Meghan Markle’s blunt response to ‘being offered Duchess Sophie as royal mentor’
Meghan married into the royal family in 2018Meghan Markle once had a blunt response when she was offered to have Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh as a royal mentor.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, married into the royal family in May 2018 when she tied the knot with Prince Harry. The couple had announced their engagement in late 2017 after meeting in 2016.
As a newbie to the monarchy in 2018, reports claimed that the late Queen Elizabeth II suggested Sophie to mentor Meghan.
Meghan Markle’s ‘response’ to being offered Duchess Sophie as mentor
According to friend of the royal family Gyles Brandreth, he detailed the alleged snub in his book Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait.
He wrote: “The queen (who, of course, had seen it all before) understood that Harry’s girl might find adjusting to royal life ‘challenging to begin with’ (as she put it). ‘It is very jolty, but you soon get used to it.’ That was Her Majesty’s experience going back many years.
“To help Meghan, the queen suggested that her daughter-in-law, Sophie Wessex, would be an ideal mentor. ‘Sophie can help show you the ropes,’ said the queen.
“Meghan made it clear that she did not feel she needed Sophie’s help. She had Harry.”
Sophie’s ‘hope’ over Harry and Meghan ‘being happy’
The Duchess of Edinburgh previously spoke about Meghan joining the royal family.
Speaking to The Sunday Times in 2020, Sophie said: “We all try to help any new member of the family. Remember I’d had five years to adjust, and for our six-month engagement I was even staying in Buckingham Palace.
Meghan made it clear that she did not feel she needed Sophie’s help. She had Harry.
“Not that you necessarily know how it will pan out.”
On Harry and Meghan stepping back from their senior royal roles in 2020, Sophie added at the time: “I just hope they will be happy.”
Sophie celebrates 60th birthday
In January 2025, Sophie celebrated her 60th birthday. According to Grant Harrold, a former royal butler, the king might have organised a birthday party for his sister-in-law.
Who is Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex?
Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in California, United States. She is currently 43 years old. She had a career in acting before marrying into the royal family in 2018.
What did Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex do before joining the monarchy?
Former actress Meghan had a string of acting roles before she met Prince Harry, most famously playing the role of Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits.
Her acting career began at Northwestern University.
The duchess also wrote a lifestyle blog named The Tig and became heavily involved in charity work - which has continued since she met Harry.
Marrying Prince Harry
Meghan married into the royal family on May 19, 2018, when she and Prince Harry tied the knot at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Just a few months after their wedding, Meghan and Harry announced they were expecting their first child. They welcomed Prince Archie on May 6, 2019.
Two years later on June 4, 2021, the couple welcomed a daughter named Princess Lilibet. She was named after the late Queen Elizabeth II - whose nickname was Lilibet.
Months after welcoming son Archie, Prince Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping down from their senior royal roles within the royal family. They then moved to the United States and have lived there since.
Meghan has made a return to the entertainment world, launching projects with Netflix alongside Harry. In January 2025, she announced a lifestyle show named With Love, Meghan, which will see her giving cooking and gardening tips to viewers alongside a host of celebrity guests. It will premiere on March 4, 2025.
Speaking exclusively to Royal Insider on behalf of JeffBet, he said: “I have no doubt that the king will be planning a birthday party for her probably at Clarence House with as many royals there as possible.
“Sophie is a really lovely person and is very well loved and respected within the family and with the public. I’m sure she will also be having private celebrations with her own family. Everyone will be making a fuss of her.”
Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate shared a message for Sophie. They said on Instagram: “Wishing The Duchess of Edinburgh a very happy 60th birthday today!”
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