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Princess Alexandra Just Passed Down a Major Role to Sophie, Countess of Wessex

sophie countess of wessex royal patron

Sophie, Countess of Wessex is the latest member of the royal family to nab a brand-new title.

The 56-year-old will now serve as the patron of Guide Dogs, a charity that supports individuals who are blind or partially sighted. The Countess of Wessex has inherited the role from Princess Alexandra (Queen Elizabeth’s cousin), who held the position for 67 years.

Sophie announced the exciting news during a visit to the organization’s newest facility, Guide Dogs South West in Bristol. The royal celebrated the opening alongside Princess Alexandra, who was honored for her service.

During their visit, Sophie and Alexandra watched a demonstration of the organization’s training course for dogs and puppies. They also spoke with Jamie Hambro (Guide Dogs Chairman), who released a statement thanking the royals.

“We are incredibly honored to mark and to thank in person, Princess Alexandra, for her wonderful contribution over the last sixty-seven years, first as our President, then since 1957 as our Patron,” he said, according to Hello! magazine. “We hope she feels proud of the organization that has flourished under her patronage. From our first four guide dog owners back in 1931, we are now helping thousands of people with sight loss, of all ages, to enjoy freedom and independence.”

Hambro continued, “We’re looking forward to working with our new patron to continue to highlight our work which enables people living with sight loss to live the lives they choose.”

Talk about a well deserved honor.

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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...