Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, celebrated her birthday on Feb. 6 and, as part of its customs, the Union Jack was raised in several public buildings across the U.K. to honor her special day. A TalkRadio host, however, questioned why there's a need to fly the Union Jack for Prince Edward's wife.
Mike Graham ranted on his show that some occasions for flying the Union Jack doesn't make sense. For instance, he's not in favor of flying a flag for Prince Andrew because of his scandals and controversies. He also questioned why the flag needs to be raised for the birthday of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Charles' second wife.
The host then asked why Sophie deserved such an honor. As Prince Edward's wife, is Sophie a senior member of the royal family?
The royal family's official website states that the Union Jack is flown during the birthdays of the royal family. It's unclear when this tradition started but the Union Jack dates back as far as 1702, during Queen Anne's reign.
Aside from royal family members birthdays, the Union Jack is also flown during Commonwealth Day, Coronation Day and Remembrance Day. It is also marked up and raised every State Opening of the Parliament.
Meanwhile, speculations are rife that Sophie's significance in the royal family might soon shift. She is, allegedly, being eyed to take on more official royal roles as Prince Harry and Meghan step back from their royal duties.
She won't, however, get a duchess title even if she receives more roles in the royal family. The titles of Earl and Countess were Prince Edward's personal request from Queen Elizabeth when they got married.
Royal correspondent Hannah Furness said that, as it is, Sophie has a "fairly full workload" in her patronages and causes. She might not need to take on more royal functions.
According to Harper's Bazaar, Sophie is a patron of over 70 charities and does hundreds of engagements every year as a full-time working royal. On top of this, she is also raising two teenagers with Prince Edward.
Thus, Furness believes that instead of Sophie being more visible and, taking on Prince Harry and Meghan's tasks, it will be the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who will be required to step it up. Prince William and Kate are, apparently, going to continue Prince Harry and Meghan's patronages privately.
