Actress-turned-royal Sophie Winkleman says she was 'welcomed with open arms'
Sophie Winkleman is part of an exclusive club: actresses who've married into royalty.
Like Grace Kelly and Meghan Markle, Winkleman's entry into royal life in 2009 came after she made a name for herself on screen.
RELATED: Royal wedding lookback: Lord Frederick Windsor and Sophie Winkleman
Sophie Winkleman (Lady Frederick Windsor) with husband Lord Frederick Windsor. Getty
In a new interview, the wife of Lord Frederick Windsor — son of the Queen's cousin Prince Michael of Kent — reflects on the reception she got from her famous in-laws.
"I've been incredibly welcomed with open arms by all of them. I haven't had a single negative experience," she tells The Times.
The actress, who has starred in projects including Two and a Half Men and The Chronicles of Narnia, said "everyone" in the monarchy had "looked after" her.
Sophie pictured arriving at Lady Gabriella Windsor's wedding with Prince Harry and Princess Anne. AP
"The Queen's been wonderful, Prince Charles has been wonderful, Prince William's been heaven," she says.
Of her ongoing career, which includes stage, screen and radio work, she adds: "They'd never tell me off at all if I wanted to play some [racy] role."
For a daily dose of 9Honey, sign up here to receive our top stories straight to your inbox
Unlike Sophie, Meghan was forced to retire from acting to take on work as a senior royal. AP
Ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, Meghan Markle retired from her acting work to focus on her royal duties.
However, as a more senior royal, the Duchess of Sussex's professional situation was vastly different to Winkleman's.
As she and her husband — an investment banker — are not 'working royals', Winkleman has been able to continue her career since marrying into the monarchy.
Sophie appeared as Big Suze in popular UK comedy series Peep Show. Channel 4
The two actresses-turned-royals only met "a few times" before Meghan relocated to the US, but Winkleman praised her "admirable energy and focus" in the interview.
The Peep Show star, known officially as Lady Frederick Windsor, is a mum of two girls, Maud and Isabella Windsor.
RELATED: Meghan may do what Grace Kelly never could
Both were among the bridesmaids at their aunty Lady Gabriella Windsor's 2019 wedding.
Sophie with her youngest daughter Isabella. Getty
Maud, who attends school at Thomas's Battersea with Prince George, was also a bridesmaid for Princess Eugenie in 2018, alongside Princess Charlotte.
Though Winkleman is a lesser-known royal, she has appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour and attended various royal weddings.
Most viewed in Royals
Prince George is as tall as his parents as they drop him off for his first day at Eton College
Harry hasn’t spoken to king since return, takes issue with ‘private citizens’ wording
Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly ‘a little surprised’ by King Charles’ letter
Fresh blow for Prince Harry days after King’s letter clarifying his and Meghan’s royal status
