Edward and Sophie are seen as ideal figures to step into the space left by Harry and Meghan

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle having stepped away from the royal family five years ago. But royal experts are now speculating that Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, may be stepping up to fill the void.

Earlier this month, the Duchess of Edinburgh joined Prince William for a rare joint engagement at the Royal Cornwall Show.

Their close relationship was widely praised. Sources described the appearance as a “huge success,” reinforcing Sophie’s growing reputation as the monarchy’s “secret weapon.”

Known for her steady dedication, Sophie carried out 257 engagements last year. This made her one of the hardest-working royals of 2024.

Edward and Sophie are seen as ideal figures to step into the space left by Harry and Meghan. (Credit: Cover Images)

Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward could replace Prince Harry in royal family

During a discussion on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, royal commentators debated whether the “House of Edinburgh” could effectively replace the “House of Sussex.”

ITV’s Royal Editor Chris Ship suggested it may not be a “like-for-like” replacement, but rather, a much-needed additional resource for Buckingham Palace.

“Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, now, recently celebrated his 60th birthday, so they’re not spring chickens either,” he noted. “But they are that sort of generation in between William and Kate and the King and Queen.”

Matt Wilkinson, The Sun’s Royal Editor, highlighted the importance of their roles.

“We currently have the King and the Queen, and we have the Waleses. The Yorks are excommunicated. The Sussexes have disappeared. We don’t actually have many working royals. We need Sophie and Edward.”

Royal Correspondent Bronte Coy echoed the sentiment, praising Sophie’s ability to connect with people.

“When you see her out and about engaging with people, it’s always just a really easy thing to watch her do. She does it with such ease. She connects with people so well, and you wonder why we don’t see more from her,” Bronte said.

Bronte added that Edward and Sophie’s age makes them the perfect people to “bridge the gap” between the king and queen and the younger generation.

“You’ve got William and Catherine, who are in their 40s. Then you’ve got the others who are in their 70s. Sophie and Edward are in the middle. People like them, and they work hard.”
Edward and Sophie have been described as well-liked and hard-working. (Credit: Cover Images)

Duchess Sophie – The Firm’s ‘secret weapon’?

With the Wales children still years away from royal duties, experts also floated the idea of gradually introducing Edward and Sophie’s children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, to royal life.

Lady Louise graduates from university this summer. She has previously been described as “one of the cleverest royals on the roster” and another potential “secret weapon” for the family’s future.

Sophie’s increasing role comes at a delicate time for the monarchy.

Both King Charles and Kate Middleton are currently recovering from cancer. Charles is still undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, Kate announced she was in remission earlier this year.

Behind the scenes, Sophie is said to be a source of strength for the Princess of Wales.

Royal biographer Claudia Joseph noted the Duchess and Kate share an “unbreakable bond.” “I’m sure that Sophie has been a tower of strength through Kate’s cancer diagnosis,” she told Fabulous. “They’re incredibly close and live only 11 miles from each other.”

Duchess Sophie’s steady presence, relatable approach, and growing public visibility may well position her as one of the Firm’s most valuable assets.