The new ‘Fab Four’! How William, Kate, Edward and Sophie became the powerful royal quartet

There was a time when the so-called ‘Fab Four’ would be the future of a revived monarchy.

Together, William and Kate, Harry and new partner Meghan Markle brought a touch of youth and glamor to a “firm” that may have seemed a little tired.

That was until the brothers’ spectacular feud that culminated in Harry’s departure for America with his family and his excoriating memoir, Spare.

But today there is another royal ‘Fab Four’ supporting the crown.

It may seem a bit more low-key than its media-friendly predecessor, but has already proven itself invaluable in keeping the royal family afloat in stormy waters.

The alliance of William and Kate, Prince and Princess of Wales, and Edward and Sophie, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, has largely gone under the radar.

But seeing them together in the front row at the coronation made me realize what an influential foursome they have become.

And just two days later, the same quartet took the lead at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party, praising volunteers across the country.

Kate and Sophie even matched their outfits that day in long-hemmed blue dresses.

They each have a distinctive place.

As King Charles’s brother 16 years his junior, Edward’s role is an important bridge between royal generations as the family enters a new era.

William is heir to the throne. Catherine and Sophie have built important relationships that bind the royal family together.

But what really connects them all is years of hard work and a sense of duty.

Edward’s loyalty to the crown was rewarded earlier this year with the title of Duke of Edinburgh.

Following the death of his father Prince Philip in 2021, Edward took over many of his responsibilities, including leading The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Now, along with his new title, he also represents a figure of reliability for his cousin and future king, William, who no longer has his younger brother to lean on.

With the experienced support of Edward and Sophie, William and Kate will see a smoother transition to their future destined duties as the future king and queen.

Since marrying into the royal family, Sophie, like Kate, has long since cemented her place at the center of the monarchy – loved by the late Queen and Prince Philip alike.

After she lost her husband, the Queen and Sophie walked their dogs together in the grounds of Windsor Castle. The Queen often invited her to take Philip’s place next to her in the back of the car.

Not only was Sophie a pillar of support for the Queen, but also Kate during the early stages of her relationship with William as she began her journey as a royal.

That bond was on display for all to see last week, when the Princess of Wales, 41, and the Duchess of Edinburgh, 58, were pictured together at the Buckingham Palace garden party held to celebrate the work of the National Volunteers in to celebrate the aftermath. of the coronation.

Stepping out in carefully coordinated blue lace outfits, the smiling duo appeared relaxed and at ease as they mingled with the guests – just as they had done two days earlier when they stood side by side in their ceremonial attire alongside the crowd of the royal family on the palace balcony.

On several occasions in recent years, the pair have mirrored not only each other’s sartorial choices, but also their body language at events ranging from state events to more casual performances at Wimbledon or Royal Ascot.

More than once they are caught in fits of laughter.

Perhaps the friendship between the two women should not come as too much of a surprise: despite a seventeen-year age difference, the two have a lot in common in terms of background and outlook, sharing a pragmatic and stoic disposition.

Both come from loving and stable middle-class families. The daughter of a sales director and secretary, Sophie grew up in a comfortable home in the picturesque village of Brenchley, Kent, while Kate enjoyed a happy and carefree childhood as the eldest of three children in the Berkshire village of Bucklebury.

Perhaps recognizing the similarities between them – and understanding the adjustments required upon joining the British Royal Family – it was Sophie, then the Countess of Wessex, who took the then newly minted Duchess of Cambridge under her wing following her marriage to Prince William in 2011.

Already an 11-year veteran of living in the heart of the monarchy after marrying Prince Edward in 1999, Sophie helped Kate make it.

Over the years, her wide-ranging advice has grown into a close and enduring friendship – one that proves to play a vital role in the future of the British monarchy.