Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 15, 2025 · Entertainment

Duchess Sophie's Stark Words on Meghan Markle: 'What Did People Think We Were Doing?'

When Meghan Markle entered the Royal Family fresh from her role in Suits, the late Queen enlisted Prince Edward's wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, to teach her the ropes

The Royal Rumor Mill: Sophie, the Unsung Heroine of the Firm

In a shocking revelation, it appears that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was less than thrilled about receiving guidance from none other than Sophie, Countess of Wessex, when she first joined the royal family. According to royal author Gyles Brandreth, Meghan "wasn't interested" in taking advice from her new mentor.

But what did Meghan have to gain by rejecting Sophie's help? The answer lies in her own ego and inflated sense of self-importance. Brandreth explained that Meghan felt she had Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and didn't need any further assistance from an advisor. Little did Meghan know, however, that this would ultimately lead to a very public display of tension between the two couples.

The Queen thought Sophie would be a good mentor to Meghan as she had already 'been through' a royal marriage, according to royal author Gyles Brandreth

A Royal Mentorship Gone Sour

The Queen, in her infinite wisdom, had tasked Sophie with helping Meghan adjust to life within the Firm. But it seems Meghan was more interested in playing the role of Hollywood royalty than taking constructive advice from someone who truly understood the inner workings of the monarchy. As a result, Sophie was left feeling frustrated and underappreciated.

But Sophie is no ordinary royal wife. She's a force to be reckoned with, known for her down-to-earth nature and sharp wit. When asked about Meghan and Harry's decision to step back from their senior roles, Sophie shot back with a cheeky remark: "What did people think we were doing beforehand?" Ouch!

Best selling author, journalist and broadcaster Katie Nicholl has been writing about the British royal family for nearly two decades

A Royal Rift

The tension between the two couples has been well-documented, but what's not as well-known is that Sophie has been quietly working behind the scenes to smooth over any rough patches. As one royal expert noted, Sophie is a "savvy peacemaker" who may be tasked with soothing tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the Firm.

But it seems Meghan and Harry are not exactly grateful for Sophie's efforts. According to palace insiders, they've been less than receptive to her attempts at mediation, leaving some to wonder if this is all just a clever ploy by the royal family to get rid of them once and for all.

Katie Nicholl wrote: 'Sophie is blazing a more ordinary and normal trail for the Royal Family'

A Royal Rivalry

As we've previously reported, Meghan Markle has been struggling to adjust to life outside of the Firm. Her popularity among Brits has plummeted, with only 20% of respondents in a recent YouGov poll having a positive view of her. Meanwhile, Sophie's popularity continues to soar, with an impressive 51% of respondents having a favorable opinion of her.

But what really sets Sophie apart is her dedication to causes that truly matter. Unlike Meghan, who has been accused of using her platform for self-promotion rather than genuine activism, Sophie has spent years working tirelessly on behalf of women's rights and gender equality. She's traveled to some of the most war-torn regions in the world, meeting with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and advocating for their rights.

Sophie only became the Duchess of Edinburgh in March 2023, meaning that following her marriage to Harry, Meghan outranked Sophie

A Royal Rift Exposed

It seems Meghan Markle is not the only one who has benefited from a high-profile marriage. Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has long been a favorite among royal insiders, known for her sharp wit and quick thinking. But what's not as well-known is that she's also a master mediator, with a talent for soothing even the most sensitive of situations.

According to palace sources, Sophie was instrumental in calming tensions between Harry and Meghan following their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey. And it seems she's been doing some serious damage control behind the scenes ever since.

Meghan is pictured on her wedding day to Harry on May 19, 2018, as Prince Philip and the late Queen look on

But don't just take our word for it! Royal expert Russell Myers has weighed in on the situation, noting that Sophie's influence is far greater than many people realize. "She's a real game-changer," he said. "The similarities between Sophie and Meghan are there to be seen. They both care deeply about women's rights and social justice."

A Royal Showdown

As the royal family continues to navigate its post-Meghan era, one thing is clear: Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has emerged as a true force to be reckoned with. While Meghan Markle may have been the darling of the tabloids just a few years ago, it's now Sophie who's getting all the attention.

Sophie and Meghan are pictured with other members of the Royal Family where they watched a Royal Air Force flypast over central London

But don't expect her to seek out the spotlight anytime soon. As one palace insider noted, "Sophie is not about seeking power or influence; she's about using her platform to make a real difference in the world." And with her dedication to causes like women's rights and social justice, it's clear that Sophie will continue to be a powerful voice within the Firm for years to come.

A Royal Rivalry Revisited

It's been well-documented that Meghan Markle's popularity has taken a hit since she stepped back from her senior role. But what's not as well-known is that Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has been quietly gaining momentum in the polls.

The Countess of Wessex meets mothers and their newborns at Tombo Health Clinic which offers family planning and maternal care services to women in Sierra Leone

According to a recent YouGov survey, 51% of respondents have a positive view of Sophie, compared to just 20% for Meghan. And it's not hard to see why: while Meghan may be busy promoting her latest Netflix series or Instagram-friendly activism, Sophie is out there making a real difference in the world.

The Scholarly Note

As we've previously reported, Sophie has been a tireless advocate for women's rights and social justice. But what really sets her apart from other royals is her commitment to truly listening to others and using her platform to amplify their voices.

Sophie is shown around the Aberdeen Women's Clinic in Freetown on the second day of her visit to Sierra Leone

According to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, Sophie's dedication to causes like women's rights and social justice is unmatched. "She's a true champion of women's rights," he said. "While Meghan may be busy sending pots of jam to celebrities, it's Sophie who's meeting with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and advocating for their rights."

The Final Verdict

It seems we have our answer: Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is the true unsung hero of the Firm. While Meghan Markle may have captured the hearts of many with her Hollywood charm and activism, it's Sophie who's been quietly working behind the scenes to make a real difference.

Sophie has devoted much of her latter working life as a royal to supporting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and is passionate about championing gender equality

So the next time you're scrolling through your social media feeds, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of Sophie, Countess of Wessex. She may not be as flashy or attention-seeking as some other royals, but she's undoubtedly one of the most influential women in the Firm today.

Sources:

  • Brandreth, Gyles (royal author)
  • Nicholl, Katie (royal expert)
  • Myers, Russell (royal expert)
  • Fitzwilliams, Richard (royal expert)

The Duchess of Edinburgh is pictured during a visit to the 'Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict' Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum, London

Sophie, who was a favourite with the late monarch, is known for her down-to-earth nature and was viewed by the Queen as The Firm's safest pair of hands

Sophie and Meghan travelled together in a car down The Mall ahead of the Queen's State Funeral in September 2022