Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, has a great reason to celebrate her birthday with more gratitude this week after her 89-year-old father, Christopher Bournes Rhys-Jones, had his first COVID-19 vaccination.
The wife of Prince Edward happily told the news to the NHS nurses in Lincolnshire during a virtual conference call. However, Sophie did not reveal if her dad had the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
The countess said that it's been a "huge weight off her" to know that her vulnerable father is one step closer to getting his protection from the dreaded virus. Sophie also said that his father was full of praises for how the process was carefully handled and carried out.
The royal did not forget to thank the nurses, healthcare assistants and general practioners who are all part of the vaccine rollout program in the United Kingdom.
In his younger years, Sophie's dad used to work as a sales director for a rubber goods and tires export business. Rhys-Jones lives in Kent and was married to Mary, a former charity worker, who passed away in 2005. He also has a son, David, Sophie's older brother.
On Jan. 20, the Countess of Wessex celebrated her 56th birthday but it's unclear if she saw any family members in person since the U.K. is still under lockdown. Queen Elizabeth did greet her daughter-in-law on social media.
Meanwhile, royal experts Rebecca English said Sophie will finally get her chance to shine as a working royal as she steps up on her public service work with Prince Edward this year. According to the expert, Sophie has become an "incredible source of comfort and support" for Queen Elizabeth even as she's quietly working behind the scenes. The Countess of Wessex is that small but still and calming voice in The Firm, who is also ready to take on larger responsibilities for the monarchy.
Royal expert Angela Levin thinks that Sophie will have a larger role in 2021 as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle establish that they will no longer resume their royal duties. Levin said that the public's appreciation for Sophie grows as Harry's absence becomes more evident.
The wife of Prince Edward might not be as popular or as charismatic as Harry or Meghan but she still excels in her work because she genuinely cares and has a dedication for her job. Levin said that the best thing about Sophie is she doesn't fuss about her work or her public appearances.
