Anne & Sophie's BIG DAY OUT

Friendship blossoms between the two previously distant royals

At the age of 71 and very much set in her ways, Princess Anne wasn’t exactly in the market for new friends.

But sources say that’s what she’s found in her sister-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, after the women began spending more time together as they supported the Queen following her husband’s death.

“Sophie and Anne never spent much time together, but since Prince Philip died they’ve seen each other nearly every day,” says a source. “Friendship has blossomed between them over the past few months, and they’re really enjoying their time together.”

Sophie, 56, has proved such a hit as she’s joined the ranks of core royals this year that she’s won over famously prickly Anne, to the point she’s been invited to join the Princess Royal on official engagements.