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Since the announcement of Meghan Markle’s engagement to Prince Harry in 2017, the British royal family harbored serious doubts about the American actress’s intentions. Lady Elizabeth Arson, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II who passed away in 2020, confided to a biographer that the monarchy viewed Meghan as a shrewd figure, possibly driven by motives beyond love. The revelations, published in 2025, expose a climate of distrust that marked Meghan’s entry into the royal family, culminating in the couple’s departure from royal duties in 2020. The wedding, held in May 2018, was a milestone but also the start of tensions that persist today. The royal family, according to Arson, feared that Meghan, described as more intelligent than Harry, could overshadow him and destabilize the monarchy. These long-held insights shed light on the internal dynamics of the British court.
Lady Arson’s conversations with biographer Sally Bedell Smith, recently made public, show that the royal family questioned the authenticity of Meghan’s affection. The noble, known for her closeness to the queen, warned that the former Suits actress seemed to calculate every step to gain global notoriety.
Key points raised by Arson:Meghan was seen as strategic, with goals beyond marriage.Harry, described as less astute, could be overshadowed by his wife.The monarchy feared Meghan would bring instability to the institution.
The release of this information reignites debate about the relationship between Meghan, Harry, and the royal family, especially at a time when the couple lives apart from the monarchy in California with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
Initial impressions of the royal family
The engagement of Harry and Meghan, announced in November 2017, sparked global excitement, but within Buckingham Palace, the mood was one of caution. Lady Arson reported that Meghan, initially charming, began to change her behavior as the wedding approached. The former actress, according to the noble, started displaying traits of self-confidence that unsettled court members. A notable incident involved Meghan’s refusal to share details of the ceremony with Queen Elizabeth II, which caused irritation.
The queen’s cousin, in her conversations, emphasized that the monarchy saw Meghan as a figure who could challenge traditions. This perception was reinforced by comments from other royals who noticed a shift in the bride’s initial charm. Biographer Sally Bedell Smith, upon publishing Arson’s statements, stressed that these impressions were not isolated but shared by various palace insiders.
Príncipe Harry e Maghan – Foto: Lorna Roberts / Shutterstock.comMeghan under scrutiny
Meghan Markle’s intelligence, often praised in her career as an actress and activist, was a point of concern for the royal family. Lady Arson described Harry as someone who, despite his charisma, lacked his wife’s sharpness. This disparity, according to the noble, was seen as a risk, as Meghan could dominate the couple’s decisions.
The monarchy, accustomed to public figures who conform to its rules, found in Meghan an independent personality. Her Hollywood experience and background as a blogger and advocate for social causes contrasted with the expected profile of a duchess. This cultural difference fueled suspicions that Meghan would not adapt to the rigidity of royal life.
Factors that heightened tensions:Meghan’s assertive behavior at official events.Reluctance to follow traditional protocols.Perception that she sought greater media visibility.Cultural differences between her American upbringing and British tradition.The wedding and its controversies
On May 19, 2018, when Harry and Meghan married at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, the day was celebrated as a moment of modernization for the monarchy. The inclusion of multicultural elements, such as a gospel choir and a sermon by American bishop Michael Curry, highlighted Meghan’s influence. However, behind the scenes, the ceremony was also a stage for friction.
Lady Arson noted that Queen Elizabeth II, though present and smiling, was bothered by Meghan’s lack of transparency about aspects of the event. The choice of the dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, was praised, but the wedding’s organization, according to the noble, drew internal criticism for its less conventional approach.
The comparison with Kate Middleton and Prince William’s 2011 wedding is inevitable. Arson described Kate’s ceremony as flawless, with an execution that respected traditions and charmed guests. Kate, according to the noble, showed skill in handling strangers and adapting to her role as a future queen. Meghan, on the other hand, was seen as someone who defied expectations.
Departure from the monarchy
In January 2020, less than two years after their wedding, Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from royal duties. The move, dubbed “Megxit” by the press, shocked the world and intensified criticism of the duchess. Lady Arson, who passed away months later, had already predicted that Meghan could destabilize the monarchy. Her words, revealed now, show that the court anticipated turbulence.
The couple settled in Montecito, California, where they raise Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4. Since then, their actions—such as the 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview and Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare—have exposed tensions with the royal family. Reports of disputes with Charles III and William reinforce the narrative of a deep rift.
Differences with Kate Middleton
While Meghan faced scrutiny, Kate Middleton was often cited as a model of adaptation to the royal family. Lady Arson praised Kate’s demeanor during her wedding to William, highlighting her ability to balance discretion and charisma. The Princess of Wales, according to the noble, earned the trust of the queen and the public without challenging traditions.
This comparison, though unfair in some respects, reflects the monarchy’s expectation for figures who align with its norms. Kate, with her British upbringing and cautious approach, contrasted with Meghan’s independence, shaped by a public career in the United States.
Internal reactions to Meghan
The distrust of Meghan was not limited to Lady Arson. Other royals, according to the biographer, shared the view that the duchess could bring trouble. This perception was fueled by small gestures, such as Meghan’s choice to prioritize privacy over full exposure to the press, which was unusual in the royal context.
The monarchy, according to reports, feared that Meghan would use her platform to promote personal causes rather than dedicate herself solely to royal duties. This concern grew with the launch of the couple’s projects, such as the Archewell Foundation, after their departure from the royal family.
Impact on Harry’s image
Harry, described by Arson as less equipped to handle Meghan’s intelligence, also faced internal criticism. The noble suggested that the prince, though beloved by the public, lacked the strength needed to balance the dynamic with his wife. This view reinforces the narrative that Meghan led the couple’s decisions, particularly in choosing to leave the monarchy.
Biographer Sally Bedell Smith notes that Harry, over the years, has shown loyalty to his wife, even in the face of criticism. His decision to prioritize his family and step away from the royal family was seen as a reflection of Meghan’s influence on his life.
The monarchy’s perspective today
Lady Arson’s revelations come at a time when the British monarchy faces new challenges. With Charles III on the throne and William as heir, the institution seeks to maintain its relevance in a changing world. Harry and Meghan’s departure, though painful, sparked internal reflections on how the royal family handles unconventional figures.
Arson’s accounts show that the monarchy, despite its unified facade, is marked by tensions and disagreements. The distrust of Meghan reflects not only personal biases but also the clash between tradition and modernity.
