Since officially joining the Royal Family in 2011, Princess Kate has enjoyed a great relationship with Prince William’s nearest and dearest. As well as sharing a warm bond with her father-in-law King Charles, Kate also has a close friendship William’s aunt, Duchess Sophie.
Throughout the years, Kate and Sophie have often been spotted at Royal engagements, enjoying each other’s company and sharing a giggle or two. But their camaraderie isn’t just for the public eye- it extends behind closed doors as well.
Duchess Sophie, who at 60 is an auntie figure to 43-year-old Kate, seems to share more of a sisterly connection with the Princess of Wales, according to former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
Speaking to the Mirror, Bond remarked: “There seems to be a real friendship between Sophie and Catherine. It’s hard to think of them as aunt and niece. They seem much more like sisters or cousins.”
She added: “I think Sophie has been able to offer Catherine a huge amount of advice over the years – not just about how to fit into this very elite family, but also about how to juggle a hectic working life with bringing up children. When you join the royal family, it must be rather like subscribing to a secret society. There are so few people you can trust, so few friends you can confidently confide in.”
Bond concluded by expressing her belief in the mutual trust between the two royals: “I’m sure Catherine has always felt that Sophie is a safe pair of hands and someone she can easily trust – and visa versa.”
It’s also understood that Sophie, a member of the Royal Family for 26 years, was a significant pillar of support for Kate Middleton during her cancer diagnosis last year, particularly throughout her treatment, reports the Express.
Now that Kate is in remission, her return to Royal duties appears to bring joy to the Duchess, who was spotted sharing a tender moment with Kate at The Order of the Garter ceremony in Windsor last week.
Living just a stone’s throw away from each other, it’s believed that the Royal ladies enjoy spending time together away from the public eye.
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