The two women share a "sisterly bond."
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh is taking style cues from Kate Middleton all the way in the South Asian country of Nepal. Stepping out for an official royal engagement with her husband Prince Edward and President Ram Chandra Paudel, the Duchess opted for a silk floral dress from Mary Katrantzou with Middleton’s signature detail: a pussy bow neckline. She then paired the drop-waist number with a matching green purse that recalled Middleton’s love of upcycling outfits thanks to the fact that it was vintage.
The trip marks the couple’s first time in Nepal, which has not hosted a British royal since Prince Harry’s visit back in 2016. According to a statement released by Buckingham Palace, “The visit will celebrate the close ties between the UK and Nepal, and reinforce shared interests including youth opportunity, healthcare, equality for women and girls, and conservation and biodiversity.”
Apart from meeting with the president and other government officials, the Duke and Duchess also met with participants in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, which helps young people pursue their passions regardless of circumstance.
Often called “the royal family’s secret weapon,” Sophie is particularly close with Middleton, so much so that the two women have been described as having a “sisterly bond.” The Duke and Duchess played a prominent role last year by filling in for King Charles during his cancer treatment, a trend that will likely continue once Prince William inherits the throne.
“They [the Waleses and the Edinburghs] get on very well,” a source told The Sunday Times, adding that William will be “eager for his aunt and uncle to play a more prominent role in public life.”
Meanwhile, royal expert Jennie Bond shared a similar sentiment while speaking with The Mirror. “By any measure, Sophie has proved herself to be a major asset to the Royal Family, and William would be foolish to ignore the value she brings. She is dignified and elegant, and yet still the same Sophie she was when she met Edward: unpretentious, generous and with a natural charm.”