How an Unlikely Royal is 'Bridging The Gap' Between Princess Kate and Queen Camilla
When it comes to the dynamics of the Royal Family, much of the attention falls on Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla, two of the most prominent women in the Firm today. They are often seen together at official engagements and, of course, share family occasions behind palace doors. But according to a royal biographer, there is someone else who plays a vital role in keeping those relationships balanced, and that person is none other than the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Sean Smith, author of Sophie: Saving the Royal Family, believes Sophie has become something of a linchpin between the different generations of senior royals. Speaking to GB News, he explained, “The question of age is [Duchess] Sophie’s biggest asset for the Royal Family moving forward. At 60, she is placed almost exactly in the middle of Middleton and both Anne and Camilla; she bridges the gap between the generations.”
Sophie, Smith argues, embodies the experience and poise of someone who has grown into her role steadily and quietly, without the controversies or missteps that often accompany other royals. It is this maturity that allows her to connect so naturally with both the older and younger women of the family.
Smith highlighted a quote from Sophie herself that reflects her approach to both life and duty: “We are fabulous in our forties, and we are even more fabulous in our fifties, sixties, and seventies, and we need to celebrate that and keep opportunities going for women.” For Smith, it’s that perspective, grounded, positive, and forward-looking, that makes Sophie invaluable in shaping how the Royal Family navigates its future.
The biographer noted that Sophie’s role is seen as a confidante for Middleton while also sharing the stage comfortably with Camilla and Princess Anne, per Marie Claire. “Smith described how Sophie’s maturity and experience allow her to play a unique role at the center of the family, acting as a confidante for Middleton while also standing shoulder to shoulder with The Queen and Princess Royal.” This influence could become even more significant as the Wales family prepares for their move from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge in Windsor. The relocation, widely reported as their new “forever home,” will bring Middleton physically closer to Sophie, who lives at Bagshot Park. As Smith put it, “They remain the best of friends.”
The bond between Middleton and Sophie is one that has quietly strengthened over the years. Unlike Camilla or Anne, who entered the Royal Family with more established roles and reputations, both Middleton and Sophie came in as outsiders. Smith points out that shared experience, saying, “They have always been two middle-class girls from the country battling their way through the etiquette and traditions of the Royal Family.” That similarity, he suggested, has been a foundation for their friendship and mutual support. She is also known to maintain a close relationship with Princess Charlotte.
Of course, proximity does not mean constant contact. Smith was careful to note that while the two duchesses are close, they maintain healthy independence. “They do not live in each other’s pockets. Middleton has three young children to occupy her attention, but their new home, Forest Lodge, is little more than a 10-minute drive from Bagshot Park, so Sophie is near to help and support when she can.”