Sophie Wessex speaks to women from the Commonwealth
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Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 56, like many other members of the Royal Family, has tuned in virtually throughout the pandemic to speak to a number of organisations and charities. The royal’s most recent appearance came yesterday when she spoke to three women via video call.
Sophie joined the Royal Family in 1999 when she married Prince Edward in Windsor Castle.
She is now a patron to more than 70 organisations and charities and will also regularly appear on behalf of the Monarch.
Joining the call with the Countess was Caitlin Figueiredo, founder and CEO of Jasiri Australia, which aims to transform women and girls’ access to politics, empowering the next generation of female leaders. She was also joined by Virginia Khunguni, founder of the Malawi-based ‘Girls Arise for Change’, whom the royal first met in 2017.
They were joined by Prince’s Trust Ambassador, broadcaster and campaigner, June Sarpong, co-founder of the Women: Inspiration and Enterprise Alliance, an international conference supporting female excellence and empowerment.
The video call with the royal discussed the importance of supporting one another as well as sharing skills and how better outcomes are achieved when women are equally represented.
Sophie explained: “There can become a bit of a fatigue when it comes to talking about women’s rights, women’s issues and everything.
“And so I’m quite keen to try and move the discussion into a place where it becomes a much more level playing field because it is a win, win – it’s not one against the other.”
The Countess herself has long championed women’s rights and sexual equality and, in 2019, took up the role of supporting victims of rape, sexual violence and exploitation in war.
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Speaking to Express.co.uk, body language expert Judi James explained Sophie’s body language is pretty similar to the Queen’s.
She said: “Sophie’s rather lengthy appearance during the Commonwealth Celebrations did seem to reflect the level of esteem she is held in by the Queen currently.
“She also created a similar on-screen presence to the Queen in terms of body language and mood, with both women seen on video calls wearing smiles of pure keenness and delight and creating a very motivational presence via some keen active listening signals.”
The Queen also made an appearance yesterday as well as addressing the nation just hours before Meghan and Harry’s Oprah interview aired.
Sophie has been a member of the Royal Family for more than 20 years and is well used to her role now.
However, appearing virtually is new for the Countess, just like the other members of the Firm, but Judi explained that her body language seemed enthusiastic nonetheless.
The expert went on: “Sophie also appeared alone on her call and her enthusiastic body language and her knowledge of her subject and ability to voice opinions with confidence but without sounding opinionated made her look and sound inspirational and engaging here.”
For the occasion, the Countess wore a black top with her long blonde hair blow-dried straight along with a pendant necklace.
She also added a small pair of hoops to the look along with smokey eyeshadow and a pink lip.
In the background of the shot, the royal displayed two portraits of Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
Prince Edward was also spotted in the photographs behind the royal.
The body language expert previously highlighted how Sophie is protective of her children through her body signals.
She said: “Sophie’s body language with her children has always suggested a very proud and subtly protective approach from a mother keen to grow their confidence by setting her own strong example.
“Sophie always looks energetic and jolly in a family group, often walking slightly ahead with an air of upbeat determination that should make her a role model for both her husband and her children.”
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