A Comprehensive Look at Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex's Relationship Journey
Delve into the romance of Queen Elizabeth II's youngest son, Prince Edward, and Sophie Wessex as they exchanged vows in 1999. Explore their complete relationship timeline and heartwarming moments throughout their journey together.
In 1999, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie had a traditional royal wedding. However, their romance started in a more casual setting.
When Queen Elizabeth II's youngest son, Edward, met Sophie in 1987, she was working as a press officer at Capital Radio. Back then, Edward was dating Sophie's friend. It wasn't until 1993, when they were both single, that they reconnected.
After six years of dating, Edward proposed to Sophie in December 1998 during their vacation in the Bahamas. The couple announced their engagement the following month, with Sophie attributing their strong connection to shared interests, laughter, and a great friendship.
The University of Cambridge graduate and former publicist exchanged vows at St George's Chapel in June 1999. Three years later, Sophie transitioned from her career in public relations to become a full-time working royal.
Keep scrolling for a look back at Edward and Sophie’s complete relationship timeline.
April 2022 Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex's Complete Relationship Timeline
Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie's Complete Relationship Timeline
In 1999, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie had a traditional royal wedding. However, their early romance was much more casual.
Queen Elizabeth II's youngest son, Edward, met Sophie in 1987 while she was working as a press officer at Capital Radio. Initially, Edward was dating Sophie's friend. But in 1993, when they met again, both of them were single.
After dating for six years, Edward proposed in December 1998 during their vacation in the Bahamas. The engagement was officially announced the following month, and Sophie attributed their strong connection to their shared interests, laughter, and deep friendship.
The couple, both accomplished in their own fields, exchanged vows in June 1999 at St George's Chapel. Sophie, a University of Cambridge graduate, transitioned from her career in public relations to become a full-time working royal three years after their marriage.
Keep scrolling for a look back at Edward and Sophie's complete relationship timeline.
1987 Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex's Complete Relationship Timeline
Credit: David Hartley/Shutterstock
1987
The couple met while Sophie was working at Capital Radio, but Edward was seeing someone else at the time.
1993 Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex's Complete Relationship Timeline
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1993
The duo reconnected at a charity event hosted by Edward and began dating soon after.
Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex's Complete Relationship Timeline
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January 1999
Edward popped the question with a stunning two-carat diamond ring from Garrard & Co, previously known as Asprey & Garrard Limited. The ring features two heart-shaped gemstones and is said to be valued at around $150,000.
Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex's Complete Relationship Timeline
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June 1999
The couple got married at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in a simple ceremony without any official state or military aspects. Sophie looked elegant in a silk organza dress by Samantha Shaw, while Edward wore a morning suit with a fun cat-themed tie.
December 2001 Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex's Complete Relationship Timeline
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December 2001
Sophie was airlifted to a hospital in London after experiencing a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy. Edward expressed to reporters how difficult and traumatic the situation was, stating, "It's quite the most painful thing that anyone can undergo."
November 2003 Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex's Complete Relationship Timeline
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November 2003
The couple was overjoyed to welcome their daughter, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor. However, Sophie experienced complications during the pregnancy and had to undergo an emergency C-section due to placental abruption.
December 2007 Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex's Complete Relationship Timeline
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December 2007
Sophie and Edward welcomed son James Mountbatten-Windsor, Viscount Severn.
February 2012 Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex's Complete Relationship Timeline
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February 2012
The Wessexes embarked on a lengthy Caribbean tour in honor of the queen's Diamond Jubilee, which commemorated her 60 years on the throne.
Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex's Complete Relationship Timeline
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June 2016
The couple made an official visit to Canada, where they attended a gala in Saskatchewan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the province's Globe Theatre.
April 2022 Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex's Complete Relationship Timeline
Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
April 2022
The couple traveled back to the Caribbean to celebrate the queen's Platinum Jubilee, commemorating her 70-year reign. However, they had to delay their visit to Grenada after facing criticism for their earlier trip to Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.
September 2022 Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex's Complete Relationship Timeline
Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
September 2022
Sophie supported Edward at events paying tribute to his late mother, who passed away at 96 on September 8. She rode in a town car with Meghan during the procession of the queen's coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, while Edward walked behind the coffin with his siblings.
Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex’s Complete Relationship Timeline
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September 2022
The twosome spent time meeting with well-wishers outside of Windsor Castle in Berkshire following the death of Edward’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles IIIs Coronation
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May 2023
Edward and Sophie wore their formal regalia during his brother King Charles III’s coronation on May 6.
Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie Join Royals for Easter Sunday Service
Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
March 2024
Edward and Sophie stepped out with son James at the royals’ annual Easter service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a comprehensive account of the relationship between Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie, from their initial meeting in 1987 to their present-day status as working royals. Their journey is marked by a shared interest in laughter, a strong friendship, and a deep commitment to their family. Despite the traditional royal wedding in 1999, their early romance was more casual, reflecting their genuine connection beyond their royal titles.
The article also highlights significant moments in their life together, such as the birth of their two children, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, and James Mountbatten-Windsor, Viscount Severn. The challenges they faced, including Sophie's life-threatening ectopic pregnancy and complications during both pregnancies, demonstrate their resilience and unwavering support for each other. Through their official visits, charitable work, and dedication to the monarchy, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie have established themselves as respected and admired members of the royal family. Their enduring bond continues to inspire and capture the public's attention, as they navigate the complexities of royal life while maintaining a strong and loving relationship.
