Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, ‘Relieved’ She No Longer Has to Curtsy to Meghan Markle After Royal Shake-Up
A traditional formality turned lingering tension — and now, according to insiders, Sophie is quietly glad it’s over.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, is reportedly feeling a deep sense of relief now that she is no longer required to curtsy to Meghan Markle — a “mandatory” gesture of royal protocol that had become increasingly uncomfortable in recent years, especially after Meghan stepped away from her royal duties.
According to a source who spoke with The Mail on Sunday, Sophie’s feelings stem from the dramatic shift in family dynamics following the Sussexes’ exit.
“Sophie is relieved,” the insider said. “She no longer has to curtsy to someone who not only walked away from royal responsibilities but has spent the past three years criticizing the very institution Sophie works hard to support.”
A Protocol Shift Years in the Making
Before stepping down from royal duties, Meghan outranked Sophie due to her title as Duchess of Sussex. As a result, the former Countess of Wessex was formally required to curtsy to Prince Harry’s wife during official engagements.
That tradition changed when King Charles granted Prince Edward the title Duke of Edinburgh for his 59th birthday — elevating Sophie to Duchess of Edinburgh and effectively ending the protocol requirement.
A royal insider noted the shift with pointed clarity:
“Sophie and Edward were overshadowed because bigger stars in the family came along, and at times she did mind that. But she was always pragmatic about their place — unlike some others.”
Though not named, the implication was unmistakable.
Public Reactions: Tradition Debated, Meghan Defended — and Criticized
As news of Sophie’s reported relief spread, online reactions became a cultural debate about tradition, hierarchy, and respect.
One commenter argued:
“Stupid tradition should be abolished anyway. Nobody is ‘below’ anyone else to need to bow or curtsy.”
Another added a more personal take:
“Meghan only did it out of respect for Harry and the Queen. It doesn’t mean she thought she was superior.”
But not all opinions were sympathetic.
A separate commenter criticized the hierarchy for different reasons:
“What a ridiculous reason to celebrate moving up in royal rankings. Everyone is human. We all use the bathroom the same way — get over it!”
Others praised Sophie for her consistent modesty and for keeping her head down during turbulent times. One user wrote:
“Sophie is a good example of humility and decency. William and Kate stayed quiet to let Edward and Sophie have their moment — meanwhile, Harry and Meghan stirred things up again with talk of ‘birth rights.’”
A Quiet Duchess Who Avoided the Drama — Until It Found Her
For years, Sophie and Edward embodied the role of the steady royals — loyal, discreet, hardworking, and deeply committed to the Crown without drawing headlines. The contrast between their approach and the Sussexes’ highly public departure from royal life has only magnified over time.
And now, with her new title and elevated rank, Sophie has reportedly gained something she values far more than status: peace.
No more awkward moments.
No more strained curtsies.
No more symbolic gestures to someone openly critical of the monarchy she faithfully serves.
Whether seen as a win for tradition, for Sophie personally, or simply for common sense, one thing is clear:
This small protocol change has reopened a much larger conversation — about hierarchy, humility, and where Meghan and Harry now stand in the eyes of the institution they left behind.
