How Kate Middleton's 'royal sister' Sophie filled the void left by Meghan Markle

Sophie's quality to equilibrium royal duties with idiosyncratic challenges has made her 1 of the astir respected members of the Firm - but it’s her quiescent mentorship of the Princess of Wales that stands out

Since becoming a portion of the Royal Family 25 years ago, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has firmly established herself arsenic a cardinal subordinate wrong the monarchy.

Her quality to equilibrium royal duties with idiosyncratic challenges has made her 1 of the astir respected members of the Firm. But it’s her quiescent mentorship of the Princess of Wales that stands out. Earlier this month, Sophie erstwhile again proved her worth to Kate erstwhile she stood by her broadside during the Remembrance Sunday service.

Kate, who has lone precocious completed crab treatment, appeared overwhelmed successful the nationalist eye, the Daily Mail reports. The Princess is said to person confided successful Sophie, and reportedly said: “You’re ne'er rather acceptable for this…” Sophie reassured her niece-in-law and placed a comforting manus connected Kate’s back. The enslaved betwixt Sophie and Kate has been built connected communal respect and shared experiences.

Sophie has been a supportive fig passim Kate’s royal journey, offering guidance erstwhile Kate archetypal entered the royal spotlight. While Meghan Markle was initially expected to play the relation of Kate’s "royal sister," reports suggest that the enslaved betwixt Meghan and Kate ne'er rather materialised. Meghan reportedly declined the Queen's connection for Sophie to mentor her, portion Kate has embraced Sophie’s contented and enactment wholeheartedly.

As royal biographer Claudia Joseph notes, Sophie, 17 years older than Kate, “has seen and done it each before,” making her an perfect confidante for the Princess of Wales. Kate and Sophie’s narration has ever been 1 of enactment but besides 1 of friendship.

They stock a akin consciousness of humour and a grounded nature. This was evident successful 2017 erstwhile the 2 royals were caught laughing uncontrollably astatine Royal Ascot aft Sophie astir mislaid her equilibrium successful a carriage. In galore ways, they are much similar sisters than aunts and nieces.

Sophie besides plays a applicable relation successful Kate’s life. Reports person revealed that she has acted arsenic a “secret shopper” for the Princess, often picking retired apparel for her. In 2019, decorator Donna Ida shared that Sophie bought a achromatic jumpsuit for herself, past ordered 1 for Kate arsenic well, suggesting it was for location wear.

Their manner transportation was evident again successful 2023 astatine the Buckingham Palace Garden Party, wherever they stepped retired successful matching outfits, highlighting their shared consciousness of style. As Kate continues to navigate royal beingness station her crab diagnosis and recovering from her treatment, Sophie remains a dependable pillar of support.