It has finally been revealed why Duchess Sophie chose not to attend Princess Diana’s funeral.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, 60, who at the time was known simply as Sophie Rhys-Jones, was notably absent on 6 September 1997, as millions gathered in London and millions more watched worldwide.
Though Sophie was not yet married to Prince Edward, now 61, the couple had already been dating seriously for some time. Her absence from the funeral sparked curiosity among royal watchers.
Duchess Sophie’s thoughtful reason
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, in her role as Royal Colonel 5th Battalion, The Rifles, attends a 5 RIFLES Homecoming Parade at Picton Barracks
In a new biography titled Sophie: Saving the Royal Family, author Sean Smith claims Sophie missed the funeral out of sensitivity to the grieving public.
According to Smith, Sophie believed her physical resemblance to Diana might have caused further distress to mourners lining the procession route.
Smith wrote: “She (Sophie) had an obvious and reasonable excuse: a friend at the palace explained, ‘Sophie decided it would be too upsetting for the crowd if she went.’”
The author continued: “She’s well aware that she looks like Princess Diana from a distance and made her decision in a caring and thoughtful way. The Royal Family fully supported her.”
Similarities to Princess Diana
Why didn’t Duchess Sophie attend Princess Diana’s funeral
At the time, Sophie bore a noticeable resemblance to Diana. Both women had short, blonde hairstyles and similar facial features, including their striking blue eyes.
While their outward appearances matched, insiders suggest the two women were very different in personality and style. According to multiple reports, they did not always see eye-to-eye.
Tensions between Sophie and Diana
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh attend the State Banquet at Windsor Castle
Royal author Andrew Morton previously described an uncomfortable encounter between Sophie and Diana in his book Diana: In Pursuit of Love.
Morton claimed Diana once upset Sophie at a royal dinner, causing her to leave the event in tears. He wrote that Diana had made her “disdain clear” by “staring intensely at her” throughout the evening.
Despite these claims, Sophie herself has never spoken publicly in detail about her relationship with the late Princess.
Sophie’s relationship with Prince Edward
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh arrive for the State Banquet
By 1997, Sophie had been in a serious relationship with Edward for some time.
Over the years, Sophie has become a key member of the Royal Family, particularly valued for her reliable presence and discretion. She shares two children, Lady Louise Windsor, 21, and James, Earl of Wessex, 17, with Edward.
Diana’s funeral remembered
Diana’s sons walked behind her coffin at the service
Princess Diana’s funeral remains one of the most-watched televised events of all time, with an estimated 2.5 billion viewers worldwide.
Many remember the poignant sight of young Princes William and Harry, then aged just 15 and 12, bravely walking behind their mother’s coffin.
Crowds lined London’s streets to say goodbye to the beloved princess, leaving tributes and flowers outside Kensington Palace.
Sophie’s current role in the royal family
It has been revealed why Duchess Sophie didn’t attend Princess Diana
Today, Duchess Sophie is regarded as one of the family’s most trusted members, regularly representing King Charles, 76, at royal engagements.
Royal experts frequently praise her calm and steady presence. She is known for quietly supporting her husband Edward, now the Duke of Edinburgh, in his public duties.
Sophie’s charitable work includes advocating for issues such as women’s rights, eradicating avoidable blindness, and promoting mental health awareness.
Looking forward
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attends a performance of ‘Orb and Sceptre’, The Household Division’s Beating Retreat Military Musical Spectacular
Though Sophie never attended Diana’s funeral, her thoughtful explanation reveals sensitivity and awareness that have earned her widespread respect.
The Duchess continues to be central to the modern Royal Family, serving as a valued adviser and supporter of senior royals, particularly King Charles and Queen Camilla.