The Duchess of Edinburgh was careful not to be photographed alongside Princess Diana at a royal wedding in the 1990s, according to royal author Sean Smith.
Mr Smith told GB News exclusively that the moment came at the wedding of Princess Margaret’s daughter, Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, to Daniel Chatto in July 1994.
He explained: “The first obvious sign of some tension occurred at the wedding of Princess Margaret’s popular daughter, Sarah Armstrong-Jones, to artist and actor Daniel Chatto.
"Back in July 1994, Sophie was still the new kid on the royal block, a girlfriend who seemed to fit in well.
Duchess of Edinburgh 'avoided standing next to Princess Diana'
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“Diana rolled up to the wedding at the Christopher Wren-designed Sir Stephen Walbrook church in the City of London looking a million dollars and seemingly determined to be photographed next to Sophie so that she would win the fashion stakes in the following day’s papers.
"Sophie was wise to what was going on and made sure she was never standing next to the much taller Princess of Wales.
"Prince Edward and other members of the Royal Family were pleased, and even the Queen noticed Diana’s intention.”
At the time, Sophie was still dating Prince Edward and had not yet married into the Royal Family.
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward pictured at Lady Sarah Chatto's wedding in 1994
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Diana, by contrast, was one of the most famous women in the world, regularly making headlines for her style and appearances.
Mr Smith said the incident showed Sophie’s early understanding of how the royal spotlight worked and her awareness of the intense comparisons faced by women who married into the monarchy.
By avoiding being photographed beside Diana, Sophie ensured she did not become caught in a fashion showdown with the former Princess of Wales.
Sophie and Edward went on to marry five years later at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, in 1999.
Princess Diana pictured at Lady Sarah Chatto's wedding in 1994
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Since then, she has become a central figure in the Royal Family, taking on a growing number of engagements and a prominent role supporting the King.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, now 60, is often described as one of the most down-to-earth senior royals, with a reputation for careful judgment and a steady approach.
Her early instincts at public events have been seen as helping to shape the role she occupies today.
Mr Smith revealed how Sophie navigated the challenges of entering the Royal Family in the 1990s, at a time when Diana’s presence dominated headlines.
Sophie: Saving the Royal Family by Sean Smith is available now in hardback, eBook and audio, priced at £25.