Prince Harry and the late Queen once shared a close relationship.This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Meghan and Harry pictured with the Queen in 2018 (Image: Getty Images)
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot at St George’s Chapel in Windsor back in May 2018, it was certainly a grand royal affair. Their stunning nuptials took place before they quit their duties with The Firm, with the Royal Family out in full force.
The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex seemed the picture of happiness on their big day, however, behind the scenes, it seems all was not as harmonious as it appeared, with this the start of reported cracks starting to form, writes The Mirror.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward has said that the late Queen Elizabeth was privately “dismayed” by her grandson’s behaviour both before and after his wedding to the Suits actress.
Seward claims that the Queen’s close friend and cousin, Lady Elizabeth Anson, said the Queen was left troubled by Harry’s “high-handed attitude” during that period. This apparently is where it started to do downhill, reportedly leaving their relationship moving forward “badly damaged”.
‘Tiara tantrums and raised voices’
One disagreement came after Meghan’s chosen tiara, the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau, was at the last minute kept from her so she couldn’t access the headpiece for a hair trial. Reports at the time claimed the Queen herself stepped in to calm matters and was not impressed by Harry raising his voice at the Queen’s dresser, Angela Kelly, over the issue.
Prince Harry married Meghan in 2018(Image: Getty Images)
The Queen also reportedly was unsure about Meghan’s choice to wear a white dress and veil, a traditional look usually reserved for brides marrying for the first time. Harry would be Meghan’s second husband as she had previously been married to film producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013.
Elsewhere, Harry was said to have sought special permission to wear his military uniform beard and all despite the Army’s usual policy against facial hair while in dress uniform.
‘Very hurt’
Harry and his grandmother had always shared a close relationship. They even filmed a light-hearted Invictus Games promo together in 2016, showing off their playful dynamic. But they reportedly drifted after Harry and Meghan stepped away from royal duties in 2020.
Meghan Markle with the late Queen(Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Lady Elizabeth Anson told author Katie Nicholl: “I don’t think the Queen ever truly understood Harry’s decision to leave. Turning one’s back on duty is completely alien to the Queen and she has been left very hurt by it all.”
Oprah interview
Things got worse when Harry and Meghan’s headline-making interview with Oprah Winfrey took place in 2021. The couple spoke openly about their grievances with The Firm, including very serious allegations about how the family had handled issues of race.
Meghan recalled: “Concerns and conversations about how dark his [Archie’s] skin would be when he was born. People were concerned with how dark Archie’s skin would be.”
It was during this interview that Harry admitted that despite his love for his brother he was on a very different path to him. He also said both William and King Charles were “trapped” in the institution.
Spared the pain of Spare
The Queen passed away before the publication of Harry’s memoir Spare in 2023, however it’s widely believed it would have been deeply unsettling for her. Especially the revelations including Harry’s drug use, how he lost his virginity in a field behind a pub, and details about family rows including a tense exchange between Meghan and Kate over “baby brain” comments.
The publication of Harry’s book caused further tensions between Harry and the rest of the Royal Family, which in part is why King Charles is claimed not to want to meet with Prince Harry in private. There have been few meetings between the father and son since Harry moved to the US with Meghan.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!
If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.