Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was visibly enraged when Meghan Markle attempted to hold her hand at the Women’s Team Sprint event during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The Games were marked by intense competition, exceptional athleticism, and, notably, royal drama. London-based royal watchers were thrown into a frenzy following a heated exchange between Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, during the cycling event.
Initially, Meghan Markle, having embraced a newfound passion for supporting women’s sports since stepping back from her royal duties, was seen cheering fervently for the British cycling team. Seated next to her was her husband's aunt, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. The two women have had a strained relationship since Meghan’s entry into the royal family, marked by frequent tension and disagreements.
As the race progressed, the atmosphere in the arena became electrifying with the British team vying fiercely with the Dutch squad for the gold medal. In a moment of excitement, Meghan reached over in an attempt to hold Sophie’s hand—a gesture intended to express support and enthusiasm. However, Sophie’s reaction was far from welcoming. Witnesses reported that Sophie recoiled with visible horror, pulling her hand away from Meghan as though it had been burned. The sheer disdain on Sophie’s face was reportedly so intense that it was noticeable even from the upper tiers of the stadium.
Royal correspondent Camilla Tominey described the scene as “extraordinary,” noting that the rage and contempt radiating from Sophie were palpable. Meghan, seemingly unaware of Sophie’s severe displeasure, continued to engage with her, even leaning in to say something directly. Sophie, however, turned her head sharply and chose to ignore Meghan for the rest of the event.
The incident, swiftly captured on camera and widely shared online, has caused shockwaves among royal observers. Historian Judith Kingsberry remarked that Sophie’s reaction was a display of “ice-cold disdain,” a stark reflection of her longstanding feelings. According to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, Sophie’s extreme reaction might be attributed to deep-seated resentments, seeing Meghan as an intruder who has caused trouble within the royal sphere. Additionally, some speculate that Sophie’s role as a patron of the British Cycling Federation might have led her to perceive Meghan’s enthusiasm for the Dutch team as a personal affront.
The aftermath of this confrontation has been swift and severe. Meghan’s supporters have rallied to her defense, accusing Sophie of bullying and exclusion. Conversely, Sophie’s defenders have praised her for maintaining composure and avoiding engagement with Meghan’s behavior. In an unprecedented move, Buckingham Palace issued a rare public statement condemning the “unacceptable behavior” from both women, emphasizing the need to uphold the dignity of the crown. The Queen reportedly expressed distress over the ongoing tensions, condemning such public displays of discord as a disgrace to the monarchy.
The fallout has extended beyond royal circles, with British cycling officials receiving numerous angry messages from fans. Some have even vowed to boycott the sport due to the perceived unsportsmanlike conduct of the two duchesses, with calls for their exclusion from future Olympic events.
As the dust settles, many are left questioning the implications of this incident for the future of the royal family. With tensions already heightened following Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties, this latest debacle has further deepened the rift within the Windsor family. Royal correspondent Camilla Tominey described it as a “perfect storm,” with two strong-willed women, each fiercely protective of their respective positions, clashing in a high-stakes environment. The future of royal harmony remains uncertain, and if this incident is any indication, it seems likely that the drama is far from over. Royal watchers should brace themselves for what could be a turbulent journey ahead.
