Sophie speaks out

Sophie, Countess Of Wessex, Addresses Harry & Meghan's Royal Exit In Rare New Interview

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Meghan Markle

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has opened up about her support for Meghan Markle in a new interview. Read her comments on the royal exit and her experience as a one-time newcomer to the royal family.

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Sophie Wessex knows all about the whirlwind experience that is joining the royal family.

The Countess, who has been married to Prince Edward since 1999, reflected on life in the royal spotlight and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal exit in a new interview with The Sunday Times.

Addressing Harry and Meghan stepping down as senior royals and pursuing a new life in Los Angeles, she said: "I just hope they will be happy."

Sophie, Countess of Wessex on Meghan Markle and the royal family

Sophie went on to tell The Sunday Times that, behind the scenes, the royals are especially welcoming to newcomers.

"We all try to help any new members of the family," the Countess revealed, having been through the experience two decades ago. Her welcome was a success as well, as Sophie is known to share a close bond particularly with the Queen and Duchess Kate.

The 55-year-old royal also acted as a confidant for Meghan while she and Harry resided at Frogmore Cottage in 2019. As People reports, at that time, Sophie empathized with Meghan over the newfound media attention that comes with entering the royal family. The pair also share the background of a middle-class upbringing.

But her experience differed from Meghan's, she clarified in the interview. "Remember, I'd had five years to adjust," she said, referencing the period she dated Prince Edward, youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, prior to their engagement.

"And for our six-month engagement I was even staying at Buckingham Palace. Not that you necessarily know how it will pan out," she added.

On the other hand, Harry and Meghan's wedding was announced a little over a year after their relationship was made known to the public.

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Just two years after their wedding, Harry and Meghan have vacated their royal duties and moved to Los Angeles.

And while reports have suggested that the royal exit has caused various internal rifts, Sophie's comments come as another indicator of acceptance of the Sussexes' new lifestyle.