Along with The King and Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate, who share a close bond with the Edinburghs, are said to be joining the festivities. The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh are said to have a particularly strong relationship, with Kate viewing Sophie as a sort of "royal sister."

It’s a milestone birthday for Duchess Sophie, who officially rang in the special day on January 20 with a little more pomp and circumstance than usual, courtesy of an official new portrait and plans for a major birthday celebration at their Berkshire home Bagshot Park.

Duchess Sophie has gotten back to work after celebrating her milestone 60th birthday.On January 21, the Duchess of Edinburgh has visited Dogs for Autism in Alton, Hampshire, where she learned about the positive impact of these

London-based fashion photographer Christina Ebenezer created Duchess Sophie's beautiful new portrait. Sharing the photographs on Instagram, the Royal Family's official account revealed, " The Duchess of Edinburgh was interested in Ebenezer's creative style of photography and wanted to support a rising female photographer."

Congratulations are in order as Duchess Sophie gears up to celebrate her 60th birthday on Monday 20 January. In a slight deviation from tradition, the Royal Family has already marked the special day, taking to Instagram today to share a new photos showing the Duchess looking relaxed and happy ahead of the celebrations.