As the Princess of Wales prepared to leave the annual Service of Remembrance at Whitehall, following her poignant return to royal duties, the Duchess of Edinburgh, who had been standing beside her throughout the emotional event, placed a comforting hand on her back.
Kate, who has made only a few public appearances this year, was determined to attend the important occasion, where her husband was laying a wreath. Sophie, who had initially been positioned on another balcony, moved closer to offer support after the Queen withdrew due to health reasons.
This moment marked yet another display of the strong sisterly support between the two women, showcasing the care the royal family has shown toward Kate during what has been a particularly challenging year.
Royal author Ingrid Seward remarked, “The royals have always shown a human side, but there’s more warmth now. That gesture of Sophie putting her arm around Kate is something you wouldn’t have seen a few years ago.”
Royal biographer Robert Jobson agreed, adding, “That moment said a lot. The royal family are all looking after Kate, and there’s a protective bubble around her.”
On the balcony overlooking the Cenotaph, the two women shared a warm conversation, just as they have many times at both public and private royal events. Their bond appears to have grown even stronger since Kate revealed in March that she was undergoing treatment for cancer, which was discovered after major abdominal surgery in January.
Sophie, who has faced her own health struggles in the past, has been a constant source of support for Kate. As a fellow mother, Sophie’s empathy for the emotional toll of the past months is likely deeper. Ingrid Seward explains, “They have a sisterly bond, and Sophie is like the older sister Kate never had.”
Sophie’s experiences as a mother and her own life-threatening illness – she nearly died after giving birth to her daughter, Louise – have brought her closer to Kate, particularly when it comes to protecting their children.
Ingrid added, “They are both incredibly kind girls with a caring side and are both protective of their children. Sophie has had a young family, so she knows what it’s like to try to protect them while being in the royal world.”
Their shared journey of marrying into the royal family also strengthens their connection. “They both had long romances with their husbands and knew what they were getting into by the time they married,” Ingrid continued. “Sophie was there for Kate in an unofficial capacity, offering advice as someone who had the same experience of being a commoner marrying into the family.”
Royal author Robert Hardman notes, “Both women weren’t in the royal orbit before and had to adjust to that, making their bond even stronger. The Duchess is not far ahead in her motherhood journey, with her children now living close to the Wales family at Bagshot Park.”
With both families living just 11 miles apart, it’s clear that the bond between Princess Kate and Duchess Sophie continues to grow, providing mutual support for one another in their royal roles and family lives.
