Duchess Sophie is set to celebrate her 60th birthday on January 20 with her nearest and dearest at her Bagshot Park home in Surrey.

Since marrying Prince Edward in 1999, the Duchess of Edinburgh has committed herself to royal life, with many believing she is one of the most important people for the monarchy.

As well as attending big royal events, the duchess has also paved the way when it comes to trying to create change in society.

Over the last few years, the mum-of-two has not avoided confronting big problems across the globe and has travelled to dangerous parts of the world to campaign for change and highlight the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war.

Last year, the duchess became the first member of the Royal Family to officially visit Chad. As a global champion of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and a supporter of the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI), Sophie wanted to witness firsthand the impact of the conflict in Sudan, particularly on women and girls, and to help draw attention to the deteriorating situation.

A senior Whitehall source told Rebecca English for The Daily Mail: “She is careful not to overstep the mark but, equally, she’s not afraid to shy away from the hard questions that need to be asked and hold feet to the fire.”

Rebecca also wrote in The Daily Mail how Sophie is a very valued member of the Royal Family, especially in a slimmed-down monarchy.

Lord Ivar Mountbatten, second cousin to the King, told The Daily Mail: “Sometimes I think it’s a really thankless position to be in [a member of the Royal Family].

“You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t, you don’t have the right of reply and just have to suck it [the criticism] all up, which can be difficult as there are some pretty miserable people out there.”

He continued: “She understood what she was taking on. And she had the strength of character to do it.

“I don’t think it’s for everyone to live in the public eye like that. But she genuinely, really loved him (Prince Edward) so much.”

A senior royal aide also told The Daily Mail that the King appreciates Sophie and her work approach. They said: “She really just does get on with it, without much fuss. That’s appreciated.”

It has not been confirmed how Sophie is set to spend her 60th birthday, however she is likely to be with her family at home.