Looking back on Princess Diana’s funeral, one of the most emotional and widely watched royal events of the 20th century, many remember the heartbreaking image of her young sons, William and Harry, walking behind her coffin.
Surrounded by senior royals in Westminster Abbey, the grief was palpable.
But there was one person noticeably absent that day: Prince Edward’s then-girlfriend, Sophie Rhys-Jones.
Now, decades later, a royal biographer has revealed why Sophie chose not to attend—and the reason may surprise you.
A Heartfelt Decision to Step Back
According to Sean Smith’s new biography Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh made a quiet yet compassionate decision to skip the 1997 funeral.
At the time, she and Prince Edward had been dating for several years, but she felt her presence might cause unnecessary distraction.
The reason? Sophie looked remarkably like Diana.
With their similar blonde bobs and facial features, it was a comparison often made—and not always appreciated by either woman.
A friend of the Palace reportedly told Smith, “Sophie decided it would be too upsetting for the crowd if she went,” recognizing how her appearance could unintentionally stir raw emotions on such a painful day.
The Diana Comparison That Refused to Go Away
Throughout the late 1990s, Sophie was often seen as Diana’s lookalike.
Their fashion choices—especially Sophie’s red dresses and bob haircut—sparked criticism that she was mimicking the late Princess of Wales.
Royal commentators at the time even said she should find “her own look.”
According to Smith, Diana herself was a bit irritated by the resemblance.
She would apparently refer to Sophie as “my double” or even jokingly call her “Miss Goody Two Shoes.”
Although their similarities may have been only skin deep, the tension between the two women was reportedly very real.
A Frosty Relationship Behind Palace Doors
While both were high-profile women navigating life in the royal spotlight, Diana and Sophie never quite clicked.
As biographer Sean Smith put it, there was “no love lost” between them.
Diana, who had joined the royal family as a sheltered 19-year-old from aristocratic roots, may have seen Sophie—a more worldly, middle-class woman with a PR career—as a stark contrast.
“She’s been around a bit,” one royal acquaintance said of Sophie, adding that she was always going to handle royal life with more control than Diana ever could.
A Tense Encounter at Windsor Castle
One story from Smith’s book perfectly sums up the dynamic between the two women.
During a tea gathering with Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle, both Diana and Sophie were present with William and Harry.
Every time Sophie tried to speak, Diana would begin talking over her.
Because of royal protocol, junior royals are expected to stay silent when a senior royal speaks.
Sophie, eventually fed up, asked the Queen for permission to leave and stormed back to Prince Edward’s apartment, reportedly furious.
From Royal Newcomer to Queen’s Right Hand
Despite the early comparisons and challenges, Sophie went on to establish herself as a deeply respected member of the royal family.
Over time, she developed a strong bond with Queen Elizabeth II, who is said to have considered her the “favourite daughter-in-law.”
Following Prince Philip’s death in 2021, Sophie became one of the Queen’s closest emotional supports.
When the Queen passed away the following year, Sophie and Edward shared their heartbreak publicly, calling her death “an unimaginable void in all our lives.”
Holding the Royal Family Together Through Crisis
In recent years, as the monarchy has weathered its fair share of storms—including Prince Andrew’s scandals, the Sussex drama, and multiple royal health crises—Sophie has stepped up in a big way.
Known for her calm strength, she’s become a steadying presence at a time when the royal family has needed one the most.
A Royal Advocate With Heart
Beyond palace walls, Sophie has become a passionate advocate for a wide range of causes.
She serves as a patron to more than 70 charities and is particularly focused on issues like sexual violence in conflict zones and vision care awareness.
Her dedication to eye health comes from personal experience: her daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, was born prematurely and developed esotropia—a condition affecting eye alignment.
This inspired Sophie to raise awareness and support families facing similar challenges.
A Life of Quiet Strength and Loyalty
Though her entrance into the royal family was shadowed by comparisons and skepticism, Sophie Rhys-Jones has carved out a respected and meaningful role.
From making the selfless decision to stay out of the spotlight during Diana’s funeral, to becoming one of the monarchy’s most dependable figures, her journey has been marked by compassion, resilience, and quiet strength.