Princess Kate supported by Duchess Sophie with ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ gesture after cancer diagnosis
The two royals have a very close bond
In a touching moment that showcased their close bond, Duchess Sophie offered a subtle yet powerful gesture of support to Princess Kate during her return to public life following her cancer diagnosis.
The pair share a close bond, which has been evident during public appearances over the years.
Princess Kate and Duchess Sophie’s ‘supportive’ interaction after cancer battle
During last year’s Remembrance Day service in November, eagle-eyed royal fans spotted Sophie gently placing her hand on Kate’s back.
It was one of Kate’s first major public appearances since announcing in September that she had completed her cancer treatment.
Royal commentator Richard Eden has described the moment as a “blink and you’ll miss it” gesture, but one that spoke volumes.
“It is a comforting and congratulatory hand that says, ‘You’ve got through this.’ It’s a gesture that speaks volumes,” Richard noted during the latest episode of Daily Mail‘s Reading the Royals.
Although Kate appeared confident during the appearance, there were moments of understandable nerves. Sophie’s presence was visibly reassuring.
The close relationship between the Princess of Wales, 43, and the Duchess of Edinburgh, 60, has quietly grown over the years.
It is a comforting and congratulatory hand that says, ‘You’ve got through this.’
It evolved from an initial mentor-mentee dynamic into a deep friendship, Richard said.
Kate Middleton found in Sophie someone who truly understood the challenges of adapting to life in the royal family.
“If young Catherine was looking for someone who ‘got it’, so to speak, she had found that person in Sophie,” Richard added.
The late Queen Elizabeth II herself recognised this compatibility. She reportedly asked Sophie to mentor Kate as she stepped into her royal role.
Sophie and Kate ‘seem more like sisters’
Over the years, Sophie has often been a stabilising force for Kate during public events.
A notable example was at Princess Eugenie’s wedding in 2018. Sophie discreetly helped Kate avoid a wardrobe mishap. She helped prevent her dress from blowing up in the wind. It was a moment that didn’t go unnoticed by royal fans.
Their friendship also proved crucial during more tense royal moments.
During the 2020 Commonwealth Day Service – shortly before Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties – Sophie acted as a diplomatic buffer between Kate and the Sussexes.
“While Meghan glared and Harry simmered, Sophie broke the ice by chatting with Catherine, softening the atmosphere and helping the royal family maintain composure,” Richard explained.
While royal duties can sometimes feel performative, Kate and Sophie’s bond transcends protocol. The pair have once been described as “sisters”.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond once remarked to MailOnline: “They have often been seen enjoying a private joke in public and certainly seem more like sisters than aunt and niece by marriage.”
As Kate gradually resumes her royal duties, experts believe that Duchess Sophie will continue to play an integral role as a confidante and friend.
Richard said Sophie 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”.
What do you think of Kate and Sophie’s bond? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial and let us know.
