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I Was So Distracted by Kate Middleton’s Appearance Yesterday that I Almost Missed This Royal Standing 2 Feet Away

We love a supportive family

Kate MIddleton
Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

In case you missed it, the royal family had a mini reunion at Buckingham Palace this week as they welcomed Their Highnesses The Amir and Sheikha Jawaher of Qatar.

Attendees at a series of events included Prince WilliamKate MiddletonKing Charles IIIPrincess Anne and Prince EdwardQueen Camilla was expected to join for all of the festivities but had to bow out of a few of them due to an illness, meaning royal fans were not able to witness a public reunion between her and Princess Catherine. But one royal who flew under the radar? Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh.

While all eyes were on Princess Catherine—who’s been easing back into royal duties after her cancer diagnosis and preventative chemotherapy—sharp-eyed fans may have noticed Duchess Sophie staying close to Catherine. And by close, I mean mere feet away. Case in point: a photo from the welcoming event shows Catherine and Sophie, alongside their husbands, viewing a display of Qatari artifacts from the Royal Collection and Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Buckingham Palace’s Picture Gallery.

DuchessSophieKateWill
MINA KIM/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Sophie’s steady presence seems like more than just protocol—it feels like a subtle show of support. Last month, the Duchess was also photographed standing beside Catherine at the National Service of Remembrance, a somber occasion that marked Catherine’s emotional return to the spotlight. The two shared smiles and knowing glances, a quiet but heartfelt display of solidarity. Sophie even placed a supportive hand on Catherine's back as they exited that event.

With King Charles and Catherine’s health challenges—and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping back from royal duties—Sophie has taken on a bigger role within the family.

DuchessSophie
AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

She’s also become a bona fide style icon. But don't take my word for it, just check out the stunning £3,000 (about $3,800 USD) olive-green Giorgio Armani silk dress and Jimmy Choo heels she wore to the welcome, per Hello!, who also reported she wore a black Suzannah London 'Debutante' gown teamed with a blue sash and a diamond necklace and earrings for the State Banquet. Princess Catherine, looking as chic as usual, rocked a burgundy monochromatic look (aka this season’s it color), though she missed the dinner.

Here’s to more of these Catherine-and-Sophie power moments.

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