How Duchess Sophie is being seen as the modern-day Princess Diana by walking her footsteps

In a year marked by instability, public scrutiny and quiet shifts behind palace walls, one royal figure has steadily emerged as the anchor: Sophie.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has become a reassuring constant for the monarchy and, increasingly, she is being compared to a modern-day Diana. Unlike Diana, Sophie has never sought headlines or glamour.

Royal observers note that Sophie’s growing importance comes from her authenticity. Diana was celebrated for her emotional intelligence and instinctive connection with people.

Sophie channels that same quality, but in a quieter register, less spectacle, more substance. Where Diana transformed royal engagement through visible empathy, Sophie sustains it through steadiness and trust.

Her work often takes place away from the brightest cameras. She has become one of the monarchy’s strongest advocates for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, a role that has taken her to some of the world’s most challenging environments.

She is also a consistent supporter of disability rights, hospice care and marginalised communities – causes that rarely generate headlines, but require long-term commitment and emotional resilience.

Those close to palace operations say Sophie’s humanity is instinctive rather than performative. She listens more than she speaks, meets people at eye level, and frequently stays longer than scheduled during engagements.

Like Diana, she has an ease with the public that feels natural rather than rehearsed, warm, attentive and unforced.

There are also subtle parallels in style. Sophie’s fashion choices echo Diana’s philosophy of dressing to serve the moment, not dominate it. She favours clean lines, soft tailoring and timeless silhouettes.