Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie had a traditional royal wedding in 1999, but the early days of their romance were decidedly less formal. Queen Elizabeth II's youngest son first met Sophie in 1987 when she was working as a press officer at Capital Radio.

The Duke of Edinburgh is currently on a visit to Estonia - just days before his wife's major milestone on Monday.

Much like Princess Kate, Duchess Sophie was a normal citizen prior to marrying into the Royal Family. In fact, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, had a successful career before she married Prince Edward. As a result, Sophie had to "reduce her expectations" in many respects after marriage.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have led tributes to celebrate the Duchess of Edinburgh’s milestone 60th birthday. Sophie, who joined the royal family more than 25 years ago upon her marriage to Prince Edward, marked the occasion privately on Monday at home with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Through what's been a challenging year for the royal family, Prince William and Princess Kate's relationship has taken center stage, and according to royal sources, they've only come out of 2024 stronger.

Kate Middleton and Prince William are "more open" and "talk about their relationship together" amid her cancer journey, a source tells PEOPLE.