Queen Elizabeth II’s Reported Distress Over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding Plans

Reports suggest that Queen Elizabeth II experienced significant emotional strain in the period leading up to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018. A close confidante of the late monarch revealed that the Queen felt excluded from the planning process, sparking tensions within the royal family that would later contribute to broader challenges.

Lady Elizabeth “Lisa” Anson, a long-time friend of the Queen, disclosed that Her Majesty felt “very left out” of the arrangements for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s nuptials. This sentiment, according to Anson, led to a period of sadness and frustration for the Queen, who traditionally plays a central role in the orchestration of royal weddings.

“Harry has blown his relationship with his grandmother,” Anson reportedly told biographer Sally Bedell Smith, as documented on Smith’s Royals Extra Substack page. This stark assessment highlights the severity of the rift that developed between the Prince and his grandmother during this time. Read more about the evolving dynamics of the Royal Family on Sally Bedell Smith’s Substack.

Anson recalled a conversation where the Queen expressed her deep upset, stating she was “really upset” and “shocked” by what she perceived as a lack of consideration from Prince Harry. The account details a reported ten-minute period where Harry was described as “rude” to his grandmother. This incident, if accurate, underscores the strain on their relationship during a pivotal moment.

Further complicating matters, Prince Harry reportedly circumvented the Queen by directly approaching the Archbishop of Canterbury to arrange the wedding ceremony. This decision, perceived as a bypass of royal protocol, likely exacerbated the Queen’s feelings of exclusion.

While the Queen’s feelings were demonstrably hurt, Prince Harry attempted to mend fences by “writing her a letter about what was happening” in the days leading up to the wedding. This gesture, though appreciated, seemingly did little to fully repair the damage.

Prior to the couple’s decision to step back as senior royals in 2020, Queen Elizabeth II declined their request to maintain a part-time role within the institution. This refusal signaled a firm stance on the expectations of royal duty and commitment.

During their highly publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Prince Harry addressed the claim that he had “blindsided” the Queen with the announcement of their departure. Watch highlights from the Oprah interview here. “No, I never blindsided my grandmother,” he asserted, emphasizing his respect for the monarch.

In a joint statement released via People magazine, Harry and Meghan explained their decision to transition into a new role, stating, “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.” Read the full statement on People.com.

They further clarified their intention to become financially independent while continuing to support the Queen. In response, Queen Elizabeth II issued a statement acknowledging their desire for a new life, stating, “Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family.”

“My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family,” she continued. “Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the royal family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.”

The evolving relationship between the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continues to be a subject of intense public interest. What lasting impact will these events have on the future of the monarchy? And how will the family navigate the complexities of maintaining both tradition and individual aspirations?

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