The Duchess of Edinburgh is increasingly mirroring Prince William and Princess Catherine as her confidence in her royal role grows, according to a body language expert.
Sophie, who is married to Prince Edward, is currently on a three-day trip to Bangladesh. She is abroad without her husband at the request of the British Foreign Office, with the aim of strengthening the partnership between the two countries.
Confidence and Comparisons
Body language expert Darren Stanton, speaking to Betfair Casino, said Sophie has "grown in confidence" over the decades as her role in the Royal Family becomes more prominent.
Stanton said: "As the decades have gone on, Duchess Sophie has grown in confidence. Prince Edward and Sophie are being drip fed even more to do royal engagements."
He compared Sophie's confidence to that of Princess Anne, noting: "Sophie comes across as confident in many ways similar to Princess Anne. Anne is very forthright and says what she thinks, but doesn't display signs of insecurity and is great with eye contact."
Mirroring William and Kate
Stanton also drew parallels with the Prince and Princess of Wales, saying: "Similar to Princess Kate and Prince William, there has been an evolution with Duchess Sophie with her levels of confidence. This is going to continue."
He added: "I think Sophie will be asked to do more and will play a more prominent role in representing the royal family in the future."
Sophie's open palm gestures, which Stanton said show honesty and authenticity, signal that "she has nothing to hide."
Growing Prominence
Since the introduction of the slimmed-down monarchy, Sophie and Edward appear to have stepped up their level of royal engagements. Over recent years, they have undertaken more overseas trips and are often called upon to represent the monarch when needed.
Both Sophie and Edward remain popular members of the Royal Family, with the public often expressing gratitude for them. Sophie has occasionally earned the nickname 'Super Sophie'.
