Duchess Sohpie marks special milestone with Prince Edward

Duchess Sophie and her husband Prince Edward have taken key responsibilities amid King Charles' cancer battle.

The royal couple has stepped up their engagements since the monarch and Kate Middleton's health woes.

Recently, Sophie and Edward marked the 60th independence anniversary of Malta during their visit. 

Buckingham Palace released delightful photos from their trip and issued an important statement. 

The message reads, "Today, Their Royal Highnesses commemorated the bravery of the people of Malta during the Second World War, casting a wreath into Valletta harbour which suffered relentless aerial attacks by the Luftwaffe and Italian Air Force."

"In 1942, at the height of the attacks, King George VI awarded the George Cross to the Maltese population in recognition of their resistance, endurance and loyalty."

"The Duke of Edinburgh was also able to tour the new Maltese HQ of The Duke of Edinburgh International Award where he met young people taking part in activities as they work towards their bronze, silver and gold awards," concluded the Palace. 

Previously, Sophie was dubbed the 'secret weapon' of the royal family because of her sincere efforts to ease the ailing King Charles's tensions.

Royal expert Jennie Bond told OK! magazine that the monarch's sister-in-law "doesn't complain and demand," but she "gets on with supporting the King when asked, and pursuing her interests the rest of the time."