The Duchess of Edinburgh once made a “mistake” that contributed to a frosty relationship with Princess Diana, according to royal author Sean Smith.
Mr Smith told GB News exclusively that Sophie’s decision to copy Diana’s hairstyle in the 1990s prompted awkward comparisons between the two women.
He explained: “One mistake Sophie did make was having the same Diana-style blonde bob, which didn’t suit her as well as it did the Princess. Inevitably, it would lead to superficial comparisons.
"When she saw Sophie approaching at some function, Diana would be heard to mutter, ‘Oh look, here comes my double.’”
Duchess of Edinburgh’s ‘mistake’ sparked ‘no love lost’ relationship with Princess Diana
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At the time, Sophie was still dating Prince Edward and had not yet married into the Royal Family.
Diana, who was one of the most photographed women in the world, remained a dominant presence in the public eye. The similarity in hairstyles only sharpened the media's focus on Sophie.
Mr Smith claimed that in private, Diana could be cutting about the resemblance.
The quip about her “double” highlighted how she viewed Sophie’s look as an imitation that drew attention but did not flatter Edward’s future wife.
The Duchess of Edinburgh had a blonde bob in the 1990s
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The tensions continued into the late 1990s. Mr Smith revealed that Sophie chose not to attend Diana’s funeral in September 1997, reportedly because she was conscious of the visual likeness.
He said: “Sophie did not attend Diana’s funeral in September 1997, reportedly deciding that she looked too like the princess from a distance and that would be upsetting to the vast crowd.”
According to a diplomatic friend quoted by Mr Smith, the dynamic between the pair never warmed.
The relationship was summed up simply as having “no love lost.”
Princess Diana was a global style icon in her lifetime
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Despite the awkwardness of her early years in royal circles, Sophie went on to establish herself as one of the most dependable members of the Royal Family.
After marrying Prince Edward in 1999, she steadily built a reputation for professionalism, discretion and loyalty to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
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The Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward announcing their engagement in 1999
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Now 60, the Duchess of Edinburgh is regarded as a key senior royal, bridging generations between the Princess of Wales and older figures such as Queen Camilla and Princess Anne.
Her early struggles with comparisons to Diana are seen as part of a difficult induction into public life, but her steady role in recent years has cemented her importance to the monarchy.
Sophie: Saving the Royal Family by Sean Smith is available now in hardback, eBook and audio, priced at £25.