Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Relieved to No Longer Bow to Meghan Markle

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, expressed relief as she is no longer required to bow to Meghan Markle following a change in her title.

Formerly known as the Countess of Wessex, Sophie's rank was altered when her husband, Prince Edward, was elevated to the position of Duke of Edinburgh after Charles ascended to the throne.

Previously, it was customary for Sophie to show respect by bowing to Meghan, who held a higher status as a senior royal.

However, a close confidant of the Duchess shared with the Mail on Sunday that Sophie is pleased that this protocol no longer applies.

According to sources close to Sophie, she feels a sense of liberation from the obligation to show deference to a family member who not only relinquished her royal responsibilities but also openly criticized the institution that Sophie diligently supports.

Meghan Markle, as depicted in her Netflix documentary series, once regarded the act of bowing as a mere jest.

In a revealing moment, Harry jokingly questioned Meghan's knowledge of the bowing etiquette before she playfully mimicked an exaggerated bow to the amusement of Queen Elizabeth II.

Rumors of tensions between Sophie and Meghan surfaced in the book “Elizabeth, an Intimate Portrait,” authored by royal confidante Giles Brandreth.

The book suggested that Meghan had made it clear she preferred to rely on Prince Harry rather than seeking assistance from Sophie upon joining the royal family.

The King bestowed upon his brother, Prince Edward, the title of Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday as a token of appreciation for his unwavering dedication to the monarchy.

Additionally, on his 60th birthday, Edward was honored with the Order of the Thorn.

Following the passing of Prince Philip in April 2021, the title of Duke of Edinburgh was inherited by his youngest son, Edward, who shared a close bond with his father.

Edward, who actively participated in his father's Duke of Edinburgh awards program in his later years, was deeply moved when Philip posthumously proposed that he assume the title.

As the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have taken on more royal duties amidst King Charles's battle with cancer and ongoing treatment, the King is determined to resume a full schedule of engagements this summer to make up for lost time.

During a recent visit to Portsmouth on 5 June, King Charles delivered a poignant speech honoring D-Day veterans at a memorial service commemorating the 80th anniversary of the historic event.

Paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of nearly 160,000 British, Commonwealth, and Allied troops who participated in the mission, the King emphasized the significance of their actions in securing freedom.

To mark the milestone of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh participated in the Royal British Legion Remembrance Service at the National Memorial Arboretum on 6 June.