Princess Kate and the Duchess of Edinburgh remain “the best of friends” and will soon live just a 10-minute drive from one another, a royal author has exclusively told GB News.
Royal author Sean Smith, whose new book Sophie: Saving the Royal Family has just been released, told the People's Channel exclusively that Kate’s new home, Forest Lodge, is within easy reach of Sophie’s residence at Bagshot Park, meaning the pair will be close by for support.
He said: “They remain the best of friends. They have always been two middle-class girls from the country battling their way through the etiquette and traditions of the Royal Family.
“They do not live in each other’s pockets. Kate has three young children to occupy her attention, but the Waleses' new home, Forest Lodge, is little more than a 10-minute drive from Bagshot Park, so Sophie is near to help and support when she can.”
Princess Kate’s new home just 10 minutes from ‘comforter’ Duchess of Edinburgh
|GETTY
Mr Smith recalled some of the most memorable public moments that have defined their relationship.
“We first became properly aware of their friendship when they travelled together down the course at Royal Ascot in June 2017 in an open-topped carriage,” he said.
“Sophie was attempting to change places when she fell on top of Kate, reducing both women to a shriek of giggles – it was a truly happy moment.”
Their bond has been equally evident during more difficult times. Mr Smith highlighted how Sophie supported Kate in November 2024, just months after the Princess of Wales revealed she had completed chemotherapy treatment.
Prince Edward and Sophie have lived in Bagshot Park since 1999 | GETTY
“She was there to support Kate on the balcony of the Foreign Office in Whitehall in November 2024, a couple of months after the Princess announced she had finished chemotherapy treatment,” he explained.
“They watched the wreaths being laid on the Cenotaph and, as they were leaving, Sophie placed a comforting hand on her back – it was a truly memorable moment.”
The author described Sophie as a “comforter” to Kate in recent years, providing both public reassurance and private support away from the cameras.
Their proximity in Windsor and Surrey means that, while Kate focuses on raising George, Charlotte and Louis, Sophie can be on hand when needed.
Princess Kate appeared on the balcony with Sophie for Remembrance Sunday | PALATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Kate and William have a very close bond with Sophie and Edward | PAThe Duchess of Edinburgh, 60, has long been regarded as one of the most down-to-earth members of the Royal Family.
Her easy manner and steady presence have made her a reliable figure for Kate as she continues to balance royal duty with family life.
The Princess of Wales and Prince William’s move into Forest Lodge later this year will place them in close reach of both Sophie and Prince Edward, strengthening the family unit at a time of transition within the monarchy.
Sophie: Saving the Royal Family by Sean Smith is available now in hardback, eBook and audio, priced at £25.