How Sophie has become Kate's closest ally: 'Maternal' Duchess is a huge support to Princess of Wales - and it's come about because of the void left by Meghan
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Since marrying into the Royal Family 25 years ago, the Duchess of Edinburgh has proven herself to be one of the Firm's key players - averaging over 100 engagements a year and becoming a champion for women's rights. But yesterday, the royal mother-of-two, 59, stepped up to the plate in a different way: acting as a source of unwavering support for the Princess of Wales in one of her first public appearances since completing cancer treatment.
![[Following the two minute silence, the Duchess of Edinburgh placed a supportive hand on the Princess of Wales' back as they left the balcony]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/11/09/91928691-0-image-a-2_1731316234832.jpg)
Yesterday morning, Sophie joined Kate on the balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office - where they watched the Remembrance Sunday service unfold. As they stepped into public view, the Princess hinted to her husband's aunt that she was feeling overwhelmed - reportedly telling her: 'You're never quite ready for this...'.
![[Pictured: The Princess of Wales, then the Duchess of Cambridge, and Duchess of Edinburgh, then the Countess of Wessex, during the Order Of The Garter Service in Windsor in 2014]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/11/09/91929165-0-image-m-4_1731317749359.jpg)
After reassuring the Princess, the Duchess of Edinburgh placed a supportive, 'maternal' hand on the future Queen's back as they walked back inside following the two-minute silence, which was broadcast live to the nation. Pictured: The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh on a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London yesterday.
![[Pictured: The Duchess of Edinburgh arriving for the first day of Royal Ascot in 2018 with the Duchess of Sussex]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/11/09/91929167-0-image-m-6_1731317810965.jpg)
Following the two minute silence, the Duchess of Edinburgh placed a supportive hand on the Princess of Wales' back as they left the balcony. The two women, who come from similar middle-class backgrounds, have formed an undeniably close bond over the 13 years.
![[Queen Elizabeth and the Duchess of Edinburgh attend day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 18, 2019. The Queen suggested the Countess of Wessex take Kate under her wing in 2011]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/11/09/91929275-0-image-a-7_1731317827157.jpg)
