Fans left wondering where Duchess Sophie was on Remembrance Sunday as Queen Camilla and Kate made ‘strong team’ outside of royal trio
Where Duchess Sophie was and why she wasn't seen as often was a cause of confusion for some fans and disappointment for others
Fans were left wondering where Duchess Sophie was on Remembrance Sunday as Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales reportedly made a “strong team” outside of this royal trio.
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s whereabouts at the National Service of Remembrance on 12th November has been a source of confusion amongst fans. We’re used to seeing Duchess Sophie alongside Queen Camilla and Princess of Wales on the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as wreaths are laid at the Cenotaph below. However, this year’s poignant service was a little different as Duchess Sophie was not by Her Majesty and Kate’s sides.
Taking to social media, plenty of fans were quick to ask where Duchess Sophie was and express disappointment at how little she featured in the coverage, unlike the Queen and Princess of Wales on their balcony.
“Where was Sophie, The duchess of Edinburgh, today?” one person asked on X, formerly known as Twitter, whilst another echoed this sense of confusion, commenting, “where was the Duchess of Edinburgh today?”
Explaining the situation, a fellow royal fan replied, “The Duchess of Edinburgh was on the other balcony. The TV coverage didn’t show her.”
“Very disappointed the cameras didn't show Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh last night at the #RemembranceService at the Royal Albert Hall or today at the Cenotaph,” someone else responded.
This year Duchess Sophie stood on a separate balcony with Princess Anne’s husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, but it wasn’t the first time she’s been on another balcony.
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.
Last year she joined working members of the extended Royal Family, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, on the balcony at the Remembrance service. This was the first National Service of Remembrance to take place since King Charles ascended the throne. Before this, Duchess Sophie, Queen Camilla as the then-Duchess of Cornwall and Kate as Duchess of Cambridge all tended to stand together.
It’s not known exactly why this has changed in recent years, though it could well be due to Queen Camilla and Kate now holding more significant ranks as Queen Consort and Princess of Wales. Queen Camilla is now the highest ranking royal woman and Kate will one day walk in her footsteps and with King Charles’ reported desire to streamline the monarchy, his immediate family with whom the future of the monarchy lies have been focused on more recently.
Queen Consort: The Life of Queen Camilla by Penny Junor | £7.99 at Amazon
Penny Junor explores the life of Britain's Queen Consort in this intimate biography previously published as The Duchess. She reflects how King Charles and Queen Camilla's marriage has stood the test of time despite the tide of public opinion sometimes being against them and is an extraodinary love story.
However, Duchess Sophie’s absence from their balcony isn’t something that was only noticed by fans. Opening up to The Mirror, body language expert Judi James has reflected upon how the dismantling of the traditional trio of Queen Camilla, Princess of Wales and Duchess Sophie supposedly saw a shift in the behavioural signals being seen on Remembrance Sunday 2023.
"Standing apart, almost at either end of the royal balcony and without Sophie present to create the usual trio of royal brides, Camilla and Kate presented visibly as status equals here,” she claimed. "Their poses looked similar and their almost matching, wide-brimmed hats were both pitched at exactly the same angle, with this mirroring giving the impression of a strong team of two as they looked down on their husbands laying their wreaths.”
This “strong team” could be seen to represent the present and future of the monarchy and so it perhaps makes sense that Queen Camilla and Kate were standing as a duo. Despite this, Duchess Sophie remains an important working royal and we can expect to see her continue to attend major royal occasions and appearances alongside her engagements.
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!
-
32 incredible foods to boost your immune system
From fresh ginger to citrus, here’s what to add to your plate for a healthier immune system
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
-
Can using red light therapy on your hands really help reverse the signs of ageing? The pros explain
Experts reveal whether red light therapy for hands is *actually* an effective treatment…
By Emma Stoddart Published
-
Prince George, Charlotte and Louis set to be 'significant part' of mum Kate Middleton's recovery
According to a royal expert, the Princess of Wales wants to 'keep things as normal as possible' for her children
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's vibrant hair scarf is the unique summer accessory we're shopping for right now
Duchess Sophie switched up her hairstyle at the Royal Windsor Horse Show with a gorgeous silk scarf and we're tempted to copy her look
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's gorgeous old Hollywood sunhat she wore at Wimbledon is a bargain in the sale
Kate's exact sunhat she looked incredible in at Wimbledon 2022 is in the sale
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Duchess Sophie prioritises style over practicality with her go-to accessory that elevates even the most casual look
The Duchess of Edinburgh is a fan of a timeless accessory that might not be the most practical, but adds a 'touch of elegance' to any outfit
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's timeless trench coat is perfect for rainy spring days and chilly summer breezes
The Princess of Wales knows a classic piece when she sees one and her stunning trench coat from 2011 is a style staple that will last years
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's royal first as she undertakes surprise overseas visit
The Duchess of Edinburgh has visited Ukraine for the first time since the Russian invasion over two years ago
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William are 'still loved up' 13 years on from the 'intense passion' on their wedding day
The Prince and Princess of Wales have always had a deep relationship and a strong bond, a body language expert says
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Royal brides and their 'something blue': From Kate Middleton's secret detail to Zara Tindall's protocol-breaker
Many royal brides' 'something blue' isn't noticeable to anyone else but they've included it as a special nod to the wedding tradition
By Emma Shacklock Published