Meghan Markle had a lot to adjust to upon her marriage to Prince Harry. The Suits actress said goodbye to Hollywood as she embarked on her new life as a working royal. It was a tough transition, but one member of The Royal Family stepped up to help. Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh offered to become a mentor to Markle, who has rejected the kind gesture.
Queen Elizabeth Asked Duchess Sophie to Mentor Meghan Markle
From the moment Prince Harry and Meghan became engaged, there was concern she’d have trouble fitting into royal life. According to The Mirror, Queen Elizabeth enlisted her daughter-in-law Sophie to mentor the newest family member.
Royal expert Jennie Bond tells the news outlet that it’s no surprise that Elizabeth chose Sophie. The Duchess of Edinburgh, who married Prince Edward in 1999, had a close relationship with her mother-in-law. Bond, who refers to Sophie as Elizabeth’s “second daughter” says her “inherently kind and generous” demeanor made her the perfect mentor.
After helping Kate Middleton adjust to royal life, the former Countess of Wessex was tasked with guiding Markle. Although the actress vowed to “hit the ground running” upon becoming a royal, the Queen thought she needed “a helping hand.”
However, it wouldn’t be easy, according to royal author Gyles Brandreth. In his book, Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, Brandreth wrote:
To help Meghan, the Queen suggested her daughter-in-law, Sophie Wessex, would be an ideal mentor. ‘Sophie can show you the ropes,’ said the Queen. However, it seems Meghan had a different plan. Meghan made it clear that she did not feel she needed Sophie’s help. She had Harry.
Meghan and Harry’s 2020 exit stemmed from negative media attention and lack of help from the Royal Family. The couple’s departure sparked controversy and a rift with members of the family.
Although it’s unclear what Sophie’s relationship with the couple is now, in a 2020 interview with The Sunday Times, she said, “I just hope they will be happy.”
Perhaps if Markle had taken the Queen’s offer of Sophie’s mentoring, things might have turned out differently. While Meghan and Harry are living their new life, Sophie is busy with her royal duties and supporting her family.
