With Harry and Meghan now spending more time overseas, other senior the spotlight is being shone on other senior royals. Now, in a rare interview Sophie, Countess of Wessex has reflected on her own struggles with adjusting to the limelight, giving a major hint as to why Meghan may have struggled.
Prince Edward’s wife, Sophie Countess of Wessex carried out 236 official engagements in 2019.
The number of royal engagements was not only higher than Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall but also second-in-line to the throne Prince William.
Therefore, the mother-of-two knows just how much of a struggle royal life can be at times.
In a rare interview, the countess spoke out about Harry and Meghan’s decision to leave the UK.
However, she also revealed why Meghan may have struggled being thrust into the spotlight so quickly.
Speaking to The Sunday Times magazine, the countess said she was glad she had enjoyed a long courtship with the Queen’s son before they wed in 1999.
Comparing her relationship with Prince Edward and the press attention that came with it in the early days to Harry and Meghan’s, the mother-of-two said: “Remember I’d had five years to adjust.”
The comment was made while reflecting on how her marriage into the royal family differed to the Duchess of Sussex’s experience – which saw her date Prince Harry for two years before they walked down the aisle in 2018.
The royal mum-of-two continued: “For our six-month engagement I was even staying in Buckingham Palace. Not that you necessarily know how it will pan out.”
Her home of Bagshot Park – where she lives with her husband, Prince Edward and their 16-year-old daughter Lady Louise Windsor as well as son 12-year-old son James, Viscount Severn – is ten miles from the Sussex’s UK home of Frogmore Cottage.
The countess, who is suggested to have become a confidante to the duchess, said: “We all try to help any new member of the family.”
Of the Sussex’s relocation to the United States, the countess said: “I just hope they will be happy.”
The comments come after Meghan and Harry previously opened up about how the intense media spotlight caused them a great deal of struggle in the famous ITV documentary by Tom Bradbury.
Speaking before their decision to leave the Royal Family was made public. Meghan told Bradby it’s a “very real thing to be going through behind the scenes” and replied “yes” when asked if it’s “really been a struggle” and she’s “not really ok”.
Harry and Meghan have since moved to LA with their son Archie, who recently celebrated his first birthday.
Harry flew back to be with his wife just days before the lockdown was announced after completing his final royal engagement in the UK.
The interview with the countess of Wessex highlighted her recent visit to south Sudan, as part of her work against campaigning against sexual violence in conflict.
During the past six years, more than 400,000 people have been killed in the civil war and more than four million have fled their homes – and it is an epicentre of war rape.
According to the United Nations, between January 2018 and January 2020 there were incidents of conflict-related sexual violence involving at least 1,423 victims, including 302 children.
The countess married the monarch’s youngest child – and the only one to never divorce – at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
