The Princess of Wales has returned to the spotlight, making her grand return to duty with two consecutive days of royal engagements over the weekend.

The 42-year-old mother of three has been keeping a low profile in 2024, following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. And now, having completed her chemotherapy treatment, she is starting to scale up her workload, taking "baby steps" as she returns.

This weekend marked a major step in the Princess of Wales' recovery, attending both the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday, and the Cenotaph memorial on Sunday - her first public engagements since completing her treatment.

The royal family is sure to have rallied around Princess Kate to make her return to duty as easy as possible. And according to experts, it's no surprise that she was positioned next to close confidante and "royal sister" Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

The two royal women stood next to each other on the Buckingham Palace balcony on Sunday to watch the wreath laying at the foot of the Cenotaph memorial. And at the end of the proceedings, Sophie Wessex was seen placing a supportive hand on Princess Kate's back, with royal experts describing their bond as "sisterly".

"I think William and Kate feel they can confide in Sophie - a rarity when there are so few people a royal can trust with their thoughts and feelings," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond previously explained to OK!.

"She is so easy to be with - which is clearly something William appreciates. It’s the same for Kate, as even though they are of two different generations, they seem more like sisters. I am certain Sophie has been an enormous support and guide for her in what is a complex and unique world."

Well, this is lovely.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is one of the most talked-about women in the world - known for her hard work and dedication to the fold, as well as some iconic fashion statements (she is reportedly one of Princess Kate's biggest style advisors). 

This year, it was her birth to her first child Lady Louise Windsor, now 20, that made headlines as dramatic details from 2003 resurfaced in a royal podcast.  

An episode of HELLO's A Right Royal Podcast saw the Queen's former press secretary, Ailsa Anderson, open up about Sophie's dramatic birth to Lady Louise, when she was just 36 weeks pregnant.

According to Anderson, Prince Edward was abroad in Mauritius when his wife went into early labour. And while the Earl of Wessex urgently tried to get home to be by her side, he didn't arrive in time for the birth, with Anderson tasked with looking after the Countess.

"I remember I was sitting at home. We're having a dinner party. Actually, I got a call from Marcus Setchell, who was the Queen's gynaecologist who was overseeing the birth," Anderson recalled. "He said, 'I'm in a police car on my way to Frimley Park hospital. You better come'. So I thought, crikey. So, I ordered a taxi, let my husband do the washing up, which I think was a first in our marriage, and got myself down to Frimley Park.

"But the Earl of Wessex was abroad on an official visit," she continued "They couldn't get a hold of her parents. So basically, it was just me and Marcus and the courtiers in the hospital. It was so dramatic."

Late that night, Sophie gave birth to Lady Louise via an emergency C-section at Surrey's Frimley Park NHS Hospital on Saturday 8 November.

"Her Royal Highness and her daughter are both stable," the Palace announced at the time in an official statement. "As a purely precautionary measure, the baby was taken to the regional neo natal unit at St George's Hospital, Tooting.

"The Earl of Wessex, who was on an official visit to Mauritius, flew home early to be with his wife and daughter. His Royal Highness has now cancelled or postponed planned engagements for the early part of this week.

"The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are being kept informed of the progress of both the Countess and her baby, and they are very pleased that they are both doing well. Her Royal Highness and her daughter will remain in hospital for the foreseeable future."

Sophie Wessex gave birth to her second child James Viscount Severn, now 15, in December 2007, also by C-section at Frimley Park.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh has sent her 'deepest condolences' to the family of Helen Holland, who was hit by a royal escort earlier this month and has since passed away. 

The 81 year-old woman was struck down by a police motorcycle escorting the Duchess in the Earl's Court area of London on Wednesday 10th May. She had been in hospital following the collision. 

In a previous statement, Buckingham Palace said: "The Duchess's heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the injured lady and her family.

"She is grateful for the swift response by the emergency services and will keep abreast of developments."

As reported by the BBC, Ms Holland's son Martin said that his mother had passed away after 'suffering multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries'.

He added that she had been using a 'safe route of a pedestrian crossing' and that almost two weeks after the accident 'irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the battle.'

A statement released on behalf of the Duchess on Wednesday read: "The Duchess of Edinburgh is deeply saddened to hear that Helen Holland has passed away.

"Her Royal Highness's deepest condolences and sympathies go to all of Ms Holland's family."

It is believed that Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh will be in touch with the family privately. 

An investigation is being carried out by the IPOC, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, with appeals for witnesses. 

IPOC regional director Amanda Rowe said last week: "Our thoughts are with the woman, who has sustained life-threatening injuries, and her family.

"We have been in touch with them to explain our role and will keep them regularly updated as the investigation progresses."

Head of the Metropolitan Police's Royalty and Specialist Protection Unit, Chief Superintendent Richard Smith, said via BBC: "Officers know that their actions, both on and off duty, are open to scrutiny and following our referral of the incident, the IOPC launched an independent investigation - we continue to co-operate with and support that inquiry."

King Charles and Queen Camilla enjoyed an extravagant Coronation ceremony at London's Westminster Abbey on 6 May, which took months to plan. 

There has been growing speculation over the last few weeks over what Charles, Camilla, and Kate Middleton will wear for the momentous occasion, as well as who will be attending, and if there will be a Coronation cake.

Charles bucked with tradition when it came to his outfit, while Camilla called on designer Bruce Oldfield to create her outfit, which was teased ahead of the bank holiday weekend. 

However, eagle eyed fans may have noticed an interesting fashion statement was made on the Coronation day. 

The key dress code we noted was the female working royals, as well as the younger royal, Princess Charlotte, and Camilla's Ladies in Attendance, which included her 74-year-old sister Annabel Elliot, and friend Lady Lansdowne, all wore white.

It has been claimed the working royals wore white as part of a bigger ploy to honour their country with red, white and blue colour scheme throughout the week leading up to the ceremony, as well as on the day of the Coronation. 

In some ways this is true, as Camilla, Kate, Sophie Wessex, and Princess Charlotte wore white dresses layered under red and blue robes as a nod to the colours on the Union Jack, on the day of the Coronation.

However, we think there is a deeper meaning behind the white dress fashion rule for the females. 

If we take a glance back over the decades, it seems wearing white is a royal fashion tradition steeped in history. 

When the late Queen Elizabeth II - who tragically passed away in September 2022 - enjoyed her coronation in 1953 the females in the royal family wore white. 

Similarly to the Buckingham Palace state banquet in 2019, all white was the predominant dress code. 

While it seems big royal events require an all white dress code for working female royals, royal weddings have a slight exception. 

On closer inspection royal weddings see the bride (of course), as well as maid of honour, bridesmaids, and flower girls adorn white dresses, but not other female working royals.

While it may be enforced to denote their stature, or who are working royals, some experts believe it is a nod to a "new beginning" or purity. 

Speaking previously to Hello! Chromology's colour expert, Gabi Winters, said white is symbolic of "peace and the colour of new beginnings", so could this subtle dress code actually have a more powerful meaning? 

Gabi said: "Coincidentally the psychological meaning behind this uncommon colour choice is very fitting when it comes to renewing and celebrating diplomatic ties between different nations.

"While it isn't a stimulating colour to the senses, white represents a blank canvas waiting to be written upon. It's a fully reflective colour that creates simplicity, clearing the way forward."

The Coronation also featured a Holy Communion service. 

In keeping with religious tradition it is expected those taking communion typically wear white, although this could be a tenuous link and the former reasons seem more practical. 

What did the female royals wear to the Coronation?

Queen Camilla

For the Coronation designer Bruce Oldfield created an embellished white dress for the Queen to wear. 

The design was a white and gold dress, and featured embellished detailing over the body of the longline jacket and skirt underneath, as well as ornate gold decor around the hem of the skirt.

The outfit appeared to resemble a two piece, as the top jacket layer had a button front fastening, split hem front, which revealed a skirt, or dress, underneath. 

Garrard, who was the first official Crown Jeweller as of 1843, were behind Camilla's decorative accessories. 

Camilla reportedly wore a modified version of Queen Mary's Crown, which was created by Garrard in 1911, as it was reset with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds, which were part of Elizabeth's personal jewellery collection, and a nod to the late royal.

The headpiece was inspired by Queen Alexandra's Consort Crown, which Garrard was also the mastermind behind. 

Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales - also known as Kate Middleton - also wore white to the ceremony. 

Similar to Camilla, she called on a trusted designer she has relied on time and time again for special occasions. 

Kate wore an ivory silk crepe gown with stunning embroidery, which was designed by Alexander McQueen.

It featured silver bullion and thread work in the form of a rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock, which was a sweet honour to the national emblems of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland respectively, which all make up the United Kingdom. 

Kate accessorised with a pair of earrings, which were a tribute to Prince William's late mother, Princess Diana. 

She also adorned the George VI Festoon Necklace, which previously belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II and was commissioned by her father George VI in 1950. 

Charles and Camilla stipulated no crowns or tiaras were to be worn to the Coronation, so instead Kate adorned a beautiful three-strand floral embellished headband, while her daughter Princess Charlotte also wore a similar version of the accessory. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh

Sophie Wessex - who is now known as the Duchess of Edinburgh following the late Queen's passing - also wore all white for the ceremony. 

The floor length gown was by one of Sophie's go-to ateliers, Suzannah London. 

It featured a subtle floral lace and sheer detail around the neckline, a theme she continued with her headpiece. 

However, Sophie's daughter Lady Louise Windsor opted for a blue and white floral printed midi dress for the ceremony. 

The Duchess of Cambridge has a very strong influence, known as the Kate Middleton effect, whereby her royal seal of approval can make pieces sell out in minutes and turn small British businesses into internationally renowned brands.

It emerged recently that the Duchess gets a helping hand from a very close member of the royal family, Sophie Wessex.

The two women are said to be particularly close, even having matching bracelets, a Maya Torque bangle, from British brand Halcyon Days, retailing at £128.

Right now, variations of the Maya Torque bangle are selling on Harrods - and we're obsessed.

Kate's torque bangle is in the Turquoise/ Gold style, while Sophie's bracelet is the Ivory/Gold colourway.

While it could be a coincidence, there is speculation that Sophie bought the Maya bangle for Kate, making it a friendship bracelet.

It wouldn't be the first time, with it reported last year that Sophie often buys two of the same piece of clothing because she knows that Kate will want one too.

Designer Dona Ida broke the news, after telling Daily Mail's diarist, Sebastian Shakespeare that Sophie often buys clothes for Kate.

'My friend, a stylist, is best friends with Sophie Wessex, and Sophie buys from us,' the designer explained. 'She got our black Sadie jumpsuit for herself and then asked for one for Kate. She said: "Kate wants one, can I get one as well?"'

Before you wonder if you have seen this jumpsuit before, the designer did add: 'Kate’s never been seen wearing it in public. It’s home-wear.'

We love this friendship.

Did someone say battle of the royal polka-dots?

It's no secret that the Royal Family are Wimbledon fans, and while the Royal Box remained empty last year owing to the pandemic, this year, the family are making up for lost time – with everyone from Zara Tindall to Prince William offering their courtside support.

Sadly, the Duchess of Cambridge is likely to miss out on the rest of the tournament as she self-isolates after coming into contact with someone with COVID-19.

While Kate, an avid tennis fan who is a patron of All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, will probably be disappointed not to get to see the rest of the Wimbledon action, luckily, her cousin-in-law Princess Beatrice will be able to bring her up to speed.

Joining her aunt Sophie, Countess of Wessex, front and centre in the Royal Box yesterday, Beatrice looked chic in a puff sleeve polka-dot dress by Self-Portrait paired with oversized black sunglasses. The princess wore her hair in her signature relaxed blow-dry, and was photographed cradling her growing baby bump throughout the match.

And it'd seem that a few 'what are you wearing?' text messages might have been exchanged in the Royal Family Whatsapp group, because Sophie also brought out her polka-dots for the event, wearing a floaty cream maxi dress from high street favourite ME+EM.

The royal duo were also joined in the Royal Box by Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

Beatrice and Edo, who are expecting their first child together, are set to celebrate their first wedding anniversary in just a few weeks.

The two married last year in an intimate ceremony at Windsor Castle attended by their closest family and friends; including Beatrice's grandfather Prince Philip, who passed away earlier this year.

Though this is their first child together, Edo also has a five-year-old son from a previous relationship.

"Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting a baby in autumn of this year," an announcement from the palace read at the time. "The Queen has been informed and both families are delighted with the news."

We can't wait to meet the latest addition to the Royal Box!

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have stepped down as royal family members and relocated to California, but that certainly doesn't stop them from making headlines.

This past year has been no exception as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced the birth of their baby daughter Lilibet this weekend, naming her after Queen Elizabeth.

It was their controversial tell-all interview with Oprah however that made them headline news today.

The rare move for the notoriously private couple saw record numbers of viewers, with the Duke and Duchess speaking about everything from mental health and their relationship with the royal family to their new arrival.

While the Queen released a lengthy statement in response to the interview, expressing shock at the comments made, and Prince William and Prince Charles' thoughts were made known at the time, two people who remained tight-lipped were Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

That is until now, with the royal couple officially breaking their silence, with a hilarious joke of all things.

During a recent interview with The Telegraph, the royal couple were asked about their thoughts on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Oprah interview, and their allegations against the royal family.

Their priceless response? Prince Edward responded with the question, 'Oprah who?', to which Sophie added: ‘Yes, what interview?’

These two!

Each royal engagement ring in the royal family has its own special significance and history. We of course all know about Kate Middleton's ring, which originally belonged to Princess Diana and was passed onto Prince Harry when she died, who later touchingly gave it to his brother so he could propose to Kate.

Speaking of Prince Harry, we also know the touching story behind Meghan Markle's engagement ring, and how he designed it using diamonds from his late mother's collection, and a central conflict-free diamond from Botswana, where the couple reportedly got engaged.

There is one less talked-about ring in the family though, one which has an unexpected link to both Meghan and Kate.

I am referring to Sophie, Countess of Wessex's ring. Prince Edward proposed to her in 1999, and turned to royal jewellers Garrard to buy the ring.

This isn't the first time this jewellery has created something for the Royal family. It is the same jeweller Prince Charles chose for Princess Diana's sapphire design, thus linking it to Kate Middleton too.

Then there is the design of it, which features a central oval two-carat diamond flanked by two smaller, heart-shaped diamonds, set on a white gold band.

It's such a classic and romantic design that is very reminiscent of Meghan Markle's own ring.

Here's everything you need to know...

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made news earlier this year as they stepped down from their royal family roles. They have since lost their HRH status, Sussex Royal brand and have relocated to California.

Releasing an official statement, Buckingham Palace announced: ‘The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.’

The Sussexes have faced a wave of backlash from the public since their split from the royals, with reports that they have ruffled feathers within the palace walls too, with other working royals now having to step up.

This however couldn’t seem further from the truth in a recent interview with Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Sophie, a longstanding and well-loved royal family member, took part in a rare interview this week, opening up about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s shock departure in the conversation.

Sending her well wishes to the couple who are now living in LA, Sophie told The Sunday Times: ‘I just hope they will be happy.’

And when asked about the pressures joining the royal family,’ Sophie added: ‘We all try to help any new members of the family.’

‘Remember I'd had five years to adjust,’ the Countess explained when comparing Meghan’s situation to her own ease into the royal family. ‘And for our six-month engagement I was even staying at Buckingham Palace. Not that you necessarily know how it will pan out.’

We hope Meghan and Harry are having a relaxing time in Los Angeles!

Here's everything you need to know...

Last year was a hard year for the royals, from the highly publicised royal feud to the controversial Prince Andrew scandal. After just five months however, 2020 looks set to be even worse.

The year started with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping down from their roles as senior royal family members and losing their HRH status, followed by a string of royal divorces and now the coronavirus outbreak.

With so much drama and uncertainty, a few stable royal family members (and favourites of the Queen) have been elevated and given more responsibility.

One key stable figure whose role has been significantly ramped up in recent months is Sophie, Countess of Wessex, with the 55-year-old reported to be stepping up because the Queen counts her as one of her trusted family members.

‘[The Queen] finds Sophie’s presence soothing,’ a source told The Sun. ‘She is trusted and relied on by the Queen in a way I couldn’t say applied to the Duchess of Cambridge or the Duchess of Cornwall.’

The source continued: ‘She is like another daughter to Her Majesty, they are that close.’

This has been evident in recent months, with the Queen choosing Sophie to represent her on key events and publicly supporting Sophie’s work on social media.

This was evident this week, as the Queen shared multiple posts around Sophie and her work to her Twitter account.

The Queen shared photographs in particular of Sophie’s entry into Kate Middleton’s photography competition.

Sharing Sophie’s photograph of Ali, a volunteer packing deliveries in the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, on Twitter, the Queen added a quote from Sophie: ‘Ali’s smile captures the enthusiasm for helping others that is so evident amongst the volunteers.’

Well, that’s lovely.

These two!

Last year was a hard year for the royals, from the highly publicised royal feud to the controversial Prince Andrew scandal. After just a few of months however, 2020 looks set to be even worse.

The year started with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping down from their roles as senior royal family members and losing their HRH status, followed by a string of royal divorces and now the coronavirus outbreak.

With so much drama and uncertainty, a few stable royal family members (and favourites of the Queen) have been elevated and given more responsibility.

One of these is undoubtedly Kate Middleton, with the Duchess of Cambridge stepping up in the past few months. And another stable figure whose role has been significantly ramped up in recent months is Sophie, Countess of Wessex, with the 55-year-old reported to be stepping up because the Queen counts her as one of her trusted family members.

‘[The Queen] finds Sophie’s presence soothing,’ a source told The Sun. ‘She is trusted and relied on by the Queen in a way I couldn’t say applied to the Duchess of Cambridge or the Duchess of Cornwall.’

The source continued: ‘She is like another daughter to Her Majesty, they are that close.’

When choosing a family member to take on the important job of representing the royals at the opening of a new hospital tackling coronavirus therefore, it's unsurprising that the Queen chose Sophie.

'Your determination, teamwork and skill has resulted in a hospital that will help to provide care to anyone in need,' the Queen quoted Sophie alongside her video message on her royal Twitter account, adding: 'The Countess of Wessex has sent a video message to officially open the new NHS Nightingale Hospital North East in Sunderland.'

'It will be a beacon of care, a beacon of reassurance, of strength, of compassion and of innovation,' Sophie said of the new facility. 'It is a representation of combined capability of many individuals and organisations as well as a wonderful reflection of Sunderland’s industrious spirit.'

You go, Sophie Wessex!

Here’s everything you need to know…

Sophie Wessex’s role in the royal family has ramped up in recent months, with the Countess being one of the stable figures to have been given more responsibility following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s resignation.

The 55-year-old has been making news for all the right reasons this week as she sent an ‘inspiring’ letter to first responders during the coronavirus outbreak and sent a powerful message to women everywhere.

Despite being isolated to her home, Sophie has definitely had her hands full with work, following in Kate Middleton’s footsteps and holding a lot of her royal engagements via video call.

The royal family revealed recently that Sophie has been been taking part in Zoom calls, revealing her Zoom name - iPad CW3. The ‘CW’ is thought to stand for ‘Countess of Wessex’.

‘On Thursday, The Countess of Wessex joined a series of video conferences with organisations with which she works, to find out how different communities are dealing with the Coronavirus outbreak,’ the royal family announced on Instagram alongside a screenshot of the Zoom call.

‘The Countess spoke to the group about their experiences of changing routines, creating new habits and the resources available to support them during this time.

‘Her Royal Highness heard how their communities - already suffering as a result of conflict - have been impacted. The women are working hard on the ground to keep their communities safe, particularly the women and girls, and shared the difficulties they face in doing this, whilst responding to the outbreak.’

Well, that’s lovely.

Last year was a hard year for the royals, from the highly publicised royal feud to the controversial Prince Andrew scandal. After just a couple of months however, 2020 looks set to be even worse.

The year started with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping down from their roles as senior royal family members and losing their HRH status. And just a month later, there have been a string of royal divorces announced within the royal family.

With so much drama and uncertainty currently surrounding the royals, it’s hardly surprising that a few stable figures have been elevated and given more responsibility.

One of these is undoubtedly Kate Middleton, with the Duchess of Cambridge stepping up in the past few months.

Another stable figure who has been given a lot more official events is Sophie, Countess of Wessex, with the 55-year-old reported to be stepping up because the Queen counts her as one of her trusted family members.

‘[The Queen] finds Sophie’s presence soothing,’ a source told The Sun. ‘She is trusted and relied on by the Queen in a way I couldn’t say applied to the Duchess of Cambridge or the Duchess of Cornwall.’

The source continued: ‘She is like another daughter to Her Majesty, they are that close.’

It’s hardly surprising therefore that Sophie is one of the royals who has stepped up.

The royal made a brave fashion move as she joined The Queen at the Commonwealth Service yesterday

After weeks and months of us drooling over Kate Middleton's sartorial choices, it was Sophie Wessex who stole the limelight as she joined The Queen at a royal engagement yesterday.

The Countess of Wessex drew looks as she turned up at Westminster Abbey in London for the Commonwealth Service in an extravagant feather-trimmed bespoke hat by Jane Taylor.

The Queen kept things a little more low-key but no less striking in a cerise dress by Peter Enrione and a cashmere coat and matching hat by Angela Kelly.

PRINCE HARRY'S DIAMOND JUBILEE TOUR

The Duchess of Cornwall also looked very regal in bright purple ensemble as she joined Prince Charles for the event to celebrate the Queen's role as head of the 54 Commonwealth states.

As part of the service the royal guests were treated to a beautiful version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah by Canadian singer Rufus Wainwright.

Last week the 85-year-old Queen kicked off her four-month Jubilee tour of Britain with a visit to Leicester with the Duchess of Cambridge.

What do you think of Sophie Wessex's headwear? Let us know in the comment box below...

KATE MIDDLETON & THE QUEEN VISIT LEICESTER

THE DIAMOND JUBILEE 2012 GUIDE