'Kate's Anne': Duchess Sophie Is Set to Assist the Princess of Wales Much Like the Princess Royal Assists King Charles

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, could become a main support system in royal duties for Kate, Princess of Wales, she becomes Queen Consort. Royal sources suggest this future scenario based on the wife of Prince Edward's "flawless job" at becoming a majorly active senior royal during King Charles III and Kate's recent illnesses.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh's recent ease into taking a front and center royal role is said to have pleased the King, who palace aides also point out as being surrounded by "powerful women."

"The King is not frightened of powerful women, although he occasionally pretends he is," one insider pointed out.

"It is so much more evident now that Catherine and Sophie are key members of the list of working royals," royal expert Jennie Bond said of the pair. "I think people have really taken Sophie to their hearts in the past few years, especially after she showed her obvious grief at losing Prince Philip and the Queen."

She continued: "Both she and Catherine have a common touch... perhaps because they lived 'normal' lives before marrying. They connect with the people they meet and look as if they really want to chat. They are the new female stars of the show — elegant, engaging and empathetic."

As wives of senior royals, the pair has been able to rely on each other as commoners turned duchesses. Body language analyst Judi James told a publication in May 2023 that they often enjoy each other's company. "Kate looks delighted to have made Sophie laugh like this, and the slight nose-wrinkling at the garden party suggests she thinks she is being rather naughty here," she said.

The Princess of Wales' journey within the royal family has been fascinating to watch unfold in front of the public eye. The mother-of-three went from being Prince William's reserved college girlfriend to a powerhouse within the British monarchy. As The Royal Observer previously reported, royal scribe Camilla Tominey told an outlet that Kate "was once seen by some as a mere WAG [wife and girlfriend]" but is now seen as a "Queen-in-waiting," which has elevated her status within the family.

The Princess of Wales is expected to remain on royal leave until after Easter, which is reportedly when her doctors feel she will be able to rejoin public duties after her abdominal surgery. With the King currently receiving cancer treatments, and only fulfilling his state duties behind closed doors, the Duchess of Edinburgh's high-profile engagements are expected to continue.

The Prince of Wales, Queen Camilla, Sophie, and Princess Anne are the main working members of the British monarchy at this time.

Daily Express reported on the insider revelations.