In a royal twist that has everyone talking, Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh is drawing unexpected comparisons to Meghan Markle after rolling up her sleeves for a heartwarming — and hands-on — royal engagement.
During her latest outing, Sophie embraced her inner chef and mentor, joining local schoolchildren in Essex for a charming “Field to Fork” day. But it wasn’t just her participation that caught royal watchers’ attention — it was how closely her approach mirrored Meghan Markle’s signature style.
According to an official royal statement, Sophie visited Barleylands in Essex, where she stepped into the “Kitchen Classroom” and dove into the action. “The Duchess of Edinburgh has visited Barleylands… joining local schoolchildren in the ‘Kitchen Classroom’ for a hands-on ‘Field to Fork’ day,” the statement read.
“Pupils learned how food is grown and makes its way to our plates, before Her Royal Highness rolled up her sleeves to help them make pizza and ice cream,” it added. That’s right — a royal duchess not just observing, but making ice cream and pizza with kids.
To top it all off, Sophie took part in a Bird of Prey experience, even flying a barn owl herself — showing a playful, adventurous side not often seen in more traditional royal engagements.
But it’s the kitchen moment that has people buzzing.
Fans were quick to point out how Sophie’s approach echoed Meghan Markle’s public persona — especially the relatable, down-to-earth vibe she often brings to her brand, As Ever, which centers around cooking, lifestyle, and intimate hosting moments.
Meghan, known for documenting behind-the-scenes cooking clips and her passion for food, has long used culinary moments as a way to connect with people. From her days on the set of Suits to her royal cookbook with the Hubb Community Kitchen, the Duchess of Sussex has made cooking a cornerstone of her public image.
Now, Sophie — the wife of Prince Edward, King Charles’ youngest brother — seems to be adopting a similar tone, and some royal watchers believe it’s no coincidence.
“Watching Sophie in the kitchen with schoolchildren felt like déjà vu,” one fan posted online. “It was very Meghan — warm, casual, and genuinely engaging.”
Whether intentional or not, Sophie’s unexpected channeling of Meghan’s approach signals an evolving style within the royal family — one that values approachability, authenticity, and hands-on engagement over stiff formalities.
And with Meghan’s popularity in certain circles often rooted in that exact relatability, Sophie’s move could be more strategic than it appears. It shows a royal stepping outside the boundaries of traditional protocol and embracing more modern, meaningful interactions.
Critics, however, are already questioning the timing and tone of the event. Some believe the palace may be positioning Sophie as a “safe alternative” to Meghan — someone who can bring similar energy without the perceived controversy. After all, Sophie has long been a quiet but steady figure within the royal family, rarely courting headlines.
But royal insiders insist the Duchess of Edinburgh’s actions were genuine. “She was having a fantastic time,” one source said. “There was laughter, mess, and a lot of enthusiasm. It was exactly the kind of interaction that resonates — especially with kids.”
As the royal family continues to navigate its image in a post-Meghan world, Sophie’s engagement might be a glimpse into a new era of royal relatability — one where sleeves are rolled up, pizza is handmade, and the connection with the public feels real.
Whether it was intentional imitation or just a happy coincidence, one thing’s for sure: Duchess Sophie just served a royal moment that even Meghan might applaud.
