Kate Middleton and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, are reportedly very close. Following reports that Duchess Sophie stepped up to help Princess Kate, new photographs reveal that the pair showcased their sweet friendship at the Princess of Wales' annual Christmas carol concert on Dec. 6.
As well as sitting together during the festive event, Princess Kate and Duchess Sophie shared a special moment before the service started. As reported by Hello!, Kate and Sophie were spotted kissing one another on the cheek as guests arrived at Westminster Abbey. Although we don't have a photo of the moment in question, it's clear that Sophie and Kate's relationship has only developed throughout 2024.
Often described as Princess Kate's "royal sister," the Duchess of Edinburgh has taken on more responsibilities this year. Kate took a step back from royal duties following a cancer diagnosis, and it would seem as though Sophie has helped to take the pressure off of the Princess of Wales.
Royal author and commentator Ingrid Seward recently discussed the special bond between Sophie and Kate while speaking with Hello!. "They have a sisterly bond and Sophie is like the older sister Kate never had," Seward explained. As for why they have a kinship, the royal expert said, "They both had really long romances with their husbands-to-be and Sophie lived at the Palace." She continued, "By the time they got married, they had more knowledge than the royal brides before them about what they were getting into."
Marrying into the Royal Family is far from a normal experience, and it's likely that Sophie and Kate have been able to support one another. "They have a huge amount in common having probably formed a bond very much at the beginning," Seward told the outlet. "Sophie was there for Kate in an unofficial capacity because she had the same experience of being a commoner marrying into the family."
And when it comes to Princess Kate's famed Christmas carol concert, there was one member of the Royal Family who reportedly didn't get an invite. "A mole whispers that for the second year running, suggestions that [Prince] Andrew be invited to Kate's annual carol service, possibly seated behind a pillar, were rejected," according to the Daily Mail. "Although very much a family affair... there was no space for Uncle Andy."
