Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex and Queen Elizabeth's youngest child, has been married to Sophie Rhys-Jones, the Countess of Wessex, for two decades. However, the early years of their relationship was marred with "rows and disagreements" that the couple almost called it quits.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward wrote in the book "Prince Edward: A Biography" that Sophie had a difficult time adjusting to the royal life in the beginning. Because Sophie was a driven and focused woman who was used to working hard in her young life, she had to learn the ways of the royals. Prince Edward, on the other hand, was quite "unnerved" about how their relationship developed in the mid-1990s.
The couple was also frequently arguing about Prince Edward's indecision. Despite the challenges, Sophie was reportedlynot about to give up so she worked at putting their relationship back on track. It helped that she was also well-liked by Queen Elizabeth as she was permitted to stay at Buckingham Palace even before her engagement to Prince Edward.
Four years later, the Wessexes confirmed their engagement in January 1999 and it would be one of the highlights of their fairy tale marriage. Six months later, Prince Edward and Sophie were married at the St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
The Wessex royals now have two children, Lady Louise and James, the Viscount Severn, whose names aren't styled as His or Her Royal Highness upon Queen Elizabeth's orders. According to Royal Central UK, this is due to the idea that there must only be a smaller number of members of the royal family performing royal duties on taxpayer's money.
Meanwhile, Sophie is reportedly the Queen's favorite and most trusted person among the members of the royal family. According to The Sun, Queen Elizabeth finds the presence of the countess quite soothing and Her Majesty enjoys the companionship she has with her daughter-in-law.
A senior royal aide said that Queen Elizabeth has relied on Sophie in ways that cannot be said in the same way for Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, who would both become queens for their marriage to the heirs to the throne. Her Majesty apparently treats Sophie like another daughter, not just a daughter-in-law.
Of the Queen's children, it is Prince Edward's marriage to Sophie that has survived a divorce or separation. They have also managed to raise two kids who are well-balanced and delightful.
