Kate Middleton's major 'change' after health battle as Sophie Wessex steps up

Through a difficult year, in which she has fought a private battle with cancer while trying to balance the demands of a young family with expectations of her role within the Royal Family, Kate Middleton has seen her confidence take a knock.

One royal insider has revealed how Kate has been supported by her so-called "older sister" Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, through this very trying time.

"Kate has changed since the shock of her illness,” the source told the US-based Woman’s Day magazine. “She's not as confident and was grateful to have someone like PR-savvy Sophie by her side.”

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The two woman have always been close, with the late Queen Elizabeth II urging Sophie to take fellow-commoner Kate under her wing: “"They have a huge amount in common having probably formed a bond very much at the beginning," says royal biographer Ingrid Seward.

"Sophie was there for Kate in an unofficial capacity because she had the same experience of being a commoner marrying into the family.”

That early bond has only deepened since Kate’s shock diagnosis. When the Princess appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony on Remembrance Day, she looked close to tears. Lip reader Jacqui Press interpreted Kate as saying "You're never quite ready for this," to which Sophie replied, "Yes, absolutely.”

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Kate looked emotional at the wreath-laying ceremony, with the lip reader revealing the princess turned to Prince William's aunt and said, "You're never quite ready for this," to which Sophie comfortingly replied: "Yes, absolutely.”

As the pair left the balcony a few moments later, Sophie rested a hand on the younger woman’s shoulder, in a touching gesture of support: "They have a sisterly bond and Sophie is like the older sister Kate never had," Ingrid Seward said "They are both incredibly kind and have a caring side to them. They are both protective of their children."

As well as offering emotional support, sharing countless family moments behind the scenes, Sophie has also offered help. While the Princess has understandably stepped back from overseas travel this year, Sophie has been stepped up her work rate – visiting destinations from Ukraine to Chad.