Kate Middleton and Sophie Wessex have matching friendship bracelets and they're available to buy

The Duchess of Cambridge has a very strong influence, known as the Kate Middleton effect, whereby her royal seal of approval can make pieces sell out in minutes and turn small British businesses into internationally renowned brands.

It emerged recently that the Duchess gets a helping hand from a very close member of the royal family, Sophie Wessex.

The two women are said to be particularly close, even having matching bracelets, a Maya Torque bangle, from British brand Halcyon Days, retailing at £128.

Right now, variations of the Maya Torque bangle are selling on Harrods - and we're obsessed.

Halcyon Days Maya Torque bangle £128 at Harrods
The Halcyon Days Maya Torque bangle features 18k gold plating, with a twisting design, unified with two enamel stones.

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Kate's torque bangle is in the Turquoise/ Gold style, while Sophie's bracelet is the Ivory/Gold colourway.

While it could be a coincidence, there is speculation that Sophie bought the Maya bangle for Kate, making it a friendship bracelet.

It wouldn't be the first time, with it reported last year that Sophie often buys two of the same piece of clothing because she knows that Kate will want one too.

Designer Dona Ida broke the news, after telling Daily Mail's diarist, Sebastian Shakespeare that Sophie often buys clothes for Kate.

'My friend, a stylist, is best friends with Sophie Wessex, and Sophie buys from us,' the designer explained. 'She got our black Sadie jumpsuit for herself and then asked for one for Kate. She said: "Kate wants one, can I get one as well?"'

Before you wonder if you have seen this jumpsuit before, the designer did add: 'Kate’s never been seen wearing it in public. It’s home-wear.'

We love this friendship.