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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Tim Hanlon

Kate Middleton and Sophie Wessex being lined up for top royal honour, expert says

Kate Middleton and Sophie Wessex are both “incredibly likely” to join an exclusive group with top new roles, a royal expert has said.

Both the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh are among the most popular among royal fans and are regular seen meeting the public at events up and down the country.

They have used their positions for charity work such as Kate’s research in Early Years Development or Sophie's work in gender equality, avoidable blindness and helping those with disabilities.

And in recent years both have come to the forefront and become strong figures while the royals have gone through difficult moments.

Now former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that both are set to join the prestigious Order of the Garter at some point in the future.

Kate and Sophie could join the Order of the Garter in the future (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

"I think both of them being added in the years to come is incredibly likely, especially after Camilla was added last year,” she told OK!.

“However it's the numbers of current Knights or Ladies of the Garter that will dictate when they are included as those honoured are strictly limited and it’s sort of 'one in, one out'. It could be some time before either of them is given this honour, but I'm sure it will happen one day."

The Order of the Garter is the oldest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom and is the most senior knighthood in the British honours system which is only outranked by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross.

It was founded by Edward III in 1348 recognising contributions to public service.

Any new appointments are left entirely up to the King's discretion and are usually in recognition of a national contribution for public service, or for personal service to the monarch.

The Order of the Garter is the oldest order of chivalry (Getty Images)

Membership of the order is limited to the sovereign, the Prince of Wales and no more than 24 living members. Aside from senior British royals, foreign Kings and Queens are also typically made members.

It was founded by Edward III in 1348 recognising contributions to public service.

Speaking about Catherine and Sophie's positions within the Royal Family, Jennie revealed that the pair are a "force to be reckoned with".

She explained: "It is so much more evident now that Catherine and Sophie are key members of the list of working royals. I think people have really taken Sophie, in particular, to their hearts in the past few years, especially after she showed her obvious grief at losing Prince Philip and Queen.

"Her evident closeness with them was much more than a bond, it looked like a deep affection for her in laws. She was also a huge support to the late Queen after Philip’s death - popping round and watching movies with her, riding with her.

"Both she and Catherine have a common touch…perhaps because they lived “ normal “ lives before marrying. They connect with the people they meet and look as if they really want to chat. They are the new female stars of the show - elegant, engaging and empathetic."

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