Topics: Royal Family, UK News, Princess Diana
On 6 September 1997, mourners from around the world flocked together at London's Westminster Abbey to commemorate the life of Princess Diana, who'd tragically died a week earlier.
One member of the monarchy was noticeably missing from the service, however, and the reason why has recently been revealed.
For those in need of a reminder, 36-year-old Diana was killed alongside rumoured partner Dodi Fayed in a catastrophic car crash in Paris, after being chased by members of the paparazzi.
In addition, the Princess' driver Henri Paul, and Fayed's bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones were in the vehicle while it travelled through the city's Pont de l'Alma. Henri also lost his life, however, Trevor was the only survivor of the crash.
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Over 2,000 people attended her funeral service, with around one million others lining the surrounding streets of the city.
A further two billion spectators are believed to have watched the gut-wrenching cortege on the television.
However, one royal opted not to attend the service.
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and wife of King (then Prince) Charles' (Diana's ex-husband) youngest brother, Prince Edward, remained at home that day reportedly in fear of upsetting attendees - despite having allegedly formed a close relationship with Diana.
According to a new book written by biographer Sean Smith, Sophie: Saving the Royal Family, the mother-of-two had concerns at the time regarding her supposed resemblance to the late Princess.
As per the Mail, Smith wrote: "Sophie decided it would be too upsetting for the crowd if she went.
"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."
At the time of Diana's death, Sophie, now 60, was known by her maiden-name, Rhys-Jones, and had only recently forged a romantic relationship with the now-Duke of Edinburgh.
Despite it being early days for the couple, the Duchess was regularly in close circles with the Princess.
The pair both bore a similar blonde, cropped hair cut in the years prior to Diana's heartbreaking passing, though Sophie later grew out her golden tresses to an elegant mid-length, which she still wears it like today.
The pair also boasted bright blue eyes, and a lightly-tan skin-tone.
The Duchess herself reportedly spoke explicitly about her resemblance to Diana around the time of her death.
According to The Express, Sophie told The Mail: "I don’t deny that we do look alike. But I couldn't ever compete with Diana’s image. I’m not Diana."
Two years after Diana's death, she and Prince Edward, now 61, announced their engagement.
In June of 1999, the couple tied the knot at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, making Sophie an official member of the monarchy.
The pair went on to welcome daughter and a son together - Lady Louise Windsor, 21, and James, Earl of Wessex, 17.
