By Molly Claire Goddard
2:03pm PDT, Oct 16, 2025
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Sean Smith, author of
Sophie: Saving the Royal Family, believes Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh is gaining popularity due to her focus on her philanthropic efforts. "The media has been and continues to be obsessed with the family drama involving Prince Harry, Meghan Markle,
Prince William,
Kate Middleton and
King Charles III. It's a soap opera," he
said. "Meanwhile, Sophie has been comforting women and child refugees."
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After marrying Prince Edward in 1999, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh has used her platform to raise awareness for violence against women. The 60-year-old traveled to Ukraine, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to champion the cause.
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According to Sean Smith, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh's influence is far-reaching. "I came across a photograph that I had missed at the time. It was of Sophie with the Hollywood star
Angelina Jolie at a 2018 film festival in London entitled
Fighting Stigma Through Film," he
said. "This was not the usual red-carpet fluff but a serious event. Angelina is the proof that you can look a million dollars for the camera and the crowds and still make a difference. Since that day, Sophie too has become a powerful voice, joining the fight to end the silence around women in conflict."
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In a positive change for The Firm, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh makes her job more than just a photo op. "The royal family, in my opinion, needs to be more relevant in the world and Sophie has shown and continues to show that you can be more than just a ribbon-cutter in a designer frock and a tiara," Sean Smith said.
