Inside Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh's Glow-Up After She Hit 61 — As She and Husband Edward Face Property Scandal

OK! can reveal Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh is being praised for a striking personal and professional resurgence at 61 – but the renewed attention has been complicated by growing criticism over property arrangements linked to her and her husband, Prince Edward.

Sophie has become one of the most visible senior royals in recent years, championing causes including gender equality, support for survivors of sexual violence and awareness around menopause.

Her milestone 60th birthday in 2025 was marked by portraits taken by photographer Christina Ebenezer, a deliberate break from royal convention that reflected what aides described as a renewed sense of purpose.

But the positive focus on her evolving public image and glow-up since she has been spotted after her 61st birthday this January has coincided with scrutiny over Bagshot Park, her and her 62-year-old husband Edward's 120-room Surrey residence, where the couple is under fire after it emerged they had been subletting a converted stable block despite the estate being held under a peppercorn rent arrangement.

A royal insider said: "There is a clear sense that Sophie has stepped into a new chapter, where she is projecting greater confidence and purpose across both her public duties and personal presentation. She seems more assured in how she communicates her work and is embracing a more contemporary, thoughtful approach to the causes she champions. However, the situation surrounding the property has complicated that narrative. What might otherwise be a period defined by positive momentum is now being overshadowed to some extent, as attention shifts toward the controversy and away from the progress she has been making in her role."

Sophie's appearance has also drawn attention, with observers noting a notably youthful and polished look.

Experts attribute this to a combination of understated styling and updated beauty techniques.

One top stylist who specializes in beauty treatments for The Firm said: "There has been a noticeable shift in how Sophie is presenting herself, particularly with her hair, which appears brighter and more softly framed around the face. It reflects a technique that is very current – designed to lift and illuminate the features in a subtle but effective way. She has clearly focused on creating a hairline that helps her put forward a fresher, more radiant appearance without it looking overly styled or dramatic. It is a refined update that enhances her natural look rather than changing it completely. More broadly, her overall image has evolved into something that feels both polished and accessible, which is striking a chord with the public. She is managing to bridge the gap between royal tradition and a more modern, relatable style, and that balance is clearly working in her favor. That is why the timing of the property issue is so unfortunate. Just as she is gaining momentum and positive attention, the focus has been diverted toward wider debates about privilege and fairness, which inevitably takes away from the work she is doing."

The controversy centers on Bagshot Park, a 51-acre estate owned by the Crown Estate but leased to Edward under a long-term agreement signed in 2007.

While the arrangement requires only a nominal rent, reports have suggested Edward and Sophie could earn up to $173,000 annually by leasing out part of the property to corporate tenants.

Critics, including British former Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker have described the situation as unfair, arguing any profits derived from such arrangements should benefit taxpayers.

A royal source said: "There is an increasing awareness that the way these arrangements are set up is starting to raise eyebrows, particularly given the wider economic climate and the pressures many people are facing."

"Even if everything complies with existing rules, it inevitably prompts questions about whether the system feels equitable to the public. From a reputational standpoint, it is not an easy situation to manage. There is a recognition within the royal family everything now risks fueling criticism, regardless of the legal or procedural context behind property set-ups," they added.

It's understood the property in question is not currently rented out and is not on the market, while experts have pointed out that such arrangements stem from longstanding systems governing Crown Estate leases rather than individual decision-making.

But the issue comes as calls grow for an official overhaul of how royal properties are managed.