How Sophie has become Kate's closest ally: 'Maternal' Duchess is a huge support to Princess of Wales - and it's come about because of the void left by Meghan

Since marrying into the Royal Family 25 years ago, the Duchess of Edinburgh has proven herself to be one of the Firm's key players - averaging over 100 engagements a year and becoming a champion for women's rights. Here FEMAIL delves into the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh's close relationship - as Sophie supports Kate in her royal return. It’s home-wear.’ Pictured: The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh hosted a Commonwealth Fashion Exchange at Buckingham Palace in In September 2019, designer Donna Ida revealed the Duchess of Edinburgh, who shares Kate's love of fashion, will often pick out items for her beloved niece The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 9, 2023 Although they rarely get to complete engagements together, Kate and Sophie hosted a reception to celebrate the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange at Buckingham Palace in London in 2018 - where high profile guests included Vogue editor Anna Wintour and designer Stella McCartney. The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh have worn the same Erdem dress in varying lengths The Duchess of Cambridge speaks to the Countess of Wessex during the service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh also opted for co-ordinating white outfits and similar headpieces for King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation It seems the royals also compare notes when it comes to their hair too - as both Sophie and Kate are reportedly regular clients at the Richard Ward hair salon in Chelsea, which is only a stone's throw from Kensington Palace. In September 2016, Sophie cycled 450 miles from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Following Prince Harry's departure from the Royal Family, Kate has also taken over his role as the royal patron of the Rugby Football Union Kate and Sophie are said to have something of a 'sisterly' bond thanks to their shared interests and cheeky sense of humour Kate 'frequently turned to Sophie' during cancer treatment Earlier this year, the Princess of Wales revealed in an emotional video that she was undergoing cancer treatment - following an abdominal surgery in January.