitable for the role. Too much flashing, no conversational skills, gurning, open mouthed grinning, inappropriate dress, hand flapping, head nodding and more. No amount of desperate PR can help Kate either.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Stephanie on December 30, 2014, 02:31:46 pm
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Totally agree.
The monarchy is sinking with only Aging Adulterer Chuck, the Wrinkly Homewrecker, Barbie and Baldie- and Harry to pick up everyone's pieces.
Chuck IMO should not go ahead with the mini monarchy.
He needs his brothers, sister and sister in law to help him with the daily workload.
The York girls would also improve the image of the RF IMO.
He should give them some tasks-they are charming and seem to enjoy it.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on December 30, 2014, 05:51:19 pm
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Quote from: Stephanie on December 30, 2014, 11:22:17 am
Sophie at 49 isn't using botox and fillers like wasty.
Why should she have to wipe out the few mimic lines that she has?
Sophie's skin is way better than Wasty's- no muscle atrophy from botox, no horrible leathery orange skin with neglected clogged up pores.

She doesn't have to when the media is photoshopping her to death. The Harpers Bazaar photos are like oil paintings they are so photoshopped. :bored: :cookie:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Kuei Fei on December 31, 2014, 06:05:46 pm
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Yelling at a security officer is to me bad bad bad bad bad bad form.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: AnaBolena on December 31, 2014, 06:25:32 pm
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^ Totally agree KF - as is yelling at anyone, but I give ppl breaks when hormonal. Coming from a huge family if sisters who all were well educated I've seen it all. Hormones aren't completely controllable ALL the time especially in pre and peri meno, which Sophie would be. No, it's not good, not elegant or classy, but so what - she's human- she doesn't do it every day, at least not in public.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on December 31, 2014, 07:08:55 pm
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Maybe. I'd put it down to JEALOUSY myself. :hi:

In any event, the old girl is touted to be the Model of Royalty and her screeching like a fishwife on the sidewalk at an employee who cannot talk back is low class. And not what the queen (her teacher) would do.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Kuei Fei on December 31, 2014, 08:19:18 pm
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I do think that yelling at a security officer is the lowest of the low. If a member of congress or member of the First Family were videotaped/photographed screaming and pointing at a US Secret Service agent, it would incinerate their poll ratings and likely trigger the Congress to issue a censure. Sophie has no excuse not to handle her stress in a more adult manner. Zero excuse really. She could take pills to relax her or indulge in some stress reduction exercise, not mouth off to a security officer.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: AnaBolena on January 01, 2015, 07:24:38 pm
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MH - but jealous of what?

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Freya on January 02, 2015, 02:25:59 am
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I like Sophie but a member of the RF is a public representative and shouting at a security officer is not good form. If she had been an MP she would have been in big bother. Royals do seem to get away with a lot in comparison with elected representatives.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Kuei Fei on January 02, 2015, 02:57:59 am
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Quote from: Miss Hathaway on December 31, 2014, 07:08:55 pm
Maybe. I'd put it down to JEALOUSY myself. :hi:

In any event, the old girl is touted to be the Model of Royalty and her screeching like a fishwife on the sidewalk at an employee who cannot talk back is low class. And not what the queen (her teacher) would do.
Quote from: AnaBolena on January 01, 2015, 07:24:38 pm
MH - but jealous of what?

I think Sophie has treasured her role as HM's favorite, the youngest of the royal consorts, and felt threatened by Kate coming into the RF, disliked the idea of no longer being the most 'modern' of the consorts and there was likely yelling and screaming around the palaces for weeks after the announcement.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: AnaBolena on January 02, 2015, 03:39:15 am
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^ KF if that's the case, I wish Sophie would Google Waity a while back. She's been nothing but a glorified mistress for a decade pre-marriage, a non starter in the work force EVER and has hardly been seen looking decent pre-marriage. I'd have thought of her as a tart! Sophie is so silly to be jealous of such a social climbing,cheap overrated piece of lack of work.

Message to Sophie!!!! :flower:

Shaking my head Sophie. You're better than that wastrel any day. Get with the program and wake up to Waity.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: gingerboy24 on January 02, 2015, 03:10:40 pm
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^Heartily agree. Sophie or wasty - hmmm, let me see, nope, no thought needed, Sophie every time. More class in her little finger than wasty has in the whole of her emaciated body.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: AnaBolena on January 02, 2015, 06:28:24 pm
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^ :thumbsup: GB - one would have to be actively wanting to discredit Sophie to say otherwise in light of Waity's actions.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on January 02, 2015, 06:52:24 pm
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Quote from: Kuei Fei on January 02, 2015, 02:57:59 am
Quote from: Miss Hathaway on December 31, 2014, 07:08:55 pm
Maybe. I'd put it down to JEALOUSY myself. :hi:

In any event, the old girl is touted to be the Model of Royalty and her screeching like a fishwife on the sidewalk at an employee who cannot talk back is low class. And not what the queen (her teacher) would do.
Quote from: AnaBolena on January 01, 2015, 07:24:38 pm
MH - but jealous of what?

I think Sophie has treasured her role as HM's favorite, the youngest of the royal consorts, and felt threatened by Kate coming into the RF, disliked the idea of no longer being the most 'modern' of the consorts and there was likely yelling and screaming around the palaces for weeks after the announcement.

Yes, this is what I think. And her actions since then only reinforce this belief. Her copying Kate is downright creepy and I hope someone talks to her about getting help/stopping it.

Frankly, neither Kate nor Sophie are exactly what one thinks of when thinking of "class". :bored:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on January 10, 2015, 03:27:48 pm
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Quote
Sophie and Edward like to be around their children. It is easily apparent that they enjoy them. No complaining about them. Quite refreshing.

It is clear that they do not enjoy being around their son because he's rarely with them. No huggy, smiley photos with them. If Sophie were really a perfect royal wife, she'd fix this and start appearing with James. He's seven. He's way old enough. It's odd that they have never taken him to church on Christmas. Wonder why? :cookie:

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Title: Sophie Wessex - Myths and Legends
Post by: Miss Hathaway on January 21, 2015, 08:41:43 pm
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Every royal figure has myths and legends surrounding them, and Sophie Wessex is no different. The same stories keep circulating around her, and no one bothers to set them straight. This article, for instance, repeats the same stuff about Sophie that isn't accurate:

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/11352032/Sophie-Wessex-at-50-a-countess-the-Queen-can-rely-on.html

For instance: . . . . gradually the Earl and Countess of Wessex became more absorbed in royal duties.

Actually, the Earl's business (Ardent) was becoming an embarrassment and the Countess of Wessex's greediness led her to trying to land a rich "sheikh's" account by offering him access to the royal persona. Thus, they were given an ultimatum -- business or royal life. They quickly chose royal lives and so work had to be created for them.

And: The Countess closed down her company in 2002, the same year as the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

Sophie -- contrary to her assurances to the queen -- continued her involvement with the company. It didn't close down (due to bankruptcy) for another seven years.

www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1200621/Sophie-Wessex-1-7m-business-debt--won-t-pay.html

And: It soon became clear that the Countess was never going to upstage the Queen or her husband in the way that Diana, Princess of Wales had done

The author makes it sound as though this became clear AFTER Sophie had to leave her company and become a working royal. In fact, this was what the queen noticed when Sophie first started dating Edward. "You wouldn't notice her in a crowd" the queen told Margaret. They were thrilled that she did not have the charisma of Diana.

And: nor did she have any of the perceived extravagances of the Duchess of York.

This isn't completely true. Sophie lives in the largest of the private homes of all the royals. And she bankrupted her company. She's not so very different from Sarah York in that respect. The difference is that the queen has bankrolled her.

And: Indeed, she has a close relationship with the Queen. She has often been seen leaving church in the car with Her Majesty, while other members of the Royal family walk.

The car riding was true up until December 2011. That was the last time Sophie rode in the car with the Queen at one of the family get togethers. After that she has walked with everyone else, clearly enjoying the camera.

And: Over time, the Wessexes have taken on an enormous number of royal engagements, and these do not always appear to be the most glamorous ones.

I think the author has this confused with Princess Anne. She takes on an enormous number of not-so-glamorous engagements. The Wessexes are the ones who can be found dressing up in gowns and tiaras for weddings.

And: puts aside time for her children. She collects them from school and they often ride together, frequently with the Queen.

This may have been true in the past, but I think the Queen's riding days are increasingly behind her. And Sophie being a rider is more myth than fact, it would seem. I think she is much more into taking her children to riding lessons these days.

And: Over the years, there have been members of the Royal family who have quietly gone about such business and duties. The Countess of Wessex is in the mould of Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra, who, in their different, quiet ways, never failed to support the monarch of the day. Such dedication does not attract daily headlines, and nor should it.


Actually, Sophie is not at all quiet while going about her duties, as were Princesses Alice and Alexandra. Sophie's having been the second lady in the land when she first married in seems to have gone to her head, and she is not gracefully ceding that position. There have been a spate of articles about Sophie since Charles and William have married and pushed her down the line. Put "Sophie Wessex" in the google news search and you will see story after story of "Royal mother-of-two dazzles on Spanish beach"; "Countess of Wessex: the Royal Family's latest style icon?"; "The only way is Wessex: How stylish Sophie has transformed into a real jewel in the crown"; "Sophie Wessex: The unsung star of the Royal Family"; "Sophie at 50: the Queen's quiet favorite". And on and on.

Now put in "Princess Anne" in the google news search and you find fewer, very matter of fact headlines, despite the fact that Anne works much more than Sophie.

It's pretty obvious that Sophie has a pr person to place stories to raise her profile. Sophie would know how to work this since she was a pr person herself. There's nothing wrong with this, but it puts paid the myth that Sophie is "quietly" and "unassumingly" going about her duties. She intends to get as much press out of her position as she can.

:flirt:

Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: AnaBolena on April 22, 2015, 11:51:23 pm
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^ India, I just watched a YouTube video that is based on as much fact as can be found. You might find it of interest because it seems his initial parting from his family was due to the war. Clearly there were the usual RF issues surrounding illness, or the inability to accept not all is perfect, but it's a more humane light that is shed in this one.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=peKGD48yqTk

I do think it terribly sad that he was parted, but he certainly wasn't unloved by any means. Poor child, the illness alone was suffering enough, but it has often made me question if Edward and Sophie's child has something wrong. I hope not.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Countess of Holland on April 23, 2015, 07:59:57 am
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James is seen often enough with his family, to the races, to the Commonwealth Games, a few weeks ago to South Africa. I just get the feeling that he is a very active boy (he always seems to be climbing on things) who can't sit still for longer than ten minutes. So his parents decided not to take him to the more official events that require him to sit still, like church services.

And that is a wise thing because if an anonymous child is shifting and turning on his chair we might say 'oh well', but when he does it, the press will cry 'shame on him' and will go after his parents for not raising him properly. While these journalists, for all we know, have an equally active son who just happens not to be in the spotlights.

So no, I don't think anything is wrong with him. I have nephews (and a few tom-boy nieces) who are overly active as well, or who were when they were younger. And as they get older, they will adapt easier to what is expected and will act accordingly. And it is for the parents to decide when that moment is with James. They most certainly know him much better than we do (and perhaps with the nanny, they know him best).

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: AnaBolena on April 23, 2015, 05:37:12 pm
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^ Well said CoH :thumbsup:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on June 17, 2015, 03::34 am
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Does Sophie have any girlfriends? Does she ever socialize with friends? I never see photos of her out and about with her kids doing normal activities or out and about with girlfriends.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Tpearl on June 17, 2015, 04:02:49 am
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Good question. She seems to be a bit of a loner.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on October 20, 2015, 05:27:33 pm
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Well, I have neglected the Coy Countess because of all the excitement in the Swedish Court. kisss But while scrolling through some headlines, I found this article, published yesterday:

www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3278885/From-frumpy-fabulous-Sophie-Wessex-caved-royal-style-demands-ditched-boring-trouser-suits-one-Vanity-Fair-s-best-dressed.html

I cannot believe the audacity of this woman. Periodically, there appears a DM article (with Sophie's fingerprints all over it), to tell us how AMAZING this woman is! The Best Royal Evah! The Perfect Royal Wife! So Stylish! Looking Younger Every Day! Bestest Bosom Buddies with the Queen! Never Puts a Hoof Wrong! Et Cetera. :wopedo:

And here we go again. Sophie feels the need to drum up some attention for herself. And we get this ridiculous dribble:

". . . The wife of the Prince Edward, told the Sunday Express, that during the early years of her marriage, she tried to resist wearing expensive designer clothes for fear that her outfits would overshadow her charity work.
She said: 'It's still not about me, it's about my charities. But I recognise that I'm on display.'

The Countess revealed that a casual chat with someone had made her realise that fashion was something to be taken seriously.

She added: 'I wrestled with that one for a little while and caved in at the end of the day.' . . . "

Huh? She did not realize that for HUNDREDS (a thousand) years that everyone was interested in what the royals wore?

Does she not realize how shallow this makes her look? After all Princess Anne has worn the same hairstyle for years, wears appropriate -- but not fashion forward -- clothes, gets few headlines or cover photos for her work, but realizes that it is about the WORK she does for the charity and not her clothes or looks?!

Evidently, for Sophie, it is all about the clothes and how much attention she gets, and the personal acclaim she receives. It really is all about her. I think she does care about her charities, but she is also very aware of how to use the charities as her own personal vanity vehicle.


And then this story, the day before the one above, we again, hear about her closeness with the Queen and this statement:

"Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is fast becoming one of the most popular members of the royal family, who earns as much admiration for her sense of duty and charity support as for her sense of style. . . ."

Fast becoming one of the most popular? Really? Most people don't even know who she is or who her husband is. Well, Soph, it's good to have a dream. :laugh: :laugh:


www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3278383/The-Queen-great-listener-Sophie-Wessex-praises-amazing-mother-law-never-loses-desire-learn.html

I think Sophie believes she can PR her way into the Queenship.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Kuei Fei on October 20, 2015, 08:26:31 pm
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I get so sick and tired of the deliberate clueless that is expressed by women who marry into these families, as if they're all virginal ingenues. The woman is a mother of two and married for nearly twenty years, time to set the silliness aside and grow up and find something new to talk about.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on October 29, 2015, 03:17:45 pm
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^KF, this story was timed to remind everyone of the fabulous Sophie since she was not going to be at the State Dinner and Kate was. She wanted to get some attention for herself, but to no avail. She was ignored as always and Kate has had much media attention. That's the way it works, and Sophie needs to accept it. She was once the second lady in the land by a fluke. It's over now, and she needs to accept the position she is in and that she is never going to move up.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: My2Pence on October 29, 2015, 08:56:04 pm
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I don't see this article as a Sophie plant. More like the press trying to get back at W&K by showcasing how Sophie works and dresses well all at the same time. Her style has definitely improved from the early years, although most female members of the BRF looked like they were wearing costumes in the 1990s. If I never seen another color block skirt suit it will be too soon. Sophie is also the patron of London College of Fashion. She's going to have to talk fashion every so often, and if she public said fashion didn't matter to her at all, she'd be in trouble as their patron.

Wasn't Sophie on the way to Germany to visit her regiment at the time of the State dinner?

Anne was a real fashion plate in her day and continues to wear some quite elaborate outfits. Her early fashions were sometimes crazy fads, but involved her really paying attention to what she was wearing. In her own way she still does this, from the rose-and-flor@l outfit from Zara wedding to the elaborate embroidered coats that she's worn lately. Anne's a champion re-cycler and she wears a lot of basic suits with her mended black gloves, but every so often the fashion plate comes out with a vengeance.



Recent Anne fashion

images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/106/590x/secondary/37984.jpg (http://images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/106/590x/secondary/37984.jpg)

i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/06/03/article-1393596-0C6063A200000578-362_306x641.jpg
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/06/03/article-1393596-0C6063A200000578-362_306x641.jpg)

i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/03/16/article-2115949-12334151000005DC-2_306x709.jpg
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/03/16/article-2115949-12334151000005DC-2_306x709.jpg)

i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/06/19/23/29BE595B00000578-0-image-m-88_1434754254297.jpg
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/06/19/23/29BE595B00000578-0-image-m-88_1434754254297.jpg)

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on October 29, 2015, 10:01:29 pm
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^Oh, in my opinion, it was definitely a Sophie plant, as the press doesn't give a hoot about her to write about her on their own -- otherwise, they would.

And the evening of the State Banquet, Sophie was at Exeter Cathedal in Exeter, Devon.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: My2Pence on October 29, 2015, 10:33:26 pm
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Looks like Germany thing was just prior to the Chinese visit. I don't see the article as a Sophie plant. If the press doesn't care enough to write about her, they care enough to write about her to take a dig at W&K (which is what I think this was).

Looks like Sophie had three engagements the date of the State dinner, so makes perfect sense she wasn't there (just like Charles and Camilla weren't present).

October 20
The Countess of Wessex this afternoon visited Vispring Limited, Ernesettle Lane, Ernesettle, Plymouth, and was received by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Devon (Mr. David Fursdon).

Her Royal Highness later visited Headway Devon, the XCentre, Commercial Road, Exeter.

The Countess of Wessex, Patron, the Two Moors Festival, subsequently attended the Fifteenth Anniversary production of the Opera "Tarka the Otter" at Exeter Cathedral.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on October 30, 2015, 03:48:54 am
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Sophie's stories about how popular and fashionable she is, doesn't make it so. Nor will she ever be able to compete with any woman young enough to be her daughter, and she makes herself look foolish in trying to do so, in my opinion.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: My2Pence on October 30, 2015, 03:08:12 pm
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You think they are Sophie plants. I don't. Neither of us will ever know. She shows up, does her work, and seems appreciated by the People and Firm. Since that's her job as Royal Spouse, she's doing it well. As the older and lower-down royals phase out and W&K refuse to work, I expect Sophie to continue as as royal workhorse for another 20 years.

As for fashion? I think Sophie has improved through the years and she shows you can be fashionable and fashionably age-appropriate at any age. I don't think being fashionable should be restricted to 20 or 30 somethings, so I appreciate Sophie's stylish efforts.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on October 30, 2015, 03:41:36 pm
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I do believe Sophie is behind her puff pieces. She was in PR, you know. She is very frustrated that she does not have a higher profile and does everything she can to raise it rather than be content with the position to which she has risen in life. Her marrying into the queen's family was beyond her wildest dreams, yet it isn't enough for her.

Sophie will continue to work, no doubt, but Charles' vision of a much reduced royal family puts a question mark as to the extent of the Wessex role. The relationship between the Wessexes and Charles is historically rocky. And Charles won't be giving them the financial assistance the Queen and Phil have given them over the years, so we'll see how it all works out for Sophie. :bored:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: My2Pence on October 30, 2015, 04:03:06 pm
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I think Sophie knows this is a PR job, so she does the job of PR for the BRF. I don't think she's behind these stories, I think it is the press promoting Sophie over KM as a way of getting back at W&K. As long as a member of the BRF is getting good press and showing up to work, that member is doing a good job as a royal. If Sophie is getting good press, it means she's doing her job as Perfect Royal Wife (likewise Birgitte).

I doubt Charles will have a choice. W&K refuse to work, and they cannot reduce the royal workload or number of annual engagement without the public screaming. Charles needs Edward and Sophie, even if he doesn't want to need them. E&S do their jobs, they're solid royals, they'll pick up the slack of daily engagements W&K refuse to do. They engage with the Continental royals so Charles doesn't have to. Sophie and Edward will continue to work for the Firm for 20 years, and Charles will pony up the money to keep them in style because he needs them working.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on October 30, 2015, 06:51:04 pm
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I think Sophie does a PR job for herself. The press isn't going to compare Sophie to Kate because that's apples to oranges. They aren't comparable. Kate can be compared to Mary of Teck, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, and Diana Spencer. Sophie can be compared to Alice, the Duchess of Gloucester and Marina, the Duchess of Kent.

Sophie always wants people to know that she's the queen's favorite, and that's lovely. However, what will that get her when the queen is gone other than her own personal feelings (and I'm not discounting that)? It doesn't push her into a new position within the royal family. Kate will move up even higher and Sophie will be even lower because now it is not her mother-in-law who is the monarch, but her brother-in-law; while it is Kate's father-in-law who is monarch rather than her grandmother-in-law.

Granted, I think Kate is a complete disaster and never wanted William to marry her. But as long as she is there, these are the realities of how the pecking order works in a royal family, and the press follows the pecking order. Sophie can be as dutiful and hardworking as can be, and while her charities are appreciative, she will never have the limelight that Kate and Harry's wife will have. No one today remembers the work that Alice and Marina did, even though they were dutiful members of the BRF (and in Marina's case, of royal blood, beautiful and stylish). That is Sophie's future, and she does not appear to be accepting the realities.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: My2Pence on October 30, 2015, 08:01:49 pm
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You think she isn't accepting her position, I think she doesn't care. You think she is begging for press, I think the press is pushing her forward to try to shame Middleton. We'll continue to disagree because, reading your posts, Sophie is always wrong in your eyes. At least you admit her charities appreciate her.

I think Sophie really is the perfect royal wife, much like Marie of Denmark, which is the title of the thread. She does the job, shows up, bats cleanup, and is appreciated by the royals and the people. Most members of the family always look happy to see Sophie, which tells me a lot in a family this crazy. She makes the effort to get along and be a peacemaker. The BRF desperately needs someone like Sophie, both now and into the future.

We are allowed to compare any royals we want. Sophie can be compared to KM because she is a working royal. It doesn't matter whether she is the wife of a future consort or not. She is a married-in spouse who is working rings around Middleton, has always been engaged with her work, and is a royal the family and the people can count on to do the job.

Edward is Philip's favorite, hence the DoE title that will likely come to him. Sophie is HM's favorite. What will that get them? A significant chunk of the private inheritance and guarantees secured by HM that Charles will treat them well. HM and Philip will not leave E&S hanging. No matter what Charles does, they'll be VERY well taken care of by private funds as will their children. Again, Charles's slimming plan will only work if W&K work. Since they won't work, Edward and Sophie will continue to be quiet workhorses for 20 years.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Stephanie on October 30, 2015, 08:04:52 pm
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I don't see Sophie as a conniving person at all.
She married the youngest brother so she knew from the start that she wouldn't be a high ranking royal.
She is a hard worker and always looks good.
About her relationship with HM:good for her.
Sophie's mother passed away and she had a difficult relationship with her so if she gets some warmth and appreciation from her MIL I can't see the harm in that.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: leogirl on October 31, 2015, 04:32:22 am
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I think Sophie is doing a great job. :thumbsup:

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Freya on October 31, 2015, 07:06:30 am
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Sophie shows up in the Midlands more than the others and for that she gets my vote.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Miss Hathaway on November 13, 2015, 04:01: pm
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I wonder why Sophie did not make a fuss over her daughter's 12th birthday? I have not seen any photos of Louise or a mother-daughter photo of Louise and Sophie to celebrate this occasion. Louise is rapidly becoming a young woman. She has the potential to be a very pretty girl, and I do hope that her mother will buy her a pretty skirt and sweater/jacket, some stylish flats and black tights, and maybe pull her hair back in a bow for the Christmas church appearance. And I hope that James will finally be allowed to be with the family that day, as well.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: leogirl on November 14, 2015, 10:34:40 am
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I agree, something should have been done to celebrate. Maybe they will next year when she officially becomes a teenager? I hope so. Maybe her birthday was kept low key because it was on Remembrance Day this year?

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Alexandrine on November 30, 2015, 09:36:21 pm
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I think this was not posted
Quote
In a speech she told a group of some of the city’s wealthiest women: ‘I am rare because I am one of the few ladies in the British Royal Family who has had a professional business career and their own company.

‘So perhaps I am able, through my own experience, to have a deeper appreciation of the corporate world and what it’s like to have to climb the career ladder.’ Sophie is, indeed, one of the few royal women to have run her own business. Princess Anne has always undertaken full-time royal duties, while the Duchess of Cambridge flitted from a part-time job working as an accessories buyer to working for her family firm before marrying William and having children.

Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3327946/Sophie-Wessex-says-s-royal-woman-career-PR-firm-bombed-newspaper-sting.html#ixzz3t0sRZlY2
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Though it's true she could have worded it differently the I am rare sounds like she thinks she is a special snowflake.

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Title: Re: Countess of Wessex: The Perfect Royal Wife?
Post by: Kuei Fei on December 04, 2015, 05:05:50 am
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The other royal women are a product of their times, they didn't get to have sustained independent careers. Sophie couldn't sustain hers after marriage. I dislike how Sophie paints herself as a perfect example of royal modern womanhood. Kate flitted about, but that is hardly the norm. Crown Princess Masako was a high flying diplomat while Queen Maxima was involved in high finance. The other consorts had good honest jobs and so Sophie is not unique.

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