If only Harry and Meghan had taken a page—or even a chapter—from the parenting book of Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie, perhaps we wouldn’t be watching this never-ending spectacle. The couple’s obsession with privacy has been their trademark since day one. Sure, protecting your children is important, but they’ve turned it into an Olympic sport. Meanwhile, Edward and Sophie have managed to raise their children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex, with a balance that could be considered a masterclass in parenting.
The Wessexes skipped giving their children HRH titles, even though they were entitled to them at birth. Sophie explained that they wanted to raise their children with the understanding that they would likely need to work for a living. Imagine that—real-world preparation instead of relying on titles that mean nothing in day-to-day life. Harry and Meghan, on the other hand, quickly slapped "prince" and "princess" on Archie and Lilibet, despite living in California, where “Prince” just sounds like an odd celebrity nickname.
At 18, Edward and Sophie allowed their children to decide whether they wanted to use HRH titles. And guess what? Lady Louise, now 21, has never bothered to use it. James, soon to turn 18, might follow suit. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan couldn’t wait to flaunt those royal titles for their kids, even though they live in a place where they’re essentially irrelevant.
When it comes to public appearances, Louise and James were proudly presented to the public at the hospital steps after their births, just as royals have done for generations. Archie and Lilibet, however, were shrouded in secrecy, fueling wild rumors, including speculation about surrogacy and questions about their very existence. Harry and Meghan’s paranoia about media scrutiny has, ironically, backfired spectacularly.
It’s no secret that Louise was her grandfather Prince Philip’s favorite. She inherited his love of carriage driving and even drove his carriage at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Archie and Lilibet, however, barely spent time with Queen Elizabeth or Prince Philip. Naming Lilibet after the Queen could have been a heartfelt gesture, but it felt like a hollow PR move, particularly after the Oprah interview and the Netflix series.
Louise is currently studying English at St. Andrews, and James has just completed his GCSEs at Radley College. Both have had private schooling, without the public drama. No paparazzi at the school gates, no press meltdowns. Compare that to Meghan’s over-the-top reactions to a potential press pack at her children’s school, and it’s easy to see who’s overcomplicating things.
Sophie is the role model Meghan probably never wanted but desperately needed. She’s classy, grounded, and knows how to handle the media without turning every interaction into a battle. It’s no wonder the Queen suggested Meghan could learn from Sophie. Unfortunately, that advice was likely ignored in favor of another Netflix pitch meeting.
Edward and Sophie’s parenting approach proves that it’s possible to raise children with privacy and dignity while still respecting royal traditions. Louise and James are well-adjusted, relatable, and downright likable—stark contrasts to the mysterious Sussex kids, who have become symbols of their parents’ never-ending feud with everyone.
If Harry and Meghan had followed Edward and Sophie’s lead, they could have avoided the gossip and built a stronger connection between their children and the royal family. Instead, they’ve left Archie and Lilibet in a bizarre limbo, where their titles mean nothing and their privacy means everything—but in the worst possible way.
In the end, the Wessexes are the quiet heroes of royal parenting. They’ve shown that it’s possible to raise children who are private yet present, royal yet relatable. Harry and Meghan? Take notes. Better yet, take a seat—Sophie and Edward have got this covered.
