Sophie of Wessex has shed light on the experience of menopause with a refreshing perspective that we rarely see from any royal.
The Countess took part in a video call to discuss topics pertaining to women and fertility, and with it, a shared moment of understanding between women.
Sophie joined a video call with the Wellbeing of Women Chair Professor Dame Lesley Regan, where they spoke candidly about pregnancy, menstruation and menopause in a personal, yet very relatable way.
Joining the chat was Sarah Jane Cale who founded the website Positive Menopause.
Sophie told her: “Really we should be celebrating the fact that we don’t have to have periods anymore – it should be a liberation, but it feels like a shackle.”
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“It’s described as something incredibly negative.”
Sophie spoke to two women who champion and support women going through all stages of their fertility.
(Buckingham Palace)She added that menopause does indeed indicate that a woman is getting older, but that’s simply an admittance of fact.
“How much are young girls actually told at the beginning? When we’re told that we’re going to begin our periods, are we told that they’re going to end as well?” Sophie continued.
“We don’t want to have those conversations whilst we are in the zone of being young and having children and everything and then all of a sudden you are going, ‘Oh my god, what’s going on, how did this happen?'”
The Countess opened up about her own experience.
(Buckingham Palace)Sophie is mother to two children, Lady Louise, 17 and James, Viscount Severn, 13.
She has opened up about motherhood and parenting previously, with her relatable nature coming across beautifully during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic when she spoke directly to those feeling overwhelmed by homeschooling children.
“For parents and carers, it can be a daunting time to help our children and young people through this period of uncertainty, but please don’t feel alone. Make use of the resources out there and the fantastic digital communities that are sharing them and supporting them. Stay safe and thinking of you all.”
