Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, swiftly carved her unique path, distinct from Meghan Markle, in the years following her marriage to Prince Edward.
The upcoming celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary in June marks a significant milestone for the couple. Sophie has not only evolved into a respected and trusted member of the royal family but has become a key figure in the late Queen's Inner Circle. Her unquestionable devotion to the Monarch and the establishment has solidified her role.
The Queen's trust and reliance on Sophie go beyond the typical daughter-in-law relationship. Some experts even suggest that the Queen viewed Sophie more as a daughter than an in-law. The bond between them extended to shared interests, with the pair often spending weekends at Windsor watching old war films and historical documentaries. In a heartfelt speech in 2019, Sophie referred to the Queen as "mama."
Despite her low-key approach, Sophie has worked tirelessly to support the royal family and causes close to her heart. While she may receive less media attention than some members, her dedication has not gone unnoticed.
In the 2022 book "The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth's Legacy in the Future of the Crown," royal expert Katie Nickel emphasizes Sophie's significance to the establishment. Sophie is portrayed as blazing a more ordinary and normal trail for the royal family, a path that comes with less attention but is valued by the organizations she supports.
Sophie's commitment is evident through her involvement with over 70 charities and organizations, covering diverse interests such as agriculture, fashion, supporting people with disabilities, and preventing avoidable blindness in developing countries. Recognized as the "Royals' secret weapon," Sophie's unwavering efforts have earned her growing popularity with the public.
As the royal landscape evolves, Sophie is expected to take on a larger public profile in King Charles's new monarchy. However, recent controversies surrounding royal racism, ignited by Omed Sco's book, have drawn Sophie into the spotlight. The Duchess of Edinburgh reportedly expresses fury at being falsely accused of not supporting Meghan Markle during her struggles with royal life. Friends of Sophie vehemently deny these claims, emphasizing that she actively befriended Meghan in the early months of her marriage to Prince Harry.
Contrary to accusations of casual bigotry, Sophie went out of her way to befriend Meghan, even inviting her to tea at Bagshot Park. During this gathering, the two engaged in hours of conversation.
A senior royal source reveals that Sophie offered valuable advice to Meghan, who was navigating the complexities of transitioning from a commoner to a royal. However, Sophie was surprised when their interaction ended abruptly, wishing she had received a return invitation to Frogmore Cottage, Meghan and Harry's residence less than half an hour from Bagshot.
