Duchess Sophie is taking a page out of Queen Elizabeth’s handbook with her brand-new role. The royal family recently announced that the Duchess of Edinburgh, 60, has been named patron of the Mothers’ Union.

The Duchess of Edinburgh headed to Essex today as she followed the footsteps of her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth.

The Duchess of Edinburgh—who turned 60 in January—is the new royal patron of Mother's Union, a role previously held by Queen Elizabeth. Per the Royal Family, the organization's "members bring hope and practical support to millions of people every year through parenting, literacy and community development programmes."

Sophie's appointment is particularly touching given her and Queen Elizabeth's close bond. "With the exception of her daughter Anne, the Queen was closer to Sophie than any of the

Kate Middleton made headlines for breaking royal protocol by stopping her car to chat with a three-year-old in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire. Then, on social media, Meghan Markle captured footage of her husband,