Kate Middleton adds new 'critical' member to her 'inner circle'

Kate Middleton finds The Duchess of Edinburgh a 'critical member' of her inner cicle as she returns to public duties, it has been reported. A source and insider in the Royal Family called Sophie a “kind and wise” friend of the Princess of Wales.

The insider told the Daily Mail: “There have been some really kind and wise people along the way who have helped the princess over the years, and Sophie is very much one of those.” He said: “Their relationship has really strengthened.

“It will be absolutely critical for [the princess] to have a female backup. And she simply couldn’t get better than someone like Sophie.” Royal biographer Claudia Joseph claimed that when Princess Kate joined the Royal Family in 2011 after marrying Prince William, the Duchess of Edinburgh, 59, became "somewhat of a mentor to her."

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She added: "She saw her as a solid and trustworthy member of The Firm. The women have become close as Kate adapts to her new role as Princess of Wales. She has found that Sophie is a true confidante and sounding board and they have developed a mutual respect and an unbreakable bond."

Sophie, 59, attended commemorations in Staffordshire, marking the two minutes silence across the UK and in Europe. It was the first time the Duchess led the service solo, having previously been accompanied by her husband, Prince Edward , in 2020.

A different member of the royal family is usually chosen each year to represent the monarchy for the Armistice Service, with the Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence appearing at last year's event. It marked Kate's fifth major public appearance of the year amid her gradual return to her royal duties after completing cancer treatment.

Kate was diagnosed earlier this year and revealed she was in recovery two months ago.