Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh has been tipped to land a "major role" in the Royal Family as Prince William is said to rely on her.

The royal, who is , could see a significant shift once William is on the royal throne.

Speaking recently to , one royal insider shared future prospects for Sophie and noted the close bond between William and Sophie's families.

The source said: "They [the Waleses and the Edinburghs] get on very well."

They then added that they believe that William will be "eager for his aunt and uncle to play a more prominent role in public life".

Speaking of some of Sophie's recent work - including a trip to Baghdad and, more recently, Ukraine, royal expert Jennie Bond told the : "The Government have deployed her to use the monarchy's soft power in a number of very delicate situations.

"She is always well prepared and confident to take on more responsibilities.

"And she has taken on some highly sensitive issues in some of the most dangerous parts of the world.

"At just sixty, she is a relatively young member of the senior royals... so I am sure there will be a major role for her in the future, and King William will be leaning heavily on both Sophie and Edward to support the monarchy in all it does in the future."

Praising Sophie further ahead of her milestone birthday, Jennie added: "By any measure, Sophie has proved herself to be a major asset to the Royal Family, and William would be foolish to ignore the value she brings."

She is dignified and elegant, and yet still the same Sophie she was when she met Edward: unpretentious, generous and with a natural charm.

"She has worked below the radar for many years, neither expecting nor receiving the publicity she deserves.

"Recently though, with the slimmed down Royal Family, the public have come to recognise how important the Duchess is to the work of the monarchy."