If Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had drawn inspiration—or perhaps an entire chapter—from the parenting style of Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie, we might not be witnessing the ongoing spectacle that seems to define their public lives.
The Sussexes’ well-known obsession with privacy has been a cornerstone of their identity since the beginning. While protecting one’s children is undoubtedly vital, Harry and Meghan have elevated it to an almost competitive level, treating it like an Olympic sport. In contrast, Edward and Sophie have managed to raise their children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, with a measured balance that could serve as a master class in modern parenting.
The Wessexes chose not to bestow their children with HRH titles at birth, even though they were entitled to them. Sophie explained that this decision was rooted in the desire to prepare Louise and James for the reality of working for a living. This pragmatic approach underscores their commitment to real-world preparation rather than clinging to titles that hold little value in day-to-day life.
Harry and Meghan, however, took the opposite route. They swiftly granted their children, Archie and Lilibet, the titles of Prince and Princess, despite residing in California—where such titles often come across as peculiar celebrity affectations. Edward and Sophie’s decision to let their children decide at 18 whether to adopt HRH titles is a testament to their respect for personal choice. Interestingly, Lady Louise, now 21, has never felt the need to use her title, and James, who is approaching 18, may follow suit. In stark contrast, Harry and Meghan seemed eager to flaunt royal titles for their children, even in a cultural environment where they hold little practical significance.
Edward and Sophie also adhered to longstanding royal traditions, presenting their children to the public on the hospital steps after birth—a gesture that resonates with generations of royal watchers. Harry and Meghan, on the other hand, shrouded Archie and Lilibet in secrecy, inadvertently fueling wild speculation about surrogacy and even questions about their very existence. Ironically, their paranoia regarding media scrutiny has only heightened public curiosity and intensified the invasive coverage they sought to avoid.
Lady Louise’s close relationship with her grandfather, Prince Philip, further highlights the Wessex family’s deep-rooted connections. Louise inherited Philip’s passion for carriage driving and even honored him by driving his carriage during a royal event at Windsor. By contrast, Archie and Lilibet reportedly spent limited time with their great-grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Naming Lilibet after the Queen could have been a touching tribute, but given the Sussexes' public criticisms of the royal family in interviews and documentaries, it felt more like a hollow public relations move.
The Wessex children’s academic journeys have also been refreshingly drama-free. Louise is currently studying English at the University of St. Andrews, while James recently completed his GCSEs at Radley College. Their private schooling has unfolded without publicized controversies, paparazzi frenzies, or parental meltdowns at the school gates. This contrasts sharply with Meghan’s highly publicized concerns about press presence at her children’s school, adding an unnecessary layer of complexity to their lives.
Sophie’s grounded, composed approach to media relations sets her apart. She skillfully handles public scrutiny without turning every interaction into a battle. The late Queen reportedly suggested that Meghan could learn from Sophie’s example—a piece of advice that was seemingly overlooked, likely in favor of yet another Netflix pitch meeting.
Ultimately, Edward and Sophie’s parenting style proves that it is possible to strike a harmonious balance between privacy and tradition. Lady Louise and James are relatable, well-adjusted young adults who embody the best of both worlds. In contrast, Archie and Lilibet remain shrouded in an aura of mystery, emblematic of their parents’ ongoing conflicts with the royal family and the media.
Had Harry and Meghan taken a page from Edward and Sophie’s book, they might have avoided much of the gossip and built a stronger bridge between their children and the royal family. Instead, Archie and Lilibet find themselves in a perplexing limbo—titles that mean little and privacy that creates more harm than good. In the end, the Wessexes have quietly emerged as unsung heroes of royal parenting, demonstrating that it is possible to raise children who are both private and present, royal yet relatable. Harry and Meghan would do well to take note.
