The Queen saw her as a second daughter and a trusted confidante.
Sophie Wessex shared a unique bond with her mother-in-law and her grief has been overwhelming since Her Majesty’s death.
But yesterday Sophie got to share her sorrow with the big-hearted people of Manchester during a visit with her husband Prince Edward.
And as the caring Countess of Wessex hugged and consoled scores of well-wishers it was easy to see why the monarch found such solace in her warm and affectionate company.
But the depth of their bond and Sophie’s unique place within the Royal Family are only now becoming clear.
Because the Mirror has learned that the countess, 57, will be handed a raft of the Queen’s royal patronages as a gift from her beloved late “Mama”.
A royal source said: “The Queen and the countess had a fantastically warm and joyful relationship.
“Her Majesty admired Sophie’s quiet sense of duty, her strong work ethic and the way she balanced her public and family lives. They also shared many of the same interests.
“The Queen’s decision to pass on these patronages reflects the closeness of their bond.
“Sophie’s growing popularity with the public is also evident and she will take on a larger public profile in a new-look monarchy of King Charles.”
Sources suggest the patronages earmarked for Sophie to take over include the Women’s Institute and Dogs Trust.
She is already patron of over 70 charities and organisations – such as Childline and Blind Veterans UK – and has been widely praised for her dedication and empathy.
That empathy was on display while she and Edward were in Manchester to see floral tributes to the Queen in St Ann’s Square and to light candles in her memory in the city’s cathedral.
As she got out of their car, Sophie spotted a lad in a Union Jack baseball cap holding out flowers and a teddy dressed as a soldier.
She went over to hug the boy, Josh, who has special needs, before laying the flowers for him in the square.
Before the Wessexes left, Sophie went back to embrace Josh again.
When asked how it had made him feel, Josh beamed and said: “HAPPY.”
His mum, Sue, said: “She was warm and wonderful. Sophie had time and a hug for everyone.”
Another onlooker said: “She was so genuine and approachable.”
Former PR executive Sophie Rhys-Jones married Edward in 1999 and the middle-class girl from Kent quickly impressed the Queen with her diligence and commitment to the Firm.
The Wessexes and their children, Lady Louise, 18, and 14-year-old James, Viscount Severn, live at Bagshot Park, 10 miles from Windsor Castle.
The Queen spoke to Sophie every day, and when the children were small their granny would pop round to watch CBeebies with them, particularly enjoying Mr Tumble.
More recently, Sophie would spend Saturday afternoons with the Queen, watching old films or walking their dogs.
They also loved military history and spent hours looking at documents in the Royal Archives at Windsor.
Their friendship blossomed in 2002 after the Queen lost her sister, Princess Margaret, then her mother, within weeks. “The Queen trusted Sophie implicitly,” said the royal source.
“They also have the same sense of humour and she was able to chat and laugh with her like she used to with her sister.”
Their bond intensified after Sophie’s mum died in 2005.
They became even closer when the Queen lost husband Philip last year.
The source said: “She welcomed Sophie’s common sense, particularly after the Harry and Meghan drama.
“Sophie could see how much it upset Her Majesty and she was very angry about the Sussex bombshells.
“But she is inherently kind, so it was no surprise to see her putting all that aside as she and Meghan travelled by car together this week.”
Sophie was also close to Philip. And 48 hours after he died, she comforted the well-wishers outside Windsor Castle by sharing details of his passing with candour and empathy.
“It was so gentle,” she said. “Like someone took him by the hand, and then he went. Very peaceful, which is what you want for somebody, isn’t it?”
And at this moment of national mourning the gentle, caring countess is just what the nation wants too.
