The insight that Prince Harry and Meghan might have missed from Duchess Sophie and Edward: Full commitment or nothing as a royal, as they assert, is imperative to the role.
In the world of the British monarchy, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie, have carved out a unique and influential role. They have exemplified a lesson of being "half in, half out" of the Royal Family, balancing their duties as working royals with a modern and less rigid position.
Sophie, known for her commitment and popularity among the public, has made headlines for her relief at no longer having to curtsy to the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. This shift in royal status, following their promotions to Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, has given them a firmer standing within the family hierarchy while allowing them to navigate a space "half in, half out" of traditional royal protocols.
Their balanced approach is reflected in their active involvement in royal duties, charities, and public service, while maintaining a distance from certain strict traditions and controversies faced by more senior royals. This strategic position allows them to support the royal family without the full inflexibility associated with more traditional roles.
Sophie, patron of over 70 charities and undertaking more than 200 engagements annually, demonstrates the possibility of blending respect for tradition with pragmatic adaptation. Her commitment to using her skills without overburdening the organisations she's involved with is a testament to this nuanced position within the royal family.
Their example has not gone unnoticed. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, have taken notice of this lesson, particularly in their decision to either fully commit or step back completely from their royal duties. After announcing their step back in 2020, they chose to relinquish their HRH titles and forge ahead with their independent careers.
Over five years later, the Sussexes are living permanently in the US and no longer officially support the monarchy or Commonwealth. Their initial plan was to balance their time between the United Kingdom and North America, a strategy reminiscent of the approach taken by Prince Edward and Sophie.
The recently-released biography "Sophie: Saving the Royal Family" by Sean Smith delves into the life of the Duchess of Edinburgh and her impact on the Royal Family. The book explores how the experiences of Prince Edward and Sophie have influenced the decisions made by the Sussexes.
In the past, both Edward and Sophie faced criticism and comment on the balance of having separate businesses and being high-profile royals. However, they learned from the late Queen Elizabeth to carry on despite being tired, a lesson that continues to resonate within the royal family today.
In conclusion, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's approach to their roles within the Royal Family serves as a powerful example of how one can balance tradition with pragmatic adaptation, embodying a nuanced position that recognises evolving roles and responsibilities in modern monarchy. Their story offers valuable insights for those navigating the complexities of public service, personal circumstances, and tradition.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie, have demonstrated a balanced approach in their royal duties, blending tradition with modern principles. Sophie's patronage of numerous charities and annual engagements showcases the integration of respect for tradition and pragmatic adaptation.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, have taken note of this approach, emulating the strategy of balancing their time between UK and North America, and either fully committing or stepping back from their royal duties.
The life and impact of the Duchess of Edinburgh are highlighted in the biography "Sophie: Saving the Royal Family" by Sean Smith, a book that explores how her experiences and lessons learned have influenced the decisions made by the Sussexes.
Criticism and commentary about balancing separate businesses and a high-profile royal status have been faced by Edward and Sophie in the past, but they have adopted the late Queen Elizabeth's lesson to persevere despite fatigue, a lesson that still echoes within the royal family today.
Navigating the complexities of public service, personal circumstances, and tradition requires a nuanced position, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's story offers valuable insights for those seeking to maintain balance in their roles within the modern monarchy.
