The Duchess of Edinburgh is a 'critical member' of Princess Kate's circle as she returns to public duties. A royal insider called Sophie a “kind and wise” friend of the Princess of Wales. The insider told the Daily Mail: “There have been some really kind and wise people along the way who have helped the princess over the years,

Kate wore her famed sapphire engagement ring during a slate of engagements for the annual Festival of Remembrance.

In March, Kate confirmed she had been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer. What followed was a nine-month battle as she underwent “preventative chemotherapy”. She endured intense online speculation in the weeks leading up to the public announcement and has largely stayed out of the spotlight since.