Duchess of Edinburgh found it 'difficult' to fit into the Royal Family: 'It was very hard!'

Jennie Bond told GB News: "She's very unfussy. She drives herself sometimes to engagements, does her own hair and makeup which some of the others don't do.

"I don't think it was seamless or effortless for her to become part of this rather exclusive and extraordinary family.

"I don't think we should underestimate how difficult it probably was for a young woman. I met her back then when she was a PR lady with her own firm, and she was doing really well and enjoying her career, and she fell in love with Edward.

"They had a long courtship, actually, which gave her a chance to see what life was going to be like. In fact, she was the first of the royal girlfriends to be allowed to stay at Buckingham Palace.

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"So they had a good run up to their wedding. Nevertheless, to become part of this strange family and strange way of life and a restrictive way of life for a modern young woman, I think was very hard.

She added: "She was really close with the late queen. I think the late Queen really regarded Sophie as a second daughter in the end.

"At the beginning, though, she found her rather shy. I think on the first occasion she met her, she was said to comment afterwards, well, you wouldn't notice her amongst a group of people in a room, would you?

"Because Sophie, quite understandably, was pretty damn nervous about meeting a potential mother in law who was the Queen.

"She grew into the role over the years and has become a very, very central part and a senior member of the Royal Family.

"She does a huge amount of work both publicly now, but she also does a lot under the radar as well. Quietly working for charities, quietly volunteering, serving meals and so on."

The Royal Family marked Sophie's 60th milestone birthday with a special video montage on their official social media accounts.

The celebratory post featured photographs of the duchess on royal engagements, accompanied by upbeat music and gold balloons.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also shared their best wishes, echoing the Royal Family's message.

Sophie is spending her birthday privately at home with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.

However, the duchess won't be taking an extended break to celebrate, as she returns to work tomorrow.

Her upcoming engagements include visits to Dogs for Autism charity and Treloar School, a specialist centre for young disabled people in Alton, Hampshire.