Prince Edward's adorable response when asked the secret to his marriage with Duchess Sophie

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie previously opened up about the secret to their lasting marriage
Ella Clarke

Prince Edward melted hearts during his royal tour of Nepal in February 2025 when he was asked a personal question about his marriage to Duchess Sophie.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh gave the world a rare glimpse into the strong partnership behind their 25-year marriage.

While strolling hand-in-hand through the Godawari National Botanic Garden, the couple joked with the press and shared candid insights into their relationship.

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie
Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie previously opened up about the secret to their lasting marriage. (Credit: Cover Images)

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie reveal secret to marriage

When asked what the secret was to a long and happy marriage, Edward didn’t hesitate. “Because we’re best friends,” he replied sweetly, prompting Sophie to nod and smile in agreement. “That’s true,” she added.

It was just one of many endearing moments between the royal pair during their visit.

As Edward planted a magnolia tree in the garden, Sophie stood nearby cheering him on.

“Keep going, darling,” she encouraged, prompting Edward to chuckle: “That’s the best bit of exercise I’ve had in ages.”

Their shared sense of humour and easygoing dynamic were on full display.

“There’s always got to be humour,” Sophie told reporters. “Especially when you’re travelling, and you’ve got no idea what’s about to happen. You’ve got to laugh.”

When asked if they ever get competitive, Sophie grinned. “Always. Got to be competitive going up those hills.”

Edward joined in the storytelling, laughing about a moment of confusion over who was meant to plant what during the ceremony.

“They wanted us both to plant the tree,” he said, “But then Sophie was going to plant a rhododendron. So I said, ‘Well, hang on, if you’re doing that, I should do the tree.’ There was a lot of banter going on.”

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie
The couple have stepped up as working royals in the past few years. (Credit: Cover Images)

Edward and Sophie Nepal trip

But the tour wasn’t all lighthearted.

The visit also showcased the couple’s deep commitment to meaningful causes.

Edward connected with local youth through The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Meanwhile, Sophie took time to meet with survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Sophie, who has become a leading voice on gender-based violence in the royal family, spoke passionately about the importance of raising awareness.

“Women often are excluded or at the bad end of the deal,” she said. “When there are difficult issues to deal with – conflict, displacement, climate change – it’s often women who suffer the most.”

Highlighting the connection between climate migration and exploitation, she added: “If people have to move, they become incredibly vulnerable. In many countries, there isn’t a lot of help for them. It’s not an easy subject, but it’s important that people are aware of it.”

Royal family’s ‘secret weapon’

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have stepped up as working royals in the wake of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from the royal family.

Sophie, in particular, has been called the royal family’s ‘secret weapon’.

“She’s always there at pivotal moments to help steady the ship,” royal author Katie Nicholl told OK! earlier this year. “She’s seen as a very safe pair of hands, which really became evident during the final years of the late queen’s life as she relied more and more on her substitutes.”

In the past few weeks, Sophie has been seen at multiple high-profile engagements, including Trooping the Colour, Garter Day, Royal Ascot, and the Royal Windsor Flower Show.

She also teamed up with Prince William for a joint appearance at the Royal Cornwall Show. The duo garnered praise for their easygoing dynamic and affable nature.

Read more: Duchess Sophie and Princess Kate met with huge applause as they step out for Garter Day

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