How Sophie Wessex became Kate Middleton’s ‘tower of strength’ during cancer treatment & secretly clothes shops for her

The Princess of Wales and Sophie Wessex proved their 'unbreakable bond' is still strong as they attended Sunday's Remembrance Service.

Kate Middleton is said to have found a 'tower of strength' in the Duchess of Edinburgh as she supported her throughout her cancer diagnosis.

Royal biographer Claudia Joseph has claimed the pair have an 'unbreakable bond.'

She told Fabulous: "I’m sure that Sophie has been a tower of strength through Kate’s cancer diagnosis and will be there for her at the end of the phone whenever she wants a chat. 

“They are incredibly close and live only 11 miles from each other – Kate in Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park and Sophie at Bagshot Park.”

Supportive Role

Sophie, 59, was seen placing a supportive hand on Kate's back as they left the Remembrance Sunday Service.

Kate watched, as is tradition, from above on the nearby Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office balcony overlooking Whitehall with the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The pair were seen deep in conversation ahead of the two-minute silence led by King Charles.

Lip Reader Nicola Hickling told the Sun of a particularly sweet moment when Sophie comment on Prince William's new beard.

She reportedly asked Kate "What, you like a beard?" to which the Princess replies "I find it quite rousing."

Sophie responds "you're all better now" as the pair chuckle.

However, The Sun's lipreader Kayleigh Harris said the Princess actually described Wills' beard as "never quite rounded", rather than rousing.

She claims Sophie calls it "a nice beard" and says "it's a lot better now".

Meanwhile Kayleigh said Princess Kate turned to Sophie Wessex and said: "She will be supported in this."

Sophie replied: "Yes, and especially..."

It is unclear what the women were talking about.

But it comes after Queen Camilla missed the service as she battles a chest infection.

Kate was also seen saying "it's so special" before the nervous princess added: "You're never quite ready for this".

Sophie appeared to agree with the Princess, replying: "Yes, absolutely".

The conversation continues, with Kate adding "better know".

She has found that Sophie is a true confidante and sounding board.

Claudia Joseph

It's not the only time the public have seen just how close the pair are - and it seems Sophie has taken a supportive role ever since Kate joined the royal family.

Royal Mentor

When Kate married Prince William in 2011 Claudia reveals Sophie became 'somewhat of a mentor to her.'

She added: “She is 17 years older than Kate and has seen and done it all before. 

“Interestingly, while Meghan rebuffed Sophie’s offer to mentor her on life as a Royal, Kate gracefully jumped at The Queen’s suggestion – she saw her as a ‘solid and trustworthy member of The Firm - and the women have become close as Kate adapts to her new role as Princess of Wales.

“She has found that Sophie is a true confidante and sounding board and they have developed a mutual respect and an unbreakable bond.”

The two women have always been praised for leading with grace, and even the late Queen referred to them as her 'strength and stay'.

Cheeky Chums

The pair are also bound together thanks to their cheeky humour - with the pair often spotted giggling.

Claudia added: “Whether they are the Trooping the Colour ceremony or Royal Ascot, they are often pictured in each other’s company in fits of laughter. 

“At Royal Ascot, in 2017, they showed they shared a sense of fun when Sophie leant forward to kiss Kate on the cheek and was pitched forward towards her, leaving the pair in fits of giggles.”

Meanwhile, when the pair watched the rowing action during the London 2012 Paralympic Games, body language expert Judi James observed the pair to have a “naughty, fun and cheeky” friendship.

Good Sport

The pair seemingly have lots in common including a love for sports.

Sophie is said to swim, go to Pilates classes, work out as a cross-trainer at home, run three miles twice a week, ride, skis and is “cycling mad”.

Claudia pointed out that she even trained at the Royal Military Academy and “took part in a long-distance cycle challenge from Holyrood, Edinburgh, to Buckingham Palace, a distance of 445 miles, on her swish £999.99 carbon lightweight bike, designed by Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman”.  

And Kate is not too dissimilar and is known to love skiing, tennis, swimming, and hockey.

Claudia adds: "(She) is notoriously competitive - she is often photographed challenging husband William.”

Shopping Partners

Not only do these women love being active, they also enjoy style and share beauty and fashion tips while being in the public eye.

It's even been reported that Sophie has gone shopping for Kate.

“They are both aficionados of Richard Ward’s Chelsea hair salon and even favour the same fashion designers, Emilia Wickstead, Roland Mouret and Erdem, as well as the milliner Jane Taylor”, Claudia explains.

“And Sophie has been known to shop for Kate.

“Jeans designer Donna Ida once revealed that Sophie bought her £295 black Sadie jumpsuit for herself and then asked for one for Kate.”

The two women are also aligned on their family life at home.

Claudia added: “They are both really at home in the countryside, bringing up their children with lots of fresh air and going for lots of dog walks. 

“And they are green-fingered. 

“Sophie and husband Edward have created a woodland garden at Bagshot while Kate famously created a garden for the Chelsea Flower Show.”

The pair have shown time and time again that they are there to support each other while in the public eye and behind closed doors.