Late Queen's 'second daughter reached out' to both Kate and Meghan

Sophie Wessex was a shared ally for both Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, according to expert Jennie Bond.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has garnered praise for her strong connections within The Firm, even being dubbed by Jennie Bond as Queen Elizabeth's "second daughter", in line with Princess Anne. Jennie highlighted Sophie's extensive reach in her familial relationships.

Jennie revealed that the Duchess of Edinburgh was a pillar of support for both Meghan and Kate while they were new to the Royal Family. She mentioned that Sophie remains very close to Kate and has been "a great support to her in her health crisis".

In a conversation with OK! magazine, Jennie remarked: "Sophie knew exactly what lay in wait for Catherine as she joined the family and she knew it wouldn't always be easy."

Jennie also spoke highly of the Duchess of Edinburgh's inherent kindness and generosity, reports the Mirror.

Another royal commentator disclosed that it was Queen Elizabeth herself who proposed Sophie mentor the Duchess of Sussex when Meghan's engagement to Prince Harry was made public. Despite Meghan's determination to "hit the ground running" in her royal duties, the Queen believed she could benefit from Sophie's guidance.

In his book, Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, Royal author and friend Gyles Brandreth revealed: "The Queen (who, of course, had seen it all before) understood that Harry's girl might find adjusting to Royal life 'challenging to begin with' (as she put it). 'It is very jolty, but you soon get used to it' that was Her Majesty's experience going back many years."

He further wrote that the Queen suggested Sophie Wessex, her daughter-in-law, as a mentor for Meghan. "To help Meghan, the Queen suggested that her daughter-in-law, Sophie Wessex, would be an ideal mentor. 'Sophie can help show you the ropes,' said the Queen."

However, according to Gyles, Meghan had other ideas. He stated: "Meghan made it clear that she did not feel she needed Sophie's help. She had Harry."

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