Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton’s balcony appearance saw Sophie Wessex lose previous privilege

Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton’s balcony appearance for Remembrance Sunday saw Sophie Wessex lose a privilege she had last year. 

• The Countess of Wessex didn’t stand alongside Queen Camilla and Princess Kate on Remembrance Sunday this year, but on a separate balcony. 
• She was given pride of place last year and has previously stood with the Queen Consort and Princess of Wales on a number of occasions.  
• This royal news comes as the Royal Family’s powerful tribute was showcased in a major social media change. 

Every year senior members of the immediate and extended Royal Family come together to honor those who have lost their lives in service of their country in conflicts throughout history. For the first time since becoming monarch, King Charles III led Remembrance Sunday on November 13, where he attended in military uniform and laid a wreath on the cenotaph. He was joined for this poignant ceremony by his eldest son the Prince of Wales and two more of the late Queen’s children, Prince Edward and Princess Anne, who all laid wreaths themselves.

Camilla, Queen Consort and the Princess of Wales watched the service on the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office building, where Kate Middleton wore Princess Diana’s rare pearl earrings. However, this year saw the King’s sister-in-law Sophie, Countess of Wessex lose a previous privilege. 

It was likely a strange and moving sight for many fans to see Queen Camilla and Princess Kate on this iconic balcony without the Queen, who was pictured there regularly in recent years. But she wasn’t the only senior royal missing from this year’s balcony appearance. On Remembrance Sunday 2022, the Countess of Wessex stood on a separate balcony alongside Queen Elizabeth’s cousin Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and the Duchess of Gloucester. 

This is quite a prominent change from last year where Sophie Wessex, whose close bond with the late Queen Elizabeth was often remarked upon, stood alongside the Queen Consort and Princess of Wales for the service.

Although this year isn't the only time the Countess has appeared on a different balcony to her sister-in-law and niece-in-law, Sophie has regularly been positioned next to Queen Camilla and Princess Kate for Remembrance Sunday over the years.

Back in 2017, Sophie Wessex was with Kate and the Duchess of Kent, whilst 2016 saw her alongside both the Princess of Wales and Queen Consort.

She also stood alongside both of them back in 2011 for Kate’s first ever Remembrance Sunday service since marrying Prince William. It’s not known why exactly her previous privilege was changed for 2022.

However, as Queen Consort and Princess of Wales, Camilla and Kate are now the two most senior royal women and having just the two of them together on one balcony does highlight their prominent roles in the future of the monarchy.

And although Sophie Wessex wasn’t standing with them on the same balcony again in 2022 like she did last year, she still had a hugely important position watching the service.

Since King Charles ascended to the throne the Wessexes have remained dedicated working royals and during the Queen’s reign, reports suggested Sophie as having a special bond with her. Sophie Wessex was apparently a “soothing” presence to Her Majesty and a source previously claimed to The Mirror that their relationship was “very special”. 

“Sophie cherishes her relationship with the Queen and not only appreciates her guidance and wisdom throughout her own life, she is very protective of her,” they alleged. “Their bond is very like a mother and daughter and the feeling of love and respect is quite mutual. It is very special.”