In a rare candid moment, Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh — wife of Prince Edward and a longtime working royal — offered a surprisingly blunt response when asked about Meghan Markle during a recent public engagement, sparking widespread speculation and renewed interest in the tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family.

While attending a charity event in London last week, Sophie, 59, was reportedly approached by a well-meaning attendee who brought up Meghan Markle in conversation, asking whether the Duchess of Edinburgh had spoken to the Duchess of Sussex lately or had any thoughts about her recent media appearances.

According to sources at the event, Sophie smiled politely but replied in a clipped tone:
“I think we all know where we stand now, don’t we?”

The response, while brief, was widely interpreted as a subtle yet unmistakable reference to the ongoing distance — both physical and emotional — between Meghan and the rest of the Royal Family. Witnesses say Sophie’s expression remained composed but firm, signaling that the subject of Meghan may be a sensitive or closed topic within palace circles.

The Windsors’ Quiet Divide

This is not the first time Sophie has been asked about Meghan. The Duchess of Edinburgh has, in the past, taken a diplomatic stance, calling for unity and emphasizing the importance of family. However, royal experts note that her latest remark suggests a shift — perhaps a recognition that the rift between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the family may now be considered irreparable behind palace doors.

Royal commentator Richard Eden described the moment as “deeply revealing” during a segment on Daily Mail TV, stating:

“Sophie is known for her measured and respectful demeanor, so for her to say something like that — even in passing — shows there is likely a deeper frustration under the surface.”

Sophie and Meghan: A Complicated History

Back in 2020, following Harry and Meghan’s bombshell decision to step down as senior royals, it was Sophie who was reportedly encouraged by Queen Elizabeth II to help guide Meghan through the challenges of royal life. The two women were said to have shared occasional private meetings and phone calls in the early days.

In a 2021 interview with The Telegraph, Sophie made headlines by dismissing the Oprah Winfrey interview with Meghan and Harry, stating bluntly:

“Oprah who?”
The comment, though said with a laugh, added to the perception that Sophie may have taken a more traditional view of royal duty, one that contrasted with Meghan’s approach to media and public life.

Despite the strained dynamic, Sophie has maintained a reputation as one of the more grounded and relatable members of the Royal Family. Her work with charities supporting survivors of sexual violence, children’s healthcare, and disability rights has earned her public respect — often without the level of fanfare or controversy surrounding more high-profile royals.

Palace Silence and Public Interest

Kensington and Buckingham Palace have remained silent about the comment, as is typical with informal or offhand royal remarks. But social media lit up over the weekend, with the phrase “We all know where we stand” trending on Twitter and royal fans dissecting the deeper meaning behind Sophie’s words.

Some royal watchers praised Sophie for her honesty.

“Finally, someone said what we’re all thinking,” one user wrote.
Others, however, viewed the comment as unnecessary, suggesting it could further fan the flames of royal division.

What’s Next for the Royal Women?

With King Charles and Princess Kate both facing health challenges in 2025, and Prince William stepping up in their stead, the role of working royals like Sophie has become even more vital. The Duchess of Edinburgh has taken on more public duties and continues to be seen as a stabilizing figure — much like her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, once was.

As for Meghan Markle, she remains in California with Prince Harry and their two children, carving out a new public identity through their Archewell Foundation, media deals, and most recently, a lifestyle brand.

Whether Sophie’s latest remark was a simple moment of fatigue or a carefully chosen phrase meant to draw a line in the sand, one thing is clear — the divide between Meghan and the Royal Family continues to loom large, and the public is still paying close attention to every word.