Sophie, newly named Duchess of Edinburgh, feels relieved to no longer have to curtsy to Meghan Markle following royal protocol changes that reflect deep-seated tensions between the loyal royal insider and the Sussexes who stepped away from royal duties, highlighting ongoing shifts and emotional complexities within the British monarchy.

On July 29, 2025, a quiet yet significant shift occurred within the British royal family’s intricate hierarchy.

Sophie, previously Countess of Wessex, was officially elevated to Duchess of Edinburgh, a title with a deep royal legacy once held by both Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Camilla.

Along with the honor came a notable change in royal protocol: Sophie reportedly no longer has to curtsy to Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, sparking whispers and relief behind palace doors and fuelling speculation about lingering tensions between royal insiders and the Sussexes.

Sophie, 60, has long been recognized as a steadfast supporter of the monarchy, a loyal confidant of King Charles III, and a quietly influential figure since marrying Prince Edward in 1999.

Her promotion to Duchess of Edinburgh, conferred earlier this year to mark Prince Edward’s 61st birthday, not only elevated her status but altered the delicate dance of royal etiquette.

A close friend of Sophie revealed to reporters that the Duchess felt “relieved” to be relieved of the curtsy to Meghan Markle, who, due to her marriage to Prince Harry, previously outranked Sophie in the royal pecking order.

This change is more than a mere formality: it reflects the complicated history between Sophie and Meghan, especially given Markle’s decision to step away from royal duties in 2020 and her often public criticism of the monarchy.

“Sophie no longer has to curtsey to someone in the family who has not only left royal duties but has spent the past three years criticizing the institution Sophie works so hard to support,” the friend said, hinting at a divide that continues to simmer years after the Sussexes relocated to Montecito, California.

This adjustment in royal protocol echoes past tensions that have occasionally surfaced between Sophie and Meghan.

The two have been seen publicly together at formal events such as Royal Ascot and Remembrance Sunday, but never without whispers of rivalry and contrasting loyalties.

Sophie’s own story in the royal family is layered and complex. She first met Prince Edward in 1987 after moving to London to work in radio. The pair maintained a friendship before their romance blossomed, culminating in their marriage in 1999.

Since then, Sophie has carved out a reputation as a loyal, discreet royal, often acting as a stabilizing force during turbulent times. She has also been seen as a close advisor to King Charles, supporting the monarchy’s modernization efforts.

This year, Sophie made headlines when it was revealed she had chosen to skip Princess Diana’s funeral, reportedly because she and Diana bore such a strong resemblance that it might have been “too upsetting for the crowd.”

Author Sean Smith, in his recent biography “Sophie: Saving the Royal Family,” wrote that the royal family fully supported her decision. Sophie herself acknowledged their likeness in the ’90s but emphasized, “I’m not Diana.”

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle, 43, and Prince Harry, 40, remain in the United States, far from the day-to-day operations of the royal household.

Since stepping back from official duties, the couple has focused on raising their children, Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4, and developing their charitable foundations and media projects.

In a recent interview on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show” in April 2025, Markle reflected warmly on her early relationship with Harry, recalling how they initially communicated with nicknames “M” and “H” to keep their romance secret.

“It’ll be our seven-year wedding anniversary soon,” Markle shared. “I love nicknames. He’s just out there, constant, making sure our family is safe and protected.”

Despite their distance from the palace, Meghan and Harry have not shied away from speaking about their experiences and the challenges they faced within the royal system. Their candidness contrasts with Sophie’s more reserved and traditional approach.

The elevation of Sophie to Duchess of Edinburgh has been described as “quite a big moment” within royal circles, symbolizing her rising influence and recognition. It is also a reminder of the subtle but real shifts taking place in the monarchy’s internal dynamics.

For now, Sophie embraces her new role with grace and relief, freed from the awkward protocol involving Meghan Markle, whose own journey with the royal family remains a source of fascination and debate worldwide.

As the royal family continues to evolve in the 21st century, titles, traditions, and tensions intertwine in ways that reveal just how complex the institution remains behind the palace gates.