In recent years, the spotlight has focused on the exit of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle or the scandal of Prince Andrew, but two members of the British royal family have quietly demonstrated their invaluable value in royal affairs, and their dedication, discretion and years of diligent service have made them indispensable assets in "The Firm" – the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie.
As renowned royal commentator Richard Eden points out in his latest Royal Confidential newsletter, it's time to give them the recognition they deserve, with a higher-tier title to reflect their status.
As Eden said in his newsletter, Edward and Sophie truly exemplified the spirit of quiet public service displayed by the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. While others vied for the headlines, the couple quietly fulfilled their royal duties, giving voice to important causes that are often overlooked.
Through countless events each year in the UK and overseas, they have proven themselves to be very worthy of being called "unsung heroes" by representing the royal family with grace and professionalism.
To understand how selflessly Edward and Sophie are committed to the cause of serving the royal family, one need only look at their intensive annual schedule. On any given day, you might find Sophie in some remote corner of the UK, following the organisation she supports in support of victims of sexual violence.
In the meantime, Edward is likely to congratulate a group of young men who have newly received the "Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Medal" to his name. Through countless events, speeches, and visits each year, the couple embodies the definition of "stay calm and move on" when it comes to royal duties.
Of course, it's not just their dedication to service, but also their composure that sets Edward and Sophie apart. While their predecessors in Sussex and the York family sometimes dominated the headlines with scandals, tantrums or revealing interviews, Edward and Sophie always maintained an image of caution and dignity.
Some people quietly speculate that it is this low-key nature that makes Sophie a replacement for Meghan's "budget version of Kate" to participate in women's events at the Queen's Platinum Celebration. As someone who never causes trouble, Sophie easily and efficiently completes her supplementary duties, allowing her work to speak without complaint or controversy.
Given their decades of quiet, stoic service to the royal family, it is puzzling that Edward and Sophie currently only hold the non-hereditary titles of Duke of Edinburgh and Duchess of Edinburgh. Although this is an honor bestowed on them by King Charles in recognition of their role, the title cannot be passed on to future generations, which is really an "insult" to their great contributions.
As Eden observed, this "insult" may have been felt more acutely by the dignified and dutiful couple, who never had any sense of power when it came to devoting their time and energy to the royal family. Upgrading their titles so that they can be inherited by future Wessex descendants is really the least that should be done.
There are other valid arguments for elevating the status of Edward and Suphie's titles, which may have helped the royal family benefit in other ways. Their son, Viscount James Severn, is currently only 19 years old, but will certainly take on an active role in due course.
Giving him a more prestigious title in advance could help nurture and position him, laying the groundwork for his parents' exemplary service to make important contributions to the royal family in the future. In addition, elevating the status of the well-respected and experienced Edward and Sophie may inspire James to embrace his duties more fully when the time comes, using his parents' example as inspiration.
Of course, regardless of whether or not the title is upgraded or not will affect James' future involvement, Edward and Sophie are by now very much deserving of their own recognition for serving the royal family. Through decades of dignified, dedicated work, they have stood for the Queen and the country without the slightest scandal or complaint, proving themselves to be a stable asset to the Windsor royal family.
While others are vying for headlines, they are chasing responsibility, not fame – and it's time to repay the pair of true "unsung heroes" of the "company" with proper status and lifetime honor. It is to be hoped that King Charles will take note of the views of Eden and others and surprise this admirable couple with the promotion they deserve, so that their contributions are duly recognized and carried on for generations to come.
The king could not find a nobler way to repay these two members of the royal family who had selflessly served the royal family in a calm and humble manner.