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
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.
© Victoria Jones/Shutterstock1. PR girl
Sophie built a successful career before marrying Prince Edward. She worked for Capitol Radio and later launched her own public relations agency, RJH Public Relations, which she ran with her business partner for five years.
2. Dog lover
Sophie is a well-known dog lover and is the patron of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. In January 2025, she visited the organisation’s training centre and had adorable puppy cuddles with a nine-week-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy.
3. Bahamas proposal
Prince Edward proposed to Sophie after five years of dating during a holiday to the Bahamas in 1998. He presented her with a two-carat oval diamond, flanked with two-heart shaped gemstones.
4. Stepping up
As the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie is a full-time working member of the royal family. She has augmented her duties since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties and Prince Andrew relinquished his official roles. Alongside this, she balances being a devoted mum to her two children: Lady Louise Windsor, 21, and James, Earl of Wessex, 17.
5. Princess wedding
Her 1999 wedding to Prince Edward was low-key but still attracted 200 million TV viewers. Her silk dress was adorned with 325,000 crystals and pearls, and her Anthemion tiara was selected from the late Queen’s private jewellery collection.
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
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetAt 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
© Getty ImagesRoyal 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
© Getty ImagesBy 1997, Sophie had been in a serious relationship with Edward for some time. The couple first met in 1987, began dating in 1993, and married in June 1999.
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
© Princess Diana ArchivePrincess 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
© GettyToday, 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
© GettyThough 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.
Her quiet dignity and thoughtful manner have helped her navigate challenging times within the Royal Family. Sophie’s recent revelation highlights her ongoing compassion and consideration towards the public.
For royal fans, Sophie’s thoughtful decision to avoid upsetting mourners offers further insight into her character and dedication to her royal role.
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