Queen Elizabeth is apparently coping with the death of her husband of 70 years, Prince Philip, with a little help from her “favorite” daughter-in-law, Sophie Wessex.

Her son Prince Edward’s wife has become one of the Queen’s closest confidantes and has taken it upon herself to make sure the monarch is well looked-after since the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing two months ago, according to The Sun. A “courtier” told the outlet, “If you’re asking who is Her Majesty’s favorite child, it’s none of them, it’s her daughter-in-law.” Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe seconded that statement, explaining that, “Sophie Wessex has emerged as the Queen’s unlikely ‘rock’ as the monarch adjusts to life without Prince Philip. Prince Edward’s wife has—according to sources—made it her personal mission to ensure Her Majesty is fully supported by the family.” Larcombe went on to highlight that “Since the Duke’s death in April, Sophie has driven the 10 miles from her Bagshot Park home to Windsor Castle every few days and most weekends to spend socially-distanced time with Her Majesty. And on days she can’t get there in person, the Duchess of Wessex has made a point of calling her mother-in-law at least once a day.”

While it was reported that Queen Elizabeth’s cousin the Duke of Kent will step in to fill the role typically performed by Prince Philip at the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday, according to Larcombe, “away from the cameras, Sophie is expected to accompany the Queen throughout the day.” Apparently, the pair’s great affection for one another was cemented during the many walks and rides they took together in Windsor Great Park throughout the pandemic. “Like so many families during lockdown, Her Majesty was unable to see her favorite daughter-in-law, but as restrictions started to lift, Sophie was one of the few people inside her COVID bubble,” Larcombe explained. “When Philip died, Sophie was an obvious choice to step up and ensure the Queen was being looked after, given she lives minutes down the road.”

Prince Edward and Sophie first began dating in 1993 and wed six years later. A source told the outlet, “Edward happened to marry someone for whom his mother has great affection. Sophie is much more than a daughter-in-law, more of a daughter.” They added that her husband is also “very good company” and “a lot more laid back than he appears in public. And unlike the rest, he doesn’t ask her for anything or expect things from her.”

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