The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh are said to be like ‘sisters’, and this friendship took centre stage as the royals celebrated Garter Day at Windsor Castle

Kate Middleton and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh were firm friends at the Order of the Garter service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on 16 June

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Kate Middleton and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, showcased their enduring bond as they celebrated Garter Day at Windsor. It was a big day for the Princess of Wales, marking her first Garter Day since 2023 after she stepped back from public duties last year in the wake of her cancer diagnosis

Thankfully, Catherine could rely on one of the royal family’s secret weapons to support her on the big day. Stood by the Princess’s side as she watched the procession from Galilee Porch was the Duchess of Edinburgh, whose support during last year’s rocky period for the Firm has left many commentators referring to her as the House of Windsor’s rock. Kate and Sophie were also joined by Princess Alexandra, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy, and Princess Anne’s husband, Sir Timothy Laurence. The Duke of Kent joined later, in an automobile escort.

Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, joined the royal pair as they watched the procession, which included Prince William, Prince Edward, the King and Queen, and the Gloucesters

The pair seemed to be enjoying a warm conversation as they prepared to watch King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince William, Prince Edward, and the Gloucesters lead the Garter Day festivities. As if that wasn’t enough to remind royal watchers of their friendship, the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh looked like they’d matched up their wardrobes, the picture of Spring perfection in cream and baby pink ensembles.

Catherine turned to one of her most trusted designers, Self Portrait, for the occasion. If the cream chiffon midi dress and blazer bodice looked familiar, it’s because the Princess had previously donned the outfit for VE Day celebrations last month, though for Garter Day, she paired the look with a chic hat by Sean Barrett. From her jewellery box, Catherine wore a vintage pair of pearl earrings (also part of her VE Day look). As for Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh opted for a pale pink wrap-style dress and matching hat.

The Prince and Princess of Wales then took to a carriage together for the rest of the day’s festivities

While Kate and Sophie watched on from the Galilee Porch, their husbands, Prince William and Prince Edward, joined the King and Queen in the procession

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It is not the first time that the royal pair have complemented each other in their fashion choices, whether it’s a shared love for camel coats or a penchant for block colours. As style consultant Kate Moss-Jones once told MailOnline: ‘I like to think of Kate and Sophie supporting each other with their style and outfit ideas, as we know they are close and this is often reflected in what they wear.’

Indeed, the bond between the two women seems to have only grown stronger as Kate Middleton returns to public-facing royal duties after undergoing chemotherapy treatment. During the Remembrance Sunday cenotaph service in November last year, the pair stood side-by-side for the two-minute silence, which was broadcast live to the nation, and watched on as King Charles led the wreath-laying alongside the Prince of Wales and Sir Keir Starmer. But it was in the moments shortly afterwards, when the two exchanged a smile and Sophie placed a reassuring hand onto Kate Middleton’s back, which drew headlines.

In a poignant moment, the Duchess of Edinburgh placed a hand on the Princess of Wales’s back

In December, Sophie was among those who joined the Princess of Wales for her annual carol service, beaming as she arrived for the Together at Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey. Poignantly, Sophie was given a seat of pride of place, sitting on Kate’s left-hand side for the concert.

It should perhaps come as no surprise, showing the close bond between the two women, who married into the royal family and are both known for their stoic and hardworking natures. Since joining The Firm, the two women have cemented their places at the heart of the monarchy. The Duchess and Princess were both loved by Queen Elizabeth II and are now seen as safe pairs of hands when it comes to royal duties.

The pair were also close by at Catherine’s Together At Christmas carol concert

Experts have long spoken of their bond, with Ingrid Seward, royal author, revealing the women’s shared desire to protect their children will have brought them closer than ever. Speaking to Hello! last year, she called Kate and Sophie ‘incredibly kind girls’, adding, ‘They have a sisterly bond and Sophie is like the older sister Kate never had.

‘They are both protective of their children. Sophie has had a young family, so she knows what it’s like trying to protect them while being in the royal world.’

Seward went on to describe how the Duchess can perhaps empathise with Kate’s health battle, having suffered her own illnesses during her time in the royal family. Sophie, then 38, reportedly nearly died giving birth to her daughter Lady Louise, with Seward saying, ‘She has been there in the background [for Kate], as part of a private support network.’

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh during the Order Of The Garter Service at Windsor Castle on June 19, 2023

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Perhaps it should come as little surprise that Kate has been leaning on Sophie during the past year or so. Experts have long spoken of how the Duchess had supported the Princess during her transition from royal girlfriend to wife of the future King. Biographer Claudia Joseph previously told The Sun, ‘[Sophie] is 17 years older than Kate and has seen and done it all before […]

‘She has found that Sophie is a true confidante and sounding board and they have developed a mutual respect and an unbreakable bond.’

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Where better for the two to enjoy each other’s company than one of the most ancient royal traditions? Garter Day marks the celebration of Britain’s oldest order of chivalry – The Most Noble Order of the Garter. First established by King Edward III in 1348, it was directly inspired by the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and has endured ever since.

Made up of 24 knights and ‘lady companions’, in the past, appointments were strictly for those in the aristocracy. Today however they are made in recognition of public service, with former prime ministers Tony Blair and John Major among the roll-call, as well as Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former Director-General of MI5. Traditionally, the late Queen Elizabeth made the new appointments, with vacancies announced on St George’s Day in April.

Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal and Prince William, the Prince of Wales arrive for the Order of the Garter service with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

There are also honorary royal members of the Order (not included in the 24), with the Queen’s cousins, the Duke of Kent, Princess Alexandra and the Duke of Gloucester all recognised for their long and dedicated service to Her Majesty. The late Queen’s four children, King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward, have also been appointed to the Order, and in 2008, Prince William was the 1,000th knight to be added. No doubt Catherine and her close companion, the Duchess of Edinburgh, were cheering the royals on from the sidelines as celebrations commenced today.