Duchess Sophie Pays Tearful Tribute To 'darling' Prince Edward Ahead of 60th Birthday

The Duchess of Edinburgh has surprised her husband with a tearful tribute ahead of his 60th birthday, saying he is “the best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and he is still my best friend” and “I am so proud of the man he is”. Sophie took to the stage at the end of the Community Sport and Recreation Awards, in Leeds, to make a speech praising her husband ahead of his landmark birthday on Sunday. Report by Matthew Covell.

[@HantsLassUK]

A friend of mine met Sophie and said she is absolutely lovely. Very down to earth and genuine. The royal family have nothing to worry about with people like her and the Duke of Edinburgh representing them. Happy 60th birthday Prince Edward 🎂🎂🎂

[@philwatson6659]

Sophie is the one member of the Royals I would love to meet

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

LOL they have everything to worry about! Monarchy is not about personality, as we have daily proof.

[@juliecurran9884]

I really like Sophie.The Royal family are very lucky to have her.Very classy lady ❤

[@JBaxter-pi8oj]

Thank you, Duchess Sophie, for your words. This couple has been underrated simply because they are "boringly" decent and loving, towards each other, their children, their larger family and everyone else.

[@jillosler9353]

You're wrong actually. They were hounded for years by our horrible media; Prince Edward because he was interested in the theatre instead of spending years (as the 'fourth child') in the military, and Sophie because she was a career woman when she married Edward. The dastardly media used their typical nasty tricks to embarrass her enough to give up her career. They have been working Royals for over 20 years.

[@caro_Uk]

​@@jillosler9353👍👌👏

[@KatharinaK117]

A sweet 🎂 couple for sure! I love seeing married couples who stand by each others side...

[@audspod1]

You are so right. However they have weathered all that and are now hard working Royals and supporting His Majesty the King. God bless them and Happy Birthday to Edward.@@jillosler9353

[@thefirstMrsLankton]

They are a lovely couple aren't they?

[@donnah1930]

The Edinburghs are unsung but very important Royals. Many of their engagements are not covered by the major media outlets. We need to see more of Edward and Sophie!

[@floppysmith1181]

And they don’t walk around holding hands all the time like another couple we all know

[@persisanklesaria2615]

@@floppysmith1181LOL😊

[@elizabethdarley8646]

Donna maybe they're happy to not be in the mass media so much

[@lynneburridge9082]

​@@floppysmith1181Harry loved his charity with the African continent n the Africans loved him. The minute I saw this woman with him I said "there goes Harry's charity work. This woman is all about "Glitz n Glamour" n her charity is all BS. n it's Harry she wants despite their huge age difference.

[@marigoldnonah606]

I watched their engagement interview. When the journalist asked about the ring, HRH Prince Edward said “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” And Sophie replied, “But you are my best friend.” ❤❤❤❤❤ Just love this two.❤❤❤

[@donnaolson922]

Aww…he’s so sweet. I’m very glad Sophie had this opportunity. Lovely.

[@_Simnesia_]

Isn't Edward just lovely? So genuine and warm.

[@barbarahansen626]

so very true.

[@ladymanrique2001]

The Duke of Edinburgh must be very proud to have a wife like Sophie.

[@lxmadness6939]

Love Sophie and Edward, they are absolutely adorable and underrated. They are a great team and a wonderful couple ❤️

[@KatharinaK117]

Amen!

[@jennifergroom7733]

Totally agree! Happy birthday to Prince Edward 🎉🎂🎊

[@mariehaverty8209]

Not sure if underrated is correct, they are Wonderfully human beings happy to be the best people they can be for the world. That’s enough love them both❤❤

[@PeterWhite-jz6np]

Happy 60th Prince Edward, great speech Duchess Sophie, a great couple and an example of what a true marriage should be.

[@yvettemarshallTWN]

No two more deserving people 🎎. Duke of Edinburgh does his brother the king, proud. 🦁

[@linnysau]

I was lucky to meet the Duke in the mid 90s. He was making a series of programmes about castles circling London and he was filming at Hertford Castle, where I was working at the time. I held the keys to the basement level and showed him around there. Called me 'Keeper of the Keys'. I also was quite naughty one morning. I kept my two young children from school so they could meet a prince - this was without any permission. One of his team tried to tell me that it probably wasn't possible. However, he happily came over to speak to us. No airs or graces. Just friendly. For this reason, I have always spoke highly of him and wish him the best of birthdays.

[@comradeleppi2000]

I am sure your children had wonderful experience

[@S_J_banana]

Sophie and Edward are my fav royal working couple. In the last few years they have really helped support QEII and now The King.

[@dailysassi874]

Mine too ❤ - shortly after them came the Prince and Princess of Wales 💯🫶🏼

[@_royalfamilyfan]

You know the thing is they always done this work the media just didn't cover it back then

[@acastrohowell]

Have they divorced?!

[@S_J_banana]

@@acastrohowell no

[@godzooke]

This couple is such an asset to the Royal Family; quietly doing their bit and more.

[@heatherwarner865]

Hope you have the happiest of birthdays Prince Edward.

[@jillkelly3965]

Now, that is a speech worth listening to. No word salad there. Love Sophie. ❤❤❤

[@andrewtongue7084]

You have that right, Jill.

[@joaniegoodrow548]

How lovely you are Sophie and how dear of you to speak so lovingly about your husband truly special ❤

[@PussnBoot2516]

Lovely down to earth couple. Happy 60th birthday Prince Edward.

[@davidcrawford1616]

What a fantastic man is Edward . A great husband , father , brother and son . Shine on Edward

[@karenkratzer7036]

Ah I loved the tears in his eyes. And Edward being humble like his father is spot on.

[@gardenroom65]

No diva behaviour, just royalty we can be proud of….🎉

[@mariemcmahon1787]

Well said and i agree with you ❤

[@kismit100]

Couldn’t agree more ❤❤

[@deb53]

And, no incessant hand holding!

[@susancarolan153]

I wondered when he would come into his own. A good husband and father who is there when we need him. I hope😮❤👍🐢🐛🦋🧚🥰☮🙏🏻

[@davidcrawford1616]

Spot on

[@vivienneoke]

They have both done the royal family proud...

[@josephlezano7691]

Wonderful loving tribute by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh to her husband HRH The Duke of Edinburgh !❤️🙌👏👏

[@rockgrove3]

❤

[@PaulineEdwards-pi5bg]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@joannmitchell1314]

Love Sophie and Edward, a loving couple, hard worker’s and love for family, happy 60th Birthday Prince Edward, keep up the great work, God Bless!

[@abdmtgirl]

He seems like a very humble man. He is like his sister, they work hard behind the scenes without many headlines or acknowledgment. It is very apparent he is Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip’s son. I am sure they are looking down with pride. From America A very Happy Birthday to Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh 🥳🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@mimib95]

Oh that’s top 3 beautiful Royal moments right there.

[@janetmorales9977]

Prince Edward is so sweet and respectful. He is so important to his darling. Happy 60th birthday, Prince Edward 🥳🎂

[@rosehelmich2979]

That was so sweet!! Those two are exactly what Royals should be.... dignified, compassionate, respectful, and loving!!!!💖💖💖💖

[@audspod1]

You are so right!!👏

[@jennifergroom7733]

True!❤

[@AW-pz3qc]

Such a devoted and down-to-earth wife not afraid to share her love for her husband in such a glowing tribute. Hope the birthday party is just as stunning!

[@elizabethdarley8646]

The family of Prince Edward and the Prince himself come across as genuinely dutiful and loyal. I admire them all.

[@olamideogundipe9282]

That's a beautiful tribute to a lovely husband. Thank you Duchess of Edinburgh putting a smile on the Duke's face. A happy 60th birthday celebration wish in advance from here to Prince Edward.😊🎂🥂🎊❤🙏

[@olamideogundipe9282]

❤🙏

[@Luxie296]

Absolutely LOVE this couple. True dignified Royals.

[@caronnest4939]

Lovely ordinary people who connect so easily with members of the public...they are treasuresxxx

[@user-xy9yi9gz3l]

Sweet and genuine couple. Such an asset to the British Royal Family.

[@Kari_B61ex]

Just love them both! Happy 60th birthday Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh.

[@eapkarian636]

Of all the present day Royals, Prince Edward is the one who most reminds me of King George VI. Both appearance and personality, caring and self effacing, Prince Edward and wife Sophie are a blessing for the Crown.

[@lindadeavours3327]

They are a sweet and loving couple. Happy Birthday, Prince Edward the Duke of Edinburg

[@denisecaringer4726]

So sweet.They're a wonderful couple who have raised a wonderful son and daughter. Happy birthday, Prince Edward.

[@Foxytrot-sx2vd]

Prince Edward was always my favourite. Until Sophie came along. And then Edward AND Sophie were my favourite. Happy Birthday, Prince Edward! God Bless them both and their family.

[@catherinedavidson1661]

awww. Edward seemed to get teary at the end of the speech. What a beautiful couple!

[@FraxinusAlba]

Edward and Sophie have always been my favourite royals, ever since Prince Edward officially opened my school back in either ‘08 or ‘09. Very down to earth, funny and I’m glad to have met him.

[@larhumba4233]

What a wonderful speech and her trembling voice brought a tear to my eye. 😢 Happy 60th Prince Edward, you have both come a long way together. ❤💙🌷

[@naomiphilippaheredia9038]

So heartfelt and lovely! She was right to speak the truth about her husband. I feel happy that she did not shy away from saying it in public. They are wonderful and the problems they had in life have just made them even more sympathetic to the needs of others! 💕🙏🏼

[@Julie-vw5py]

Duchess Sophie looks fabulous ❤. What a lovely tribute to Edward, wonderful couple

[@kimma508]

The way the Duchess spoke of her husband brought tears to my eyes. It was a very special moment and spoken truly from her heart.

[@rockgrove3]

Very emotional.

[@JJMedusa]

-- This is so sweet! I hope that Prince Edward has a wonderful upcoming 60th birthday. He is very lucky to have his beautiful wife Sophie. 😊❤️

[@KatharinaK117]

Amen! 🙏🏼

[@bobglass8398]

What a speech by Sophie, class all the way.

[@Marie-nh8gr]

Such a lovely couple full of respect for each other.... they are a real asset to the Royal family ❤❤❤

[@TaniaKaT]

DucheSs Sophie and Prince Edward do well together. Match made in heaven. 60? Wow 😮 That's perfectlion! A royal couple with no scandal and CHILDISHNESS, like fights and competition with other members and immature behaviour. A couple who is a pure joy to admire. Lotsa love and ☮️ 🦋🖤🦋

[@J94ML]

Pure and beautiful love! They are such a down to earth lovely couple! Such a privilege to see this moment of tenderness and love

[@alexandra-b7s1b]

They are just so adorable and down to earth. Love them. They deserve more recognition for their hard work and loyalty.

[@shertheunlimited777]

Sophie is an absolute gold. Yes, this is how to do it. Not perfect like the rest of us but graceful and true.

[@di942842]

Awww, Sophie. You made me cry! ❤❤ Happy Birthday Prince Edward!!

[@rogerhall4303]

This couple has set the example since day one. A class act! True Royal example. Also Sophie is more beautiful every time you see her, she has discovered the location of the fountain of youth to be sure.

[@reinebusson6538]

Magnifique discours pleins d amour❤

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

Lovely natural Royal Couple. Happy birthday Edward 😊

[@kdaniel8721]

Edward & Sophie are unsung heroes of the Royal Family. Thank you for all you have done behind the scenes over the years!!

[@bb6887]

That's genuine, God bless them. All the best to the Duke of Edinburgh on his 60th!

[@optimisticgal]

Beautiful people who represent U.K. So very well. Thank you!

[@user-ie1fu5hc4w]

No wonder your great Queen loved her so😊

[@redflutterby521]

Heartfelt and lovely speech and tribute to her husband Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh🥹❤️ you can see how they’re both supportive of each other and that’s genuine love, respect and friendship… Happiest 60th Birthday to his Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. (Looking forward to another milestone in June, their 25th Wedding Anniversary)❤️

[@LeeMills-ml9jm]

The three ladies who have married The Senior Members of the Royal Family are a huge credit to their husbands and to our country. The Monarchy is the only institution left in this country of which I am proud. So THANKYOU to HRH Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh, HRH Catherine, The Princess of Wales and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. 🇬🇧

[@user-rh9nl6jz2k]

Well said 👍🏻👍🏻🇨🇦

[@jennifergroom7733]

And wishing Prince Edward a wonderful birthday 🎉🎂🎊

[@susancarolan153]

And the Princesse Royal, Ann 🎉🐛🦋🧚🥰☮🙏🏻

[@jennifergroom7733]

@@susancarolan153 Most definitely the Princess Royal, Ann!❤

[@comradeleppi2000]

​@@susancarolan153she is princess by birth not by marriage. So it's not mentioned here

[@perlarowland5798]

🥳🥳Happy Birthday YRH Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh!🥳🥳🥳

[@kathylaycock2113]

Wow Sophie, you made me shed a few tears, (out of both eyes) Lovely heartfelt words. ❤

[@jodieholt5092]

Happy Birthday Prince Edward and you are an inspiring and beautiful couple

[@skeeterm2162]

Beautiful video, what a charming and lovely couple the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are. ❤❤❤🇺🇸

[@LeeMills-ml9jm]

"Well Done Sophie" and "Well Said". To Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh - HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Sunday.

[@Janeac]

Oh how sweet. So much love and respect.

[@dalindav]

So incredibly sweet.. ❤️

[@junecaffyn357]

What a sweet tribute from Sophie - lovely couple and they do not get enough praise for all their hard work that they do so quietly - I respect and admire them very much

[@SharynCollins-gi1le]

What an absolutely sweet man. God bless him and Sophie and his immediate family.❤❤❤❤ happy 60th birthday and many many more and keep that love going

[@joanhumphrey3096]

Solid gold, these two. Love it!

[@joanhumphrey3096]

I remember the day he was born...the exact moment the announcement on the radio...exactly where I was at that time. Was that 60 years ago? Time certainly does fly! Happy Birthday, Sir.

[@patriciamccormack7626Teashee]

What a Precious moment 😢❤

[@malcolmpalmer569]

They're amazing.

[@farmgirl6866]

Another beautiful couple.

[@olympic-gradelurker]

Many happy birthdays to the Duke of Edinburgh!

[@barbarahansen626]

Happy Birthday to Prince Edward Duke of Edinburgh. I so pray it was a wonderful celebration.

[@bettyloohoo77]

💕👍🙏 all the way from 🇨🇦 Canada we love our Royal Family !! Have a wonderful 60th Prince Edward 🙏❤️👍💕

[@louiesmom7394]

They are equally lovely and seem like fun loving and friendly 💕 Happy 60th birthday 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@nafeesaebrahim1936]

Beautiful humble couple❤.......what a lovely tribute❤.....Happy 60th Birthday Prince Edward Birthday🥳 🎉 🎈

[@andreamcgrath8209]

Happy birthday to The Duke of Edinburgh you are a beautifully family 🙏💖

[@doggyteabreaks9362]

Aw Sophie's voice breaks right at the end of her speech! ❤ Also highly recommend watching the 1969 fly on the wall doco about the Royal Family, where you'll see Prince Edward as a cute, effusive 5 year blond child, & how sweet the now adult Princess Anne & Prince Charles are towards him.

[@HerEsanElegance]

Exquisite tribute by Duchess Sophie, incredibly moving and profound. 💕

[@deborahrobben7721]

Happy birthday Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. Have a great day.

[@simonedutch1264]

This moved me to tears, so beautiful...warmest thank you for sharing this. God bless you both and Happy 60th Birthday to the wonderful Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward.

[@YorkshireTeaNBiccies]

Absolutely lovely! We need to see more of them. Adore Sophie.

[@ynys_mon6928]

For me, the most loving thing Sophie said was that they were still best friends. I’m very fortunate to be in a similar marriage (40 years). There’s no greater blessing. I also loved the acknowledgment to her father in law, the late Duke.

[@vernelledouglas1801]

So sweet. Hope they continue like this throughout their lives.

[@Hythyr]

Beautiful.

[@francesplummer1157]

Have a lovely birthday 60th prince Edward. You and Sophie are the best Royals. So happy together and only one of the queens children to stay married. You should be so proud and you have lovely children too

[@pikedagger]

I love the humility of this couple!

[@markaudley-thewles5920]

Really touching and genuine❤

[@orangewedges]

Love seeing coverage of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh!

[@user-rh9nl6jz2k]

Sophie is beautiful inside and out, that is pure love - the Harkles could learn a lot about humility, tenderness, respect and loyalty right there. Wonderful couple 💕 bless you both and the working Royal Family.

[@charlenebowden4511]

Well, that was simply lovely 😢

[@josabudsf]

just beautiful, i can watch this over and over for a boost ❤

[@eenigheid3186]

Loving happy couple. Wish them many may more happy years together.

[@janetclaireSays]

What a lovely tribute to Prince Edward from Sophie! Beautiful. 💕

[@deb53]

That is a real and a good marriage! Happy Birthday Edward, Duke of Edinburgh! You're not getting older, you're getting better!

[@leannejones980]

Looking good Duke and Duchess of EDINBURGH

[@MalibuBarbie-kk5gc]

What a sweet clip. And I never realized how much William looks like his uncle. And they have the same class.

[@brendathoms5588]

So sweet and still in Love God Bless you both❤ Happy Birthday Edward !

[@suzannejones5992]

They cried so beautifully touching. Edward was the price I wanted to marry. Happy birthday.