How Kate Middleton and Duchess Sophie became so close: RICHARD EDEN delves into their 'unbreakable bond'

Two of the most important figures in the British Royal Family were born commoners.

But both Catherine, Princess of Wales, 43, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, 60, went on to win the affection of the public, the monarchy and most importantly, the late Queen Elizabeth.

The Daily Mail’s Diary Editor Richard Eden has analysed their close friendship in the latest episode of the popular YouTube series Reading the Royals, hailing it as ‘one of the most important partnerships in the royal family’.

In the show, he theorises that Catherine managed to ingratiate herself with the Royal Family as a result of the ‘unbreakable bond’ she formed with Sophie.

The pair have come a long way from their tentative mentor/mentee relationship as the Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of Cambridge to develop a genuine friendship that lies at the heart of the future of the monarchy.

Indeed, the late Queen had hoped that Sophie would be able to provide the same gentle mentoring for Meghan Markle – but she was rebuffed, according to Richard.

Looking at a picture of the ever-faithful Sophie helping Catherine avoid a Marilyn Monroe moment at the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in 2018, Richard said: ‘Look at the loyalty and family that Meghan walked away from.’

Speaking on the hit show, Richard analyses various era-defining photos of Catherine and Sophie to look at how the pair have navigated the highs and lows of royal life together.

As a gust of wind picks up Catherine’s dress at the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in 2018, Sophie is by her side to help her avoid an unfortunate revealing moment

The Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Wessex speak together after leaving the chapel. ‘Look at the loyalty and family that Meghan walked away from,’ Richard said

Speaking on the hit show, the Daily Mail’s Diary Editor Richard Eden analyses various era-defining photos of Catherine and Sophie to look at how the pair have navigated the highs and lows of royal life together

Watch the latest episode of Reading the Royals here:

In the first image Richard analyses, Catherine is seen standing on the balcony at Buckingham Palace in an elegant coat from her go-to British designer Alexander McQueen.

Although she looked the part, she would have been forgiven for feeling nervous as  Trooping the Colour marked her first major appearance since marrying Prince William that April.

As cheering crowds lined the Mall, the newly wed sought comfort in Sophie, who was the Countess of Wessex at the time.

‘They are turned into each other here and Catherine looks pleased to have someone to talk to,’ Richard said.

‘Sophie had been the nervous new girl before and is really making the effort here to include Catherine.’

Swiping on to a second picture, the royal expert notes that Catherine and her husband William are positioned to one side of the balcony, away from the rest of the family, where she ‘could have felt more estranged’.

‘However welcoming the family, it is always hard joining a new one,’ he said. ‘Let alone one so famous and in the public eye.

‘But Sophie is like the bridge to her and the rest.’

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, speaks to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during Trooping the Colour in 2011. It is Catherine’s first major appearance since her wedding

Sophie acts as a bridge to newly wed Catherine and the rest of the royal family standing on the balcony at Buckingham Palace

Much like Sophie, Catherine came from a middle-class background. Before her mother Carole Middleton became a successful businesswoman, she worked as an air stewardess – a job that even William’s friends are said to have made fun of.

‘This experience was something that Sophie knew only too well,’ Richard continued. ‘Although she was never likely to be Queen, she was the daughter of a tire salesman. 

‘Her lineage was far less noble than other incomers such as Lady Diana Spencer or Sarah Ferguson. If young Catherine was looking for someone who “got it”, so to speak, she had found that person in Sophie.’

A few months later and Catherine and Sophie were back on a balcony together at a Remembrance Day service. ‘Something they would get used to over the years in the royal family,’ Richard remarked.

‘Although they seem to have a natural chemistry, their proximity was not just because of this, it was a deliberate plan by the Queen to ease Catherine into the firm.’

Her Majesty had chosen Sophie to mentor Catherine as she was also a ‘modern royal bride’, as Katie Nicholls described in her book Kate: The Future Queen.

Before marrying Prince Edward, the Queen’s youngest son, in 1999, Sophie worked as a public relations expert.

‘The Queen saw great things in Sophie – both in character but also experience,’ Richard said. ‘Her Majesty thought Sophie would be the perfect person to pass some of her knowledge on to the future queen.’

The pair were deliberately placed next to each other at the Remembrance Day Ceremony in 2011 as the Queen wanted Sophie to ‘pass some of her knowledge on to the future queen’

The Queen wanted Duchess Sophie to act as a mentor for both Catherine and Meghan due to her middle-class background and experience in PR 

Sophie with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who refused her help, according to Richard 

Catherine and Sophie hosted a reception to celebrate the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange at Buckingham Palace in 2018. The Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant with Prince Louis at the time

When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in a lavish ceremony at St George’s Chapel in May 2018, the late Queen thought that Sophie could take on the same mentoring role for the American actress as she had done for Catherine.

But after being brushed off, the duchess found herself taking on a more diplomatic role.

At the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in 2020, she was seen acting as ‘a buffer’ between Catherine and William, and Harry and Meghan.

Richard said: ‘This was just before “Megxit” became official. The strains beforehand had become intolerable for all concerned.

‘While Meghan glares and Harry simmers, Sophie breaks the ice by talking to Catherine.

‘With their husbands talking too, the atmosphere changes and the impression given to the outside world is that things might not be antagonistic as they could be.’

‘Harry and Meghan may not like it’, he added, ‘but the show must go on.’ 

At last year’s Remembrance Day service, Catherine and Sophie were still standing next to each other overlooking the Cenotaph.

Sophie acts as a ‘buffer’ at the Commonwealth Day Service in 2020, breaking the ice between Prince William and Princess Catherine, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh overlook the Cenotaph for the Remembrance Sunday Service in 2024

Richard said that Sophie placed a gentle hand on Catherine as a way of saying, ‘You’ve got through this’

‘This occasion had particular poignance as it marked a return for Catherine to public life after an incredibly difficult time receiving treatment for cancer,’ Richard explained. 

‘Sophie here is a reassuring presence to Catherine who appeared unexpectedly but understandably nervous.

‘It was as they turned away from the occasion that the “blink and you’ll miss it” moment took place: Sophie’s gentle hand on Catherine’s back.

‘It is a comforting and congratulatory hand that says, “You’ve got through this”. It’s a gesture that speaks volumes.’

As well as the more poignant moments in Catherine and Sophie’s friendship, Richard analyses the light-hearted ones too.

Chuckling at a photo of Sophie almost falling into Catherine’s lap whilst in a carriage at the Royal Ascot in 2017, Richard asks: ‘Is there a more fun or funny picture of the royals than this one?

‘I think it’s Catherine and Sophie’s familiarity here that really makes it a fun moment.’ 

The Duchess had gone to kiss her niece on the cheek when the carriage came to a dramatic stop – sending Sophie flying forwards.

Sophie almost falls into Catherine’s lap as they attend the Royal Ascot in 2017 with their husbands

The royal women roar with laughter as Catherine puts a stabilising hand on Sophie to ensure she kept her balance. Princes Edward and William are pictured sharing a laugh in the background

Catherine shoots her aunt Sophie a ‘knowing look’ as the pair attend the Royal Ascot in 2023

The women, who ‘seem more like sisters than aunt and niece by marriage, laugh together at the races

The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh opted for co-ordinating white outfits and similar headpieces for King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation

Usually composed, the royal women were pictured roaring with laughter as Catherine put a stabilising hand on Sophie to ensure she kept her balance. 

At the Royal Ascot again in 2023, Catherine is seen giving her aunt Sophie a ‘knowing look’.

‘It is clear that there is a big joke here that we sadly aren’t party to,’ Richard said.

‘Being a member of the royal family can be lonely as there are so few people who really understand the challenges and pressures,’ Richard added.

‘One person who does, of course, is Sophie and this picture to me, sums up just how comfortable they are able to be together.’

Another fun-loving image shows Sophie grinning cheekily at her niece Catherine during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Richard said it reminded him of a quote former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond gave to MailOnline.

She noted that the pair ‘have often been seen enjoying a private joke in public and certainly seem more like sisters than aunt and niece by marriage’

Sophie cheekily grins at Catherine while they attend the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

The Duchess of Edinburgh and the Princess of Wales share a laugh at Wimbledon in 2016

Richard concluded: ‘Catherine’s role in the family and the country will be more outwardly important but I would say Sophie’s will be growing with her.

‘She will be vital for Catherine whether it’s as a confidante, sounding board, wing woman or someone just to have a good laugh with at the long royal engagements’

These pictures are just some of the many that are analysed regarding Catherine and Sophie’s close bond, which is explored in its entirety on the latest episode of Reading the Royals.

Speaking of their friendship, Richard concluded: ‘Catherine’s role in the family and the country will be more outwardly important but I would say Sophie’s will be growing with her.

‘She will be vital for Catherine whether it’s as a confidante, sounding board, wing woman or someone just to have a good laugh with at the long royal engagements.’

Source link