The Two Royal Women King Charles Trusts Most — Queen Camilla Not Included

The King is lucky to be surrounded by four of the strongest and hardest-working female members of the Royal Family - the Queen , the Princess of Wales , the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal . While they are all devoted to supporting the monarchy, they all have their own impressive charitable interests, which are prompting the Firm to move with the times.

Whether it is domestic abuse, addiction problems, advocating for children's rights or the prevention of sexual violence in conflict zones, these four women are vital to keeping the Royal Family running. Interestingly though, there is one reason why two of them are even more foundational to the future.

As the only two senior female royals below the age of 70 , the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh have an extra special role to play.

Bound by their shared love of art and all things culture, Kate is the daughter Charles never had . In recent times, they have been brought together by an altogether darker bond: cancer. "Catherine now has a shared experience with the King that neither wanted, but which has brought them closer than ever," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells the Express.

"Cancer, the great leveller, is something they have been going through together, and it has made their relationship curiously unique."

As for what the King loves most about Kate, whom he has called his "darling daughter-in-law", the expert is clear that there is a mutual respect between the two.

"The King knows what a huge asset Catherine is to the monarchy and how important she is to William . I think there is genuine affection between them. He must be so proud and happy to know that his son has a wife who will support and love him... just as Camilla supports and loves Charles. It bodes well for the future."

The Duchess of Edinburgh , too, has a vital role to play. She has tirelessly championed campaigns against avoidable blindness, gender equality and awareness against sexual violence in conflict zones, often with little fuss or fanfare. She is frequently called the King's 'secret weapon' and continues to see a steady increase in the attention she commands.

"Sophie's path was, initially, anything but smooth," royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams exclusively tells us.

"She and her husband, Prince Edward , had originally hoped to combine their careers with royal duties, but this did not prove possible. However, especially in recent years, she has thrived as a working royal. She became close to Queen Elizabeth and does a considerable amount of charitable work - with only four working royals under 70, her help is pivotal.

The expert's praise is echoed by Ms Bond: "Sophie has come into her own in recent years. She is now one of the most trusted women in the King's circle and is viewed as a senior and highly respected member of the Royal Family.

"She is also hugely relatable and a big hit with the people she meets as she goes about her work. She has a light touch and an informality that goes down well with the public. Charles always seems completely at ease with her. She is a sister-in-law he can trust and depend on."

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