Duchess Sophie has been dubbed one of the Royal Family's "most powerful assets" following her recent appearance. The Duchess of Edinburgh took to the "slopes" as she visited the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST) at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead on Monday, to mark the announcement that she has been made their royal patron.
Expert praises 'genuine smile'
A body language expert noted that her "open, relaxed and comfortable" demeanour during the engagement is what makes her one of the Firm's "most powerful assets." They added that Sophie will "always make the best of it," no matter the engagement.
Body language expert Darren Stanton said on behalf of Betfair Casino: "She has a broad smile with teeth showing, her cheeks are raised, she has crows' feet and laugh lines, and her eyes are consistent. This is a genuine smile; it was a spontaneous expression of genuine enjoyment."
'Secret weapon' nickname
He added: "The way she is able to easily slip into these situations is what makes her one of the Royal Family's most powerful assets. You can send her anywhere and she will make the best of it. This wasn't a huge engagement, but the gestures she exhibited show why she is becoming more and more prominent."
Even though the Princess Royal is a firm favourite among royal fans, Sophie has long been nicknamed the "secret weapon" of the Royal Family, as she has steadily climbed the reputational ranks since marrying Prince Edward in 1999.
Sophie's response to nickname
Speaking to the Mirror, Sophie said: "I like to fly under the radar. It's all very well being a secret weapon, but if no one knows, maybe it's too secret."
She added: "I suppose I should take it as a backhanded compliment. I don't see myself in a frontline position per se, that said, admittedly, there are fewer working members of the family these days so I suppose more and more I'm becoming less secretive. I just wonder what they are going to describe me as next!"
