Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, takes on historic role as she cements key status in British royal family

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has taken on an historic royal role in the disability community. The royal is now patron of Capability Scotland.

Her new role was announced this week to coincide with International Day of People with Disabilities on December 3.

The role was previously held by the late Prince Philip, the former Duke of Edinburgh, for more than six decades of their 75 years of operation.

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To mark her new appointment, Sophie, 59, visited the charity's Riccarton campus and Craigmillar Hub earlier this year.

The duchess spent time with staff and service recipients and toured the sensory and art spaces.

Capability Scotland shared a photo of the royals visit on social media. They said: "Capability Scotland is delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh as our new royal patron, on this day, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities."

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"Continuing a longstanding connection with the Royal Family, The Duchess of Edinburgh supports our charity following the late Prince Philip's support for over six decades," they continued.

"We were honoured to welcome The Duchess of Edinburgh for her second visit earlier this year (pictured with Sarah, whom we support)."

Brian Logan, Chief Executive of the organisation, added: "We are incredibly honoured to welcome The Duchess of Edinburgh as our new Royal Patron. Her passion for championing the rights of disabled people and her connection to our cause is inspiring."

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The duchess also recently took over as royal patron of Plan International UK, a charity that was also previously supported by her late father-in-law Philip.

"We're delighted to announce our new Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh," Plan UK wrote on X.

It has been a busy week for the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Sophie and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, attended a lavish state banquet for the at Buckingham Palace on the evening of December 3.

Sophie joined senior royals including King Charles III and Queen Camilla as well as Anne, the Princess Royal and Prince William.

Both Sophie and Anne have cemented their positions as steadfast working members of the British royal family, stepping in as needed during both Charles and the Princess of Wales' cancer treatment in addition to their already busy schedules.

Both women wore Charles' Royal Family Order for the first time at the gala.

The order is a miniature of the monarch bordered with diamonds and attached to a light blue ribbon.

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It is an honour bestowed upon female members of the royal family by the monarch.

Sophie and Anne also added the late Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Family Order, which is styled on yellow silk ribbon.

The Princess of Wales didn't attend the gala.

She will next be seen at her annual Christmas carols at Westminster Abbey on December 6.

It is expected the Wales children will also be in attendance at the event.

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