I’m so happy someone asked about dear Sophie - I’ve missed her! One day I will go back and do a mini series of her story, but for now, here are the updates on the Clifton family! and LOL “the Queen’s uncle” i am dying!!
Princess Sophie of Clifton
Sophie has come a long way since skipping her father’s second wedding and icing out her stepmother at a restaurant as a teenager. While there was much animosity between Sophie, her father Felix, and stepmother Francesca, she started to open up much more following the birth of her half-siblings, Flora and Louis. While she was not completely accepting of Francesca until Flora and Louis were older, she turned out to be a super-cool (and very loving) older sister.
Sophie graduated from the Fashion Institute of Clermont in Gardania and returned to Winchester to work for Winchesterian Vogue. She became deputy fashion editor at the magazine in just 5 years. When she was 29, Queen Victoria asked her to attend a last-minute benefit on her behalf - and that’s when she met Matt!
... and got married! Sophie got married!!! She married Prince Mattheus of Summerset, the cousin of King William II of the Winden Territories. Mattheus was serving as Ambassador to Winchester when they met at the benefit, and they got engaged a year later. They got married at the Royal Chapel in old historic Alnwick, and Sophie wore her mother’s tiara.
(L-R) Lord Thomas, Princess Sophie, Lady Catherine, Prince Mattheus and Christopher, Viscount Alnwick, pictured together at their home 16 years ago.
But that’s not all! They also had kids! Sophie and Matt have three children, Lady Catherine Josephine Carmichael, Christopher Edmund Carmichael, Viscount Alnwick, and Lord Thomas Spencer Carmichael. Throughout their childhood, the family lived at the Ambassador’s Residence in Alnwick and grew up with their cousins. Lady Catherine now works as a graphic designer, Christopher, Viscount Alnwick works in foreign relations for the Winden Territories, and Lord Thomas is in his final year of University.
Sophie and Matt still live in Winchester, where Matt continues his work as Ambassador. The two plan on relocating back to the Winden Territories when they are needed.
Katherine, Duchess of Clifton
When we last saw Katherine, Duchess of Clifton, it was at the events surrounding the coronation and wedding of Queen Victoria. Following her divorce from Prince Felix, Katherine remained in very good graces with the royal family, with the family often breaking protocol to include her in events (some may remember that Katherine’s sister-in-law, Queen Alexandra, chose to have Katherine walk next to her in the funeral procession of King Thomas. The late King’s brother, Felix, had to walk behind the rest of the family).
Katherine was vital in the helping Queen Victoria transition from princess to Queen, and supported Alexandra in the time after Thomas’ death. Katherine spent the entire year following the accident at the palace and with Alexandra, filling in at engagements when needed. Even after the birth of Victoria’s daughters, Katherine continued to take on royal engagements and host events on behalf of the royal family. On Victoria’s 10th anniversary as Queen, Katherine was made a Grand Dame of the Royal Albertian Order - the oldest and most prestigious award given to members of the royal family for dedication and service.
Katherine and Jeffrey at their wedding nearly 12 years ago.
Just when Winchester thought they couldn’t love Katherine more, she shocked them by announcing that she had remarried. Her new husband, Jeffrey Crowe - who was previously unknown to the public - had been the chief of Queen Alexandra’s personal security team. When he retired, the two tied the knot in a small ceremony attended only by family.
These days, Katherine is well into her 80s. She recently posed for a portrait with Felix, Sophie, and her grandchildren, as well as Felix’s other children. She spends her time chatting with her grandchildren and volunteering with organizations that promote children’s literacy. She and Jeffrey live in an apartment within Alnwick Palace, where she has tea with Alexandra twice a week.
Felix, Francesca, Flora and Louis
The Duke, Countess, Lady Flora and Louis, Viscount Alnwick, photographed 9 years ago.
Prince Felix, Duke of Clifton is the uncle of Queen Victoria, brother of the late King Thomas. He is a colorful character and is infamous throughout Winchester for his divorce and subsequent hasty remarriage, followed by the quick birth of twins by his second wife.
Many of you will remember that Francesca had an extremely difficult time assimilating into the Alnwick family, and her relationship with Katherine and Sophie (who could forget “pipe down, whore”?!) didn’t help. However, once Felix revealed himself to be the same not-so-great guy he always was, Francesca sought Katherine out for advice - and ended up making a friend.
When the twins were 21, Felix found himself in yet another cheating scandal - this time with his university girlfriend, who had suddenly been widowed. Though Francesca loyally stood by his side, saving him from yet another divorce scandal that would assuredly ruin his already poor public reputation, his family nearly completely cut him off. Her response secured her favor in the royal family and reminded Alexandra to quietly remove Felix from all possible guest lists in the near future.
Lady Flora Alnwick attended the University of Britechester and majored in International Relations and Chinese. She attended Queens’ College School of Law, and now works for the Winchesterian government in overseas trade regulation. She is rumored to be dating Harrison Roust, a professional tennis player.
Louis, Viscount Alnwick attended the University of Foxbury and studied business. He works for a hedge fund, and has a rather active public life on the party scene. He has been romantically linked to a number of models and actresses, and allegedly fathered a child with Winchesterian actress Lily Breckett.
Thank you for asking about the more minor characters! Feel free to ask more questions if you want to know more :)