How Prince Edward, Duchess Sophie's marriage stood the test of time

Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex, who are celebrating 26 years of their marriage, revealed that the key reason behind their strong marital life is that they are “best friends.”

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary on Royal duty as they stepped out on day three of the Royal Ascot.

Speaking on their special bond, royal expert Jennie Bond told The Mirror that the secret behind their marriage is friendship.

"I think they have said it themselves. They are best friends,” she said. “In Sophie's own words, delivered in a tearful tribute to her husband for his 60th birthday, she called him 'the best of fathers the most loving of husbands and still my best friend.’”

James continued, "Edward has described his wife as his rock and said he was 'incredibly lucky to have found Sophie.’”

“To be perfectly frank I used to think Edward was slightly pompous,” she added. “But I was wrong. I’ve met him a few times over the years and watched him at work.

“He’s actually very engaging, almost relentlessly jolly - and throws himself into every engagement: asking numerous questions and chatting quite freely with the crowds."

Edward and Sophie have upped their game as they play their royal duties amid slimmed down monarchy, especially since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have also stepped down.

They have become important working members of the Royal family with reports claiming they will have key roles in monarchy once Prince William becomes the King.