Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world with their bombshell revelations about the royal family after moving to the United States.
The couple, who stepped down from their royal duties, have maintained their distance from the royal institution since their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. During this interview, they alleged that there were discussions about their son Archie's skin color within the royal family and claimed that Harry received no financial support.
These unverified allegations caused significant damage to the royal family's reputation, prompting Harry's estranged brother, Prince William, to publicly deny the accusations. "We're very much not a racist family," he firmly stated.
In response to Harry and Meghan's widely reported interview, Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, had a surprising reaction when asked about the interview by The Telegraph. Edward quipped, "Oprah who?" while Sophie laughed and added, "What interview?" These remarks followed reports that Meghan had rejected Sophie's offer to help her adapt to royal life.
Giles Brandreth, a royal author and family friend, detailed in his book "Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait" that the Queen had anticipated Meghan might find it challenging to adjust to royal life. To help, the Queen suggested that Sophie Wessex could be an ideal mentor, saying, "Sophie can help show you the ropes." However, Meghan reportedly made it clear that she didn't need Sophie's help, stating that she had Harry.
Since their wedding in 1999, Prince Edward and Sophie have enjoyed a steady rise in popularity. Their nuptials were far more understated than the grand royal weddings of Prince William and Prince Harry, setting the tone for their down-to-earth approach to royal life. As they celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, Edward and Sophie, now the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, are often hailed as the royal family's secret weapon.
The couple's low-key wedding at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, on June 19, 1999, and their genuine, unpretentious behavior have endeared them to the public. Former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond believes their modest approach has been key to their growing popularity. "Understated, unshowy, and as down to earth as you can be when you're born into the royal family," Bond said. "That's how Edward and Sophie are today, and it's how they were 25 years ago on their relatively understated wedding day at Windsor."
Bond has praised the Duchess of Edinburgh for her natural demeanor and seamless adaptation to royal duties, both in public and behind the scenes. "Sophie is a natural, humble woman, clearly still very much in love with her husband and a woman who has grown into her role without fuss or fanfare," she remarked. Part of the secret to their successful marriage, according to Bond, is the five-year relationship they had before tying the knot. "Sophie had seen firsthand the trauma of the Diana years, the breakdown of Charles and Diana's marriage, the Yorks' divorce, and Anne's divorce and second marriage. It was probably quite courageous to become another royal bride, but by the time they got married, both Edward and Sophie were mature enough to know that they were right for one another," she explained.
Edward and Sophie's story contrasts sharply with the drama surrounding Harry and Meghan, showcasing a more grounded and steady approach to royal life. Their enduring relationship and unassuming nature have made them an integral and beloved part of the royal family. As they continue their journey together, they remain a testament to resilience and genuine commitment amidst the often tumultuous backdrop of royal life.
