Duchess Sophie's selfless sacrifice left Queen Elizabeth 'so fond of her' - and Kate's been 'careful' to do the same
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess of Wales have both made the same sacrifice as senior royals and it's reportedly part of their 'success'
Duchess Sophie's selfless sacrifice reportedly left the late Queen Elizabeth "so fond of her" - and the Princess of Wales has been "careful" to do the same.
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess of Wales are two of the most popular members of the Royal Family and they often have prominent positions at events. However, despite their own important roles, the Royal Family always comes first and, according to a royal expert, Duchess Sophie has sacrificed her time in the spotlight and ensures the focus is never all on her.
Getting candid with Hello!, Ingrid Seward, Editor-In-Chief of Majesty magazine and the author of My Mother and I shared her belief that the Duchess earned the admiration of the late Queen Elizabeth because of this.
"Sophie never pushes herself forward or wants to make things about her," Ingrid claimed. "This was one of the reasons the late Queen was so fond of her and probably one of the reasons her and [her husband, Prince] Edward's partnership is such a success."
My Mother and I by Ingrid Seward | Was £25, Now £10.50 at Amazon
If you've ever been fascinated by the relationship between Queen Elizabeth and King Charles might be especially drawn in by this. Ingrid Seward gives insight into their bond behind closed doors and follows King Charles's life from birth to his coronation. Showing the power of family and including personal anecdotes, this is well worth a read.
So it seems Duchess Sophie isn't eager to be the centre of attention on a personal level. Instead, her approach seems to place the focus back on the important causes she champions and ultimately upon the Royal Family as an institution. Duchess Sophie's selfless sacrifice is something that the Princess of Wales has replicated in her own role.
Royal author Penny Junor previously highlighted how the Princess of Wales has been "careful" not to overshadow Prince William. This is something that the expert suggests Kate might have been conscious of, amid reports that Princess Diana's popularity bothered King Charles during their marriage.
"Charles was Prince of Wales and not used to having the limelight taken from him," Penny told The Sunday Times. "That caused huge problems. Kate is being very careful to ensure she doesn’t outstrip William. She is not on an ego trip, and her head has not been turned by celebrity."
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
"Kate is a working woman doing a job. She didn’t leave the human race when she joined Planet Windsor," Penny continued.
The Princess of Wales's reported desire to make sure that her popularity doesn't detract attention from Prince William, who is first in the royal line of succession, is a parallel of Duchess Sophie "never" pushing herself forward above everyone else.
Both royal women are dedicated to their royal roles and aren't interested in being the focus or having any kind of "ego" about their high-profile statuses.
This isn't the only similarity between Duchess Sophie and Kate, though. Balancing royal duties with family life might not be easy but it's a key focus for both of them. Reflecting upon Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward's relationship, Ingrid said, "Family life is important to them, too, and I think they have always made sure one of them is home for the children."
Kate and Prince William are also hands-on parents and have discussed doing the school run and spending lots of time outdoors with their children. As per Express.co.uk, royal correspondent Katie Nicholl suggested in her book, The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown, that Kate is "said to admire" the way the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are raising their children “in the bosom of the Royal Family but prepared for life in the real world.
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess of Wales seem to be very much aligned with their values when it comes to not only how they go about their royal duties but also how they are raising their children.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Kate Middleton was a 'terrible' waitress before she was royal
The Princess of Wales had various jobs before she married Prince William - and she says she was particularly bad at waitressing
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Season 3 of Manifest: Where to watch it and why isn't it on Netflix?
Season 3 of Manifest isn't on Netflix and fans are confused
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton was a 'terrible' waitress before she was royal
The Princess of Wales had various jobs before she married Prince William - and she says she was particularly bad at waitressing
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Kate Middleton's kitchen nightmare that left her ceiling green is something she'll never repeat again
The Princess of Wales once opened up to Dame Mary Berry about a major kitchen disaster
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The important royal job Kate Middleton could give to Pippa when she's Queen - that Camilla has given her own sister
Kate Middleton could have her sister working with her when she becomes Queen
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Kate Middleton granted prestigious new title by King Charles - and it's ten words long
King Charles recommended that the Princess of Wales should receive a new title that no royal has held before
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
M&S has the dreamiest white summer dress just like Kate Middleton's
Princess Kate's Zimmerman summer dress has long been discontinued - but M&S have just dropped a rival piece that looks so similar
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Duchess Sophie's beachy curls and golden tan lines proved she nails the fresh-off-holiday aesthetic
Duchess Sophie's beachy curls from 2011 was a gorgeously voluminous hairstyle that we can't help wishing she'd bring back
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince Louis's sixth birthday photo is the most adorable one yet as Kate Middleton gets back behind the camera
Prince Louis's sixth birthday photo has been posted by the Prince and Princess of Wales and it's a return to tradition for his proud mum
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's 'very deliberate and clever' preparation for 'powerful' royal role
The Royal Family have been smart and intentional about getting the Princess of Wales ready for the duty that lies ahead, an expert says
By Caitlin Elliott Published