SOPHIE Wessex has revealed her and Prince Edward’s two children are expected to work for a living and they won’t take on official roles.
The Countess said it was “highly unlikely” her children will use their HRH titles from the age of 18.
Sophie, 55, told HOARday Times Magazine Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn will use their HRH titles when they turn 18.
She said: “We try to bring them up with the understanding that they are very likely to have to work for a living.
“Hence we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it’s highly unlikely.”
The Countess added that she wants her children to have a “normal” life, attend a “regular school” and go to friends’ houses for “sleepovers and parties”.
She described husband Prince Edward as a “very engaged” father who is good at barbecues.
He also enjoys fishing outings with James and horse riding with Louise.
Before the nation-wide coronavirus lockdown put restrictions on travel and outdoor activities, Sophie said the family enjoyed taking walks with their dog and staying with friends.
“I guess not everyone’s grandparents live in a castle, but where you are going is not the important part, or who they are,” said the Countess.
“When they are with the Queen, she is their grandmother.’
The proud mother-of-two told the magazine she hopes Lady Louise will go to university as she’s “quite clever” and shared how her daughter was studying hard for her GCSE exams before schools closed.
Lady Louise was born a month prematurely and with the eye condition esotropia.
She’s had operations for a “severe quint” which Sophie said is “still not perfect – but none of us are”.
When asked if she would be taking on more royal duties after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their departure as senior members of the Royal Family earlier this year, the Countess said she is already “pretty busy”.
“People may pay more attention to what I am doing, but I remain as busy as I have ever been,” she said.
The Wessexes have opened the NHS Nightingale Hospitals via video link and Sophie has shared home schooling tips with parents via Instagram to help boost morale during the pandemic.
Sophie and Prince Edward have also volunteered with local charities to help pack food parcels for the vulnerable who are struggling during the Covid-19 crisis.
The Countess’ interview comes after the Royal couple were said to be taking on more public duties as part of what has been dubbed the “Royal Task Force.”
Sophie, who has been referred to as the Queen’s favourite, and Edward are said to be in regular contact with both Prince Charles and Prince William in a bid to keep The Firm going.
