Marrying into the Royal Family might seem like a golden ticket, but stepping into royal life is more like navigating an obstacle course full of protocols, public scrutiny, and ancient traditions.
Meghan Markle may have had the ring and the royal title, but the late Queen Elizabeth II knew that wasn’t nearly enough.
When Meghan joined “The Firm” in 2018, the Queen understood the steep learning curve the former actress would face.
The Queen’s Personal Support on Day One
To help Meghan ease into this very different world, Queen Elizabeth decided to personally support her during their first official engagement together in Cheshire.
It was a sweet, successful day out — full of laughter — but behind the smiles was the Queen’s quiet recognition that Meghan might need a bit more mentoring to truly settle in.
Enter Sophie: The Mentor Meghan Never Wanted
Recognizing the cultural and personal leap Meghan had made, the Queen reportedly believed that Sophie, the Countess of Wessex (now Duchess of Edinburgh), would be the perfect person to help.
Like Meghan, Sophie didn’t come from royalty. Her father sold tyres, and Meghan’s worked in Hollywood lighting.
They were both outsiders who had to learn how to exist under royal expectations.
Royal commentator Gyles Brandreth even said, “The Queen wanted Meghan to succeed,” and hoped Sophie could be her guide.
On paper, it made sense. In practice, not so much.
Meghan’s Confident Approach Didn’t Leave Room for Mentors
According to insiders, Meghan declined the Queen’s suggestion.
She reportedly felt she had everything she needed in Harry and didn’t see the point of a mentor.
That decision, it seems, would mark a major turning point in her royal journey.
Staff at Kensington Palace recalled how Meghan’s early meetings often saw her trying to lead rather than observe.
“She wanted to run the meetings,” one staffer said.
“Except the Royal Family is not really a bull you can grab by the horns.”
The Palace Begins to Worry About Meghan’s Ambitions
Concerns reportedly grew when Meghan appeared more focused on how she could become the most popular royal, rather than learning the ropes.
One royal staffer told author Tom Quinn that Meghan had something of a “messiah complex,” with big dreams that didn’t always align with the palace playbook.
Plans she had for her future as a working royal were said to clash with the institution’s carefully structured roles.
In contrast, when Kate Middleton joined the family in 2011, staff described her as patient, observant, and willing to learn before taking action.
Sophie and Kate: A Royal Bond That Worked
While Meghan turned down Sophie’s guidance, Kate embraced it.
Over time, Kate developed a close bond with Sophie, with the two forming what insiders describe as a “sisterly” relationship.
They shared a similar sense of humor and work ethic, and Sophie — having already won the Queen’s trust — became a key figure in Kate’s royal life.
The Queen even reportedly saw Sophie as a “second daughter,” especially after Sophie lost her own mother in 2005.
Meghan’s Exit, Sophie’s Grace
When Meghan and Harry exited royal life in 2020, Sophie responded with dignity.
In a rare interview afterward, she said, “I just hope they will be happy,” and reiterated that the royal family tries its best to help new members find their footing.
Royal biographers and experts often contrast the personalities of the two duchesses.
Sophie is described as “dedicated, cheerful, and trusted,” while Meghan, though talented, is often called “self-obsessed” and less willing to take advice.
Sophie Steps Up as Mediator During Royal Tensions
Even after Megxit, Sophie stepped in to keep the peace.
During the Queen’s funeral in 2022, she reportedly spent half an hour speaking with Prince Harry to help soothe tensions.
As a known mediator within the family, Sophie continues to act as a quiet force behind the scenes.
Now, with Sophie holding the title of Duchess of Edinburgh and no longer having to curtsey to Meghan, their official ranks are equal.
But public perception tells a different story.
Public Opinion Has Flipped Since Meghan’s Royal Debut
According to recent polls, Sophie is now the sixth most popular royal in the UK, with a 51% approval rating — far ahead of Meghan, who has slipped to 19th place with just 20% support.
It’s a dramatic reversal from 2019, when Meghan ranked sixth and Sophie was 11th.
Some commentators suggest Meghan’s downfall could have been avoided if she’d been more open to guidance.
Royal expert Tina Brown was especially blunt, saying Meghan “has the worst judgment of anyone in the entire world” and tends to ignore expert advice.
A Tale of Two Duchesses
At the heart of it, this is a story about two very different women — both outsiders — who joined the royal fold in different eras but took entirely different approaches.
Sophie chose humility, patience, and trust-building.
Meghan opted for independence, speed, and transformation.
Only time will tell whose path leaves the most lasting legacy.