Queen & Harry: The Year-Long Royal Wedding Delay Explained

Queen Elizabeth II’s Private Doubts About Harry and Meghan’s Wedding Revealed

New revelations suggest the late Queen harbored reservations about the speed of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s romance and certain aspects of their wedding, despite publicly supporting the couple. As a new royal biography surfaces, tensions surrounding the nuptials – from the wedding dress to dietary requests – are coming to light, alongside a firm denial from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex regarding the book’s claims.


James Whatling / MEGA

A Cautious Approach to a Whirlwind Romance

According to author Hugo Vickers, as detailed in a serialization published by the Daily Mail, Queen Elizabeth II privately expressed concerns about the rapid progression of Prince Harry’s relationship with Meghan Markle. The Queen reportedly advised Harry to wait a year before committing to marriage, a suggestion that ultimately went unheeded, with the wedding taking place just over six months after their engagement.

This wasn’t a rejection of Meghan herself, but rather a reflection of the established protocols and traditions surrounding royal marriages. The Queen, having witnessed decades of royal unions, may have foreseen potential challenges arising from a swift commitment. Did the pressure of public scrutiny and the complexities of royal life contribute to her caution?

Disagreements Over Details: Dress, Veil, and Dietary Needs

The Queen’s reservations extended beyond the timeline, encompassing specific details of the wedding itself. Vickers reports that the monarch found Meghan’s wedding gown “too white” and noted its “ungainly shoulders.” Her overall sentiment, according to the account, was a pragmatic “You get on with it. It’s nothing to do with me.”

The Official Royal Wedding Pictures of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
MEGA

Meghan’s choice of a custom Givenchy gown, designed by Clare Waight Keller, was a departure from some traditional royal wedding dresses. The bateau neckline and fitted silhouette were modern and elegant, but seemingly didn’t fully align with the Queen’s aesthetic preferences. Further tension arose over Meghan’s decision to wear a veil, a choice that deviated from precedent, particularly for royal divorcees like Princess Anne and Queen Camilla, who opted for alternative headpieces.

However, Meghan’s veil was far from a simple accessory. It carried profound symbolic weight, featuring embroidered flowers representing all 53 Commonwealth nations – a deliberate and meaningful gesture of inclusivity. This detail, crafted by Waight Keller, underscored Meghan’s commitment to representing a global audience.

Even a pre-wedding food tasting sparked disagreement. Veteran royal biographer Katie Nicholl, in her book “The New Royals,” recounts an incident where Meghan noticed an egg in a planned vegan and macrobiotic dish. When she voiced her concern, the Queen reportedly intervened, stating, “In this family, we don’t speak to people like that,” creating an awkward atmosphere.

Despite these early clashes, Meghan later spoke warmly of the Queen, describing her as the “most shining example” of female leadership following her death in 2022. She recounted her husband Harry’s comforting words, “Now she’s reunited with her husband,” referring to Prince Philip. What does this shift in tone suggest about the evolving relationship between Meghan and the Royal Family?

08-06-2019 England The ceremony of the Trooping the Colour, marking the monarch's official birthday, in London. Queen Elizabeth II Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales Prince Andrew Britain's Princess Beatrice of York Britain's Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Queen Elizabeth II Princess Eugenie of York Lady Louise Windsor, Prince Andrew, Duke of York Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
MEGA

Sussexes Denounce Biography as “Deranged Conspiracy”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have vehemently rejected the claims made in the forthcoming royal biography, dismissing it as a “deranged conspiracy and melodrama.” Excerpts published by The Times allege that Queen Camilla reportedly confided to a friend that Meghan had “brainwashed” Harry and was perceived as a “threat” by Prince William and Kate Middleton.

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex responded sharply, accusing author Tom Bower of allowing criticism to devolve into obsession. They pointed to Bower’s previous statements suggesting the monarchy would be better off without the Sussexes, arguing that his work is based on “elaborate theories” about individuals he has never met. “Those interested in facts will look elsewhere,” the spokesperson stated, “but those seeking deranged conspiracy and melodrama know exactly where to find him.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on visit to Nechells Wellbeing Centre, Birmingham
Mirrorpix / MEGA

Frequently Asked Questions About Queen Elizabeth and Meghan Markle

What were Queen Elizabeth II’s primary concerns regarding Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle?

According to reports, Queen Elizabeth II’s main concerns revolved around the speed of the relationship and certain aspects of the wedding arrangements, including the dress, veil, and even dietary choices. She reportedly favored a more cautious approach.

Did Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth II have a positive relationship despite initial tensions?

Yes, despite reported early clashes, Meghan Markle later spoke very warmly of Queen Elizabeth II, praising her leadership and expressing gratitude for their time together. She described the Queen as a “shining example” of female leadership.

Why did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle criticize the new royal biography?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle strongly denounced the forthcoming biography, dismissing it as filled with “deranged conspiracy and melodrama.” They accused the author of harboring a bias against them and building his narrative on unsubstantiated claims.

What was the significance of Meghan Markle’s wedding veil?

Meghan Markle’s veil was a deliberate symbol of inclusivity, featuring embroidered flowers representing all 53 Commonwealth nations. This design, created by Clare Waight Keller, honored her global audience and represented a modern approach to royal tradition.

How did Princess Eugenie’s wedding compare to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding?

Princess Eugenie’s wedding to Jack Brooksbank was seen as more traditional and less publicly scrutinized compared to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. The Duke of York was reportedly disappointed that Eugenie’s wedding wasn’t televised on major networks.

The Why Queen Elizabeth Reportedly Urged Prince Harry To Wait A Year Before Marrying Meghan Markle first appeared on The Blast.

Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice.

What are your thoughts on the reported tensions surrounding the royal wedding? Do you believe the Sussexes’ criticisms of the new biography are justified?

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