Duchess Sophie's cutting eight-word remark about 'stepping in' for Prince Harry and Meghan

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In the whirlwind of drama that has followed Megxit and the persistent public spats that have been largely one-sided in the divide between the Sussexes and The Firm, one royal has stood out, keeping a dignified silence.
Sophie has been hailed as a pillar of stability for the monarchy, celebrating 26 years since she tied the knot with Prince Edward.
As a former PR consultant, the 60-year-old Countess holds invaluable understanding of the pressures involved in becoming part of the royal family. This insight has been key to supporting Kate Middleton's journey from university days at St Andrews to becoming the Princess of Wales and mother to the future king among her three children.
Reports imply that Meghan Markle was less receptive to Sophie's advice. Insiders suggest the Duchess of Edinburgh was sought to ease Meghan's shift from Hollywood to full-time royal duties.
(Image: Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty Images)
However, the Duchess of Sussex preferred to rely on Prince Harry, believing there was no need for additional guidance with him by her side, according to the Daily Mail. Sophie's reported reaction to questions about "stepping in" for Harry and Meghan post-Megxit was deadpan: "What did people think we were doing beforehand?"
Yet, it is another remark by Sophie that truly reflects her grace. Reflecting on Harry and Meghan during an interview with The Telegraph following their explosive conversation with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Sophie's comment was simple yet poignant: "I just hope they will be happy."
Notably, neither the Duke nor Duchess of Sussex has publicly spoken out against Sophie or her husband Prince Edward, 61, Harry's uncle. When questioned about the couple's decision to step back from royal life in 2021, Edward revealed that he "stayed out of it," adding, "We wish them the very best of luck. It's a really hard decision."
(Image: Mark Cuthbert, UK Press via Getty Images)
Sophie has recently been highlighted as an example of the type of royal Meghan could have become, particularly due to her tireless advocacy for women's rights. She recently spoke out about the plight of women who become pregnant as a result of rape, with royal expert Richard Fitzwilliam commenting that this was the kind of event at which Meghan should have excelled.
He commented: "Meghan is struggling to be an influencer; Sophie has influence in ways that really matter, which Meghan could have been. Meghan has always boasted about how she promotes feminism.
"Yet contrast the occasional speech she makes in comfortable surroundings with the remarkable work of Sophie, who actually visits areas of the world such as Sudan and Chad that have been devastated by war and attempts to comfort the women who are victims of rape and exploitation.
"If Meghan had seriously wanted to make a difference, she should surely have remained a senior working royal. It does involve compromise, but think what could have been achieved for an important cause she claims is so dear to her heart."

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