Backlash over Sophie comment on Oprah's fame

THE Queen’s youngest son Prince Edward and wife Sophie have taken centre stage in a divided Royal Family… and stepped straight into a bitter online war of words.

- Mike Parker

The Earl and Countess of Wessex yesterday gave their first interview as a couple, heralding an elevated role at the heart of The Firm.

But it triggered uproar after Sophie was asked about Harry and Meghan’s controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Sophie was defending the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who reportedly spoke to Oprah at Harry and Meghan’s wedding without realising who she was.

She said of America’s chat queen: “You know, if you’re not into chat shows, there’s no reason why you should know who she is. Certainly not in this country, anyway.”

Her quote was retweeted by the Sussexes’ biographer Omid Scobie, sparking an online storm on both sides of the Atlantic. One poster said: “Wow. That sounds so snooty. Oprah is extremely famous, far more than Sophie is!”