Was Meghan Markle Asked To Stand On A Separate Balcony Away From The Queen?

The Remembrance Day ceremony was observed in central London on Sunday. The Queen was accompanied by senior Royal family members in Whitehall, who stood by her highness.

Going by the arrangement, the future Queen consorts Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, stood beside Queen Elizabeth II. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, however, was positioned to stand next to Sophie, Countess of Wessex— in a separate balcony.

Royal insiders believe that Prince Edward’s wife, Sophie, holds a special place in the Royal household and the Queen is, reportedly, very fond of her -- all thanks to her “stable ways” and a successful long-lasting marriage to Edward.

Sophie is perceived as a dedicated royal and her stable ways have earned her goodwill. And, if the popular buzz is to be believed, the Queen has appointed her as Meghan’s unofficial mentor. “The Queen likes the idea of Sophie being an unofficial mentor to Meghan,” Royal author and expert Katie Nicholl told Grazia. “Sophie is often at Windsor taking the kids riding on the Queen’s horses and playing at the castle. It’s a quiet lifestyle, very much the kind Harry and Meghan want for their little one,” Nicholl added.

This could be one of the reasons why the Duchess of Sussex was stationed next to Sophie during the Remembrance Day ceremony. Princess Anne’s husband, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, stood alongside the royal ladies in the same balcony at the special service. Given how Meghan, recently, expressed she was struggling amid royal duties and ruthless media scrutiny, Sophie’s presence would have made things easier for Meghan, who has been feeling a tad vulnerable as of late.

The event also marked the first public appearance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle coming face to face with Prince William and Kate Middleton. Prince Harry had made it clear that Prince William and he were on different paths during his explosive ITV documentary on his Africa tour.

It is to be noted that, on Saturday, the couples were seated separately during a special Remembrance event at the Royal Albert Hall. William and Kate occupied the seats next to the Queen, while Harry and Meghan chose to sit on the second row— on the opposite side of the box where William and Kate sat.

The Remembrance Day holds immense significance to both the dukes as they’ve served in the armed forces prior to taking on royal responsibilities.

On the other hand, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set for United States travel later this month for Thanksgiving. This will be followed by a six-week break from royal responsibilities.