Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, recently shared her candid thoughts on the possibility of Meghan Markle taking on royal duties in a recent interview.
Celebrating nearly 25 years of marriage to Prince Edward this June, Sophie has seamlessly integrated herself as a respected and trusted member of the royal family.
Regarded as a pivotal figure within the late Queen’s inner circle, Sophie’s unwavering commitment to the monarch and the institution has garnered significant trust.
Rumors suggest that the Queen viewed Sophie more as a daughter than a daughter-in-law, bonding over shared interests and leisurely moments spent together at Windsor Castle, indulging in classic war movies and historical documentaries.
In a touching gesture, Sophie affectionately referred to the Queen as “Mama” during a speech in 2019.
Despite her humble nature, Sophie has diligently supported the royal family and various organizations close to her heart, often operating discreetly to avoid the limelight, opting for a more modest and less attention-seeking approach.
Renowned royal expert Katie Nicholl highlights Sophie’s importance within the monarchy in her latest book, “The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown.”
Addressing speculations about assuming heightened responsibilities following the withdrawal of Prince Harry, Meghan, and Prince Andrew from official duties, Sophie swiftly dismissed any misconceptions, questioning, “What did people think we were doing before?”
Meghan may have felt uneasy due to Sophie’s background in public relations and business ownership, leading her to decline any assistance offered by Sophie.
As concerns mount regarding the operational capacity of the monarchy amidst King Charles and Princess Catherine’s temporary absence due to health reasons, it appears that Prince Edward and Sophie are poised to take on more prominent roles.
With the Queen, Princess Anne, and Sophie being the sole senior members of the royal family engaged in public events for the upcoming week, a sense of unexpected royal matriarchy emerges.
Princess Anne, renowned for her strong work ethic, is set to undertake multiple engagements, while the Duchess of Edinburgh is slated for a single appearance in Surrey.
This unique configuration is anticipated to endure until February 7, when the 79-year-old Duke of Gloucester assumes responsibilities, followed by the Duke of Edinburgh on the 8th.
Prince Edward has opted for a brief respite from public obligations following recent international trips.
The absence of King Charles at a recent event underscores the current emphasis on continuity within the royal family during challenging circumstances.