After finishing her studies at Kent College, Sophie, née Rhys-Jones, joined a wave of recent graduates heading to the slopes, spending time at resorts in Crans-Montana, St. Moritz, and San Moritz.
During her time in the mountains, Sophie reportedly worked as a ski representative, assisting guests with every aspect of their trip—from organizing accommodation and ski lessons to handling lift passes and equipment hire.
This role, which required meticulous planning and guest relations, became an early stepping stone in her future career in Public Relations.
A Love Story on the Slopes
Sophie’s time in Switzerland may have been brief, but it was reportedly marked by a whirlwind romance. Before meeting Prince Edward, she was said to have fallen for a ski instructor and even considered building a life with him in Australia, where she traveled after her ski season.
This little-known chapter of her life was revealed by the late royal writer Garth Gibbs in the 1999 documentary Prince Edward & Sophie Rhys-Jones: The True Story, which aired ahead of her wedding to Edward that same year.
“I think she was hoping to get married and settle down in Australia,” Garth shared. “But when things didn’t go as planned, she started feeling homesick.”
Ultimately, Sophie’s relationship with the ski instructor didn’t lead to marriage, as she decided to return to the UK instead.
“And she did—immediately,” Garth added. “She went to work for Brian MacLaurin, where she really refined her PR skills.”
Though her time on the slopes didn’t result in a long-term romance, it helped shape her path to becoming one of the royal family’s most accomplished figures today.
