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The Queen Posts Birthday Tribute to Sophie, Countess of Wessex (& the Photo Hides a Special Meaning)

Queen Elizabeth is currently gearing up for her historic Platinum Jubilee, but that doesn’t mean she’s too busy to celebrate her daughter-in-law: Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Today, the 57-year-old monarch posted a heartfelt birthday tribute for the countess on the royal family’s official Instagram account. The queen wrote, “Wishing The Countess of Wessex a very Happy Birthday today!”

queen elizabeth sophie countess of wessex birthday
theroyalfamily/Instagram

The pic (screenshot above) featured Sophie holding a black puppy during last year’s visit to the Guide Dogs National Centre. It’s hard to tell from the image, but the countess wore a white veterinarian coat over a long sleeve magenta dress. You know, to protect her outfit from the pup’s freshly clipped paws.

The queen’s photo choice for the birthday tribute holds a special meaning, especially since the Countess of Wessex is a long-time activist for animals. Last year, Sophie was named royal patron of Guide Dogs, which aids blind and partially sighted canines. The royal took over for Princess Alexandra, who held the position for 67 years. Of course, the queen is a lover of dogs herself, making the post even more meaningful.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex is married to Prince Edward (Earl of Wessex), who is the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Sophie and Edward share two children together: Lady Louise Windsor (18) and James, Viscount Severn (14). The family currently resides at Bagshot Park, which is located in Surrey.

Wishing a very happy birthday to Sophie, Countess of Wessex. *Cue the confetti*

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greta

Senior Editor

Greta Heggeness is a California-based editor at PureWow and has been writing about entertainment since 2015. She covers everything from awards shows to exclusive celebrity...