Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is the Queen’s top choice to replace Meghan Markle after news that she and husband Prince Harry are stepping back from royal duties.
Royal author Phil Dampier says Prince Edward’s wife is more than happy to “step up to the plate” as the royal family faces being severely understaffed with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s departure.
WATCH: Camilla caught off guard when asked about Meghan and Harry
He told the Daily Mail: “It’s been said for a long time that Prince Charles wants a slimmed down monarchy when he becomes king – but I’m not sure they meant this slim!”
The author added: “Prince Philip is retired at 98, the Queen is nearly 94 and Charles and Camilla are in their 70s.
“Princess Anne is 70 this year and the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra are in their 80s. So who is going to take over the hundreds of patronages?”
Dampier went on to reveal that Sophie has become a star in her own right and is Her Majesty’s favourite.
“She is very close to Her Majesty and is a favourite of hers.
“Recently she has been on several overseas trips and done fantastically well.
“Now that her children are a bit older I think there could be a great role for her to play. She is 55 today and she is very fit and full of energy.
“I think she wants to do more and would happily step up to the plate and take over more duties if asked.”
The report comes after Harry and Meghan made a bombshell announcement earlier this month that they would no longer be senior members of the royal family.
The 35-year-old discussed their departure during a speech at a private fundraiser for his charity Sentebale at The Ivy Chelsea Garden in London.
“Before I begin, I must say that I can only imagine what you may have heard or perhaps read over the last few weeks. So, I want you to hear the truth from me, as much as I can share – not as a Prince, or a Duke, but as Harry, the same person that many of you have watched grow up over the last 35 years – but with a clearer perspective,” Harry began.
“For those reasons, it brings me great sadness that it has come to this. The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly.
“It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option. What I want to make clear is we’re not walking away, and we certainly aren’t walking away from you.”
The Duke went on to say that despite wanting to continue serving the Queen without public funding, it became apparent such a position was not going to be possible.
He added: “I hope that helps you understand what it had to come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life.
“I was born into this life, and it is a great honour to serve my country and the queen. When I lost my mum 23 years ago, you took me under your wing.
“You’ve looked out for me for so long, but the media is a powerful force, and my hope is one day our collective support for each other can be more powerful because this is so much bigger than just us.”
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