Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, is reportedly feeling relieved after being bestowed with the new RoL title by King Charles.
Alongside her husband, Prince Edward, Sophie was granted the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh by King Charles last Friday.
This promotion now places Sophie at the same rank as Meghan Markle.
A close friend of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh shared with the Daily Mail that Sophie is relieved to no longer have to curtsy to a family member who not only abandoned royal duties but also criticized the institution that Sophie dedicated herself to supporting.
It is a general rule among Royal Highnesses not to bow or curtsy to other Royal Highnesses, except to His Majesty.
The Queen had promised Edward and Sophie that they would receive these titles before her passing, and Charles fulfilled this promise on Edward’s 59th birthday.
Previously held by his late father, Prince Philip, the title of Duke of Edinburgh has now been passed on to Edward, while their 15-year-old son, James, will assume the title of Earl of Wessex.
However, no title change is in store for their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor.
Throughout 2022, the new Duchess of Edinburgh has undertaken more official royal engagements than the Prince and Princess of Wales or the Queen Consort Camilla, totaling 158 engagements.
Sophie has been an active member of the royal family for 21 years since marrying Prince Edward in 1999.
In a 2021 interview with The Telegraph, Sophie recounted the moment Prince Philip expressed his wish for the title to be passed on to them following their engagement.
Edward described it as a bittersweet moment, acknowledging that he could only inherit the title after both his parents had passed away.
Edward, being the only one of Philip’s children whose birth he attended, was considered his favorite.
Sophie’s close relationship with Philip was a source of relief for the Queen, as royal author Ingrid Seward noted in the Sunday Times.
Described as a second daughter to Queen Elizabeth, the Duchess is well-liked within the royal circle.
She is known for her ability to handle Prince Philip with grace, making him laugh and standing firm against his abruptness without being intimidated.
The new title marks a significant milestone for Sophie, positioning her at a level equivalent to other prominent members of the royal family.
As she continues her royal duties, Sophie’s dedication and rapport with the Queen and other family members further solidify her position within the firm.
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s journey from a supportive royal spouse to a respected figure within the monarchy reflects her unwavering commitment and adaptability in navigating the complexities of royal life.
