Queen Elizabeth’s ‘second daughter reached out to both Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton’

Meghan Markle had the same ally as Princess Kate during her time in the Royal Family, with both women finding a friend in Sophie Wessex, a royal expert says.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has been praised for her close bonds with members of The Firm and has even been described by royal expert Jennie Bond as Queen Elizabeth’s “second daughter”, alongside Princess Anne. Jennie said how Sophie’s close bonds extend beyond her immediate family. The royal commentator said the Duchess of Edinburgh offered a helping hand to both Meghan and Kate during their time in the Royal Family. Jennie said Sophie is still very close to Kate and has been “a great support to her in her health crisis”.

Speaking to OK! magazine, Jennie said: “Sophie knew exactly what lay in wait for Catherine as she joined the family and she knew it wouldn’t always be easy.” The expert also described the Duchess of Edinburgh as “inherently kind and generous”. It was the late Queen Elizabeth who first suggested Sophie should become a mentor to the Duchess of Sussex when it was announced the former actress would be marrying Sophie’s nephew Prince Harry, another expert said. Meghan had pledged to “hit the ground running” when she became a royal, but it’s believed the Queen thought she might need a helping hand.

Author and friend of the royals Gyles Brandreth wrote in his book, Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait: “The Queen (who, of course, had seen it all before) understood that Harry’s girl might find adjusting to Royal life ‘challenging to begin with’ (as she put it). ‘It is very jolty, but you soon get used to it’ that was Her Majesty’s experience going back many years.