It’s been 15 years since Lady Frederick Windsor joined the “warm and supportive” royal family, and like her royal relatives, she is thankful for the platform she has to advocate for causes she cares about.
“It’s such a privilege to speak about something you’re passionate about and have people listen,” says Lady Frederick in an exclusive interview and photoshoot. She spoke about her involvement with The Big Issue Group, which recently launched its Big Community initiative—a series of Community Roadshows, the Big Issue Membership scheme, and a new policy call, Poverty Zero.
“I talk to every homeless person I pass. It’s heartbreaking when people walk by without acknowledging them. Even if you don’t have money to give, a simple interaction can make sure they don’t feel invisible—even just a supportive smile,” adds Sophie, who is professionally known as Sophie Winkleman. Earlier this year, she joined vendors in London to sell copies of the magazine on the streets.
At 44, Sophie also expresses her admiration for her “warm and supportive” royal family, including King Charles and the Princess of Wales. “She’s wonderful,” Sophie says of Kate. “I last saw her at Wimbledon, and it was so uplifting to see her—beautiful as always. She’s been incredibly brave and is doing amazingly well.”
She holds the King in equally high regard, especially after his recent cancer diagnosis.
“Duty and service are embedded in him; it never crosses his mind to rest, though those who care for him wish he would. Even while battling cancer, he doesn’t give himself a moment of rest—he’s truly an inspiration.”
Sophie also reflects on the challenges of being a royal. “The central royal family works incredibly hard. Living under the spotlight from birth is no easy task. I count nearly all of them as trusted friends. I’m very fortunate.”
The star of Sanditon and Belgravia: The Next Chapter recently marked her 15th wedding anniversary with her husband, Lord Frederick Windsor, the son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. The two met after he recognized her from her role as Big Suze on Channel 4’s Peep Show.
“We both left separate parties and went for the same taxi,” she recalls. “He said, ‘You’re Big Suze, I love you!’ I laughed, told the driver to take me somewhere, and Freddie pretended he was heading to the same place. We shared the taxi, and we’ve been together ever since.”
The couple shares two daughters, 11-year-old Maud and eight-year-old Isabella. Sophie, who is not on social media, also firmly believes in keeping her children away from it.
“The poor girls—there’s nothing less cool than having a mom who’s campaigning against smartphones,” she laughs. “But I hope they’ll eventually understand what I’m trying to do.”
She adds, “I don’t believe any child should have access to the internet on a device before they’re 16. They get exposed to violence that distorts their minds. Platforms like Instagram make young girls hate themselves, and apps like TikTok and Snapchat ruin their attention span.”
