Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, who is emerged in the spotlight last year with her royal engagements, marked a major milestone in her life.She rose from ordinary roots and then found

The Duchess of Edinburgh married into the Royal Family in 1999 and has been a much-loved family member ever since.

The royal family Instagram account is getting ahead of the festivities and just shared Duchess Sophie's portrait before her birthday on Monday. However, there's one tiny detail that I almost missed—and it has nothing to do with her photos.

A photograph of the Duchess of Edinburgh smiling has been released by Buckingham Palace to celebrate her upcoming 60th birthday. The photo of Sophie mid-laugh perched on a window seat at her home in Bagshot Park was captured by the London-based photographer Christina Ebenezer earlier this month.

The duchess is set to celebrate the milestone at home with the Duke of Edinburgh on Monday at her Bagshot Park home.

Ahead of Duchess Sophie's 60th birthday this month, Buckingham Palace have released a new series of stunning photos of her - and as well as her beautiful outfits, there was one other thing that stood out to royal fans.

A new portrait of the Duchess of Edinburgh has been released to celebrate her 60th birthday. In the picture, taken by London-based fashion photographer Christina Ebenezer earlier this month, Sophie looks relaxed and happy as she perches in a window seat at her Surrey home.

Photographer Christina Ebenezer took the picture of the Duchess of Edinburgh, and perfectly captures the senior royal's effortless charm.