Along with The King and Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate, who share a close bond with the Edinburghs, are said to be joining the festivities. The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh are said to have a particularly strong relationship, with Kate viewing Sophie as a sort of "royal sister."

As a source told VF, the Duchess of Edinburgh, a new family favorite, "prefers to keep the attention on her causes and charities rather than on herself."

London-based fashion photographer Christina Ebenezer created Duchess Sophie's beautiful new portrait. Sharing the photographs on Instagram, the Royal Family's official account revealed, " The Duchess of Edinburgh was interested in Ebenezer's creative style of photography and wanted to support a rising female photographer."

Congratulations are in order as Duchess Sophie gears up to celebrate her 60th birthday on Monday 20 January. In a slight deviation from tradition, the Royal Family has already marked the special day, taking to Instagram today to share a new photos showing the Duchess looking relaxed and happy ahead of the celebrations.

Skynews.com.au Digital Reporter Reilly Sullivan has discussed Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, celebrating her 60th birthday.

Kate Middleton found a mentor in Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh when she was first welcomed into the royal fold, but their warm working relationship has developed into an even closer sisterly bond amid Kate’s cancer battle.