Royal fans say the signs of an ever strengthening friendship between the Princess of Wales and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh were clear to see during Garter Day in Windsor on Monday.

Kate, 44, and Sophie, 61, were comfortably side-by-side for much of the 2026 Order of the Garter Service, held at Windsor Castle, and at times appeared deep in conversation - and sharing hearty laughter - ahead of the service at St. George's Chapel.

The Princess of Wales has forged an increasingly close bond with the Duke of Edinburgh's wife, who has grown into royal life in recent years and is widely considered a trusted, 'safe pair of hands' when it comes to performing public duties.

On social media, royal fans observed how Kate, who stepped out in a custom-made coat dress by Patrick McDowell, made from cream brocade fabric custom woven by Stephen Walters & Sons in Suffolk, appeared to share a 'hidden alliance' with her aunt by marriage.

Sophie, who donned a floral Italian silk dress by Suzannah London for the occasion, walked with Kate as she greeted members of the public services attending the royal summer calendar date. 

Observers noted the two high-profile royal women appeared to share knowing glances during the ceremonial event, with some suggesting on social media that they have become the closest of allies, helping each other to navigate the maelstrom that can be royal public life. 

While the Duchess of Edinburgh is 17 years senior to Kate, the two women appear to have grown ever closer, with the Princess of Wales regarding her older family member as a confidante she can trust. 

Prince Edward was otherwise engaged participating in the procession as a Knight of the Garter, with Prince William also taking on an official role as Royal Knight Companion at the ceremony, a title bestowed on him by his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth in 2008. 

The King and Queen led a full turnout of senior royals at the annual event, with Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent also present alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. 

Charles and Camilla led the procession down from the castle after a private lunch to the chapel, the historic place of worship and spiritual home of the ancient order of chivalry and the most senior knighthood in the United Kingdom.

The former Duke of York - now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor - had been a member since 2006 and insisted on attending the private lunch even after being stripped of his public duties over the Epstein scandal.

However, last year he was finally struck off the roll and his banner was removed from the chapel after the King moved to strip his brother of all his remaining titles, including that of prince. His appointment was annulled on October 30, 2025.

It is believed that this year was the first year that Andrew has not attended in any capacity at all - having insisted on attending the lunch at last year’s event.

A royal source said that since Andrew is no longer a member of the Order, it is logical that he did not attend any element of the day.

Established by King Edward III nearly 700 years ago, it was inspired by tales of the Arthurian ‘round table’.

The Order includes The King, who is Sovereign of the Garter, The Queen, several members of the Royal Family, and up to 24 companions chosen in recognition of their work.

Companions of the Garter are chosen personally by the Sovereign to honour those who have held public office, who have contributed in a particular way to national life or who have served the Sovereign personally.

The order's emblem is a garter circlet with the motto Honi soit qui mal y pense, meaning ‘shamed be [the person] who thinks evil of it’.