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8 photos that prove just how close Duchess Kate and Countess Sophie are

The royals are related through marriage

kate middleton sophie wessex bond
Sharnaz Shahid
Deputy Online Editor
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kate middleton sophie wessex royal ascot© Photo: Getty Images

The Duchess of Cambridge is known for sharing a close bond with her royal in-laws, from the Queen to Zara Tindall and of course, brother-in-law Prince Harry. Since tying the knot to Prince William in 2011, Kate has undeniably developed a lovely relationship with several other family members, including the Countess of Wessex. The pair have been pictured together on various occasions over the years. Here at HELLO!, we take a look at some of our favourite pictures of the two royals together…

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Royal Ascot

Kate and the Countess of Wessex's close relationship was clear as day when they attended Royal Ascot together in 2017. Here they are pictured shortly after Sophie tumbled into the carriage at Royal Ascot, and almost fell on Kate.

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In May 2020, the royals teamed up to make a sweet video call to some deserving nurses. The pair chatted to nurses in Sierra Leone, Australia, India, Malawi, the Bahamas, and British Army nurses in Cyprus to thank them for their work.

In one light-hearted moment between the royal women, Sophie joked that that Kate wanted to recruit one nurse's teacher wife! 

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sophie wessex kate middleton buckingham palace reception© Photo: Getty Images

Royal reception

The royal ladies brought the glamour in red ensembles as they hosted a reception together with their husbands at Buckingham Palace in January 2020. Kate glittered in a sequin Needle & Thread gown, while Sophie looked elegant in an Alaia frock. The date of the event also happened to coincide with the Countess' 55th birthday, and the two ladies were pictured deep in conversation. 

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kate sophie wimbledon© Photo: Getty Images

Wimbledon

Back in 2016, tennis fan Kate joined Sophie at the women's finals at Wimbledon. The pair appeared to be in great spirits as they watched Serena Williams win her 22nd Grand Slam title at Wimbledon against her sister Venus Williams.

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kate sophie fashion© Photo: Getty Images

Commonwealth Fashion Exchange

The two royal style icons joined forces in 2018 to host the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange at Buckingham Palace. The pair mingled with the likes of Dame Anna Wintour, Edward Enninful, Stella McCartney, Anya Hindmarch and supermodels Naomi Campbell and Adwoa Aboah.

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sophie laughing kate© Photo: Getty Images

London Paralympics

Both Kate and Sophie throughly enjoyed watching the rowing action during the London 2012 Paralympic Games, alongside the Countess' daughter, Lady Louise Windsor. 

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kate sophie trooping the colour© Photo: Getty Images

Trooping the Colour

In 2011, newlywed Kate was seen chatting to Sophie on the balcony as they watched the RAF flypast together. The pair certainly looked engrossed in conversation whilst Prince William watched from behind.

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Princess Eugenie's wedding

Sophie looked pretty amused when she saw Kate's dress blow up in the wind following Princess Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank. The royals, who gathered in Windsor, appeared to be in great spirits despite the heavy gust of wind and gales.

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sophie speaks kate westminster abbey© Photo: Getty Images

Commonwealth Day service

In March 2020, the two ladies stopped for a moment and warmly greeted each other inside Westminster Abbey. They were joined by their husbands and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

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