Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, was born 41 years ago today. The official Royal website informs us:

Born on 20 January 1965 at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones is the only daughter of Mr. and the late Mrs. Christopher Rhys-Jones, and younger sister of David.

In 1999 Miss Rhys-Jones married HRH The Earl of Wessex in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. As HRH The Countess of Wessex, she undertakes public duties for her own charities, and acts in support of her husband in his roles.

On his marriage to Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999, he was created The Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn. At the same time it was announced that His Royal Highness will be given the title Duke of Edinburgh in due course, when the present title now held by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown.