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In her final years, Queen Elizabeth II faced profound sadness after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose to distance themselves from the royal family, a situation described by experts as deeply painful.
The assertion comes from British royal commentator Hilary Fordwich, who pointed out that the monarch had been feeling significantly disheartened even before the couple’s wedding in 2018.
According to Fordwich, it is considered “unforgivable” that Harry contributed to the heartbreak experienced by Queen Elizabeth II. She remarked on the emotional toll it took on the monarch, indicating that those close to her were acutely aware of her distress.
Fordwich stated clearly that the conflict between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family is at the heart of the deep rift that exists. The emotional damage inflicted upon the Queen during her last years remains irreparable, impacting both her family and the nation.
The claims made by Fordwich follow similar sentiments expressed by Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent, who shared insights from her conversations with Lady Elizabeth Anson, a first cousin of the late queen. Anson, who passed away in 2020, had close ties to the royal family and reportedly had candid discussions about the Queen’s feelings.
As Nicholl revealed, the queen was profoundly affected by the distance created by Harry and Meghan, leading her to feel that the close bond she once shared with Harry could not be restored. Anson conveyed the sadness of the situation to Nicholl, indicating that the Queen could not comprehend how her grandson, who once cherished his military career and duty, could have changed so drastically.
The emotional distance grew wider following the couple’s final royal engagement during Commonwealth Day in March 2020, preceding their move to California with their first child, Prince Archie.
Lady Elizabeth Anson recounted that the Queen had hoped to see Archie more frequently, expressing disappointment over their decision to leave the United Kingdom abruptly.
After their wedding, Queen Elizabeth gifted Harry and Meghan Frogmore Cottage, a residence on the grounds of Windsor Castle. This property was intended to provide the couple solitude and privacy; however, the Queen later remarked that she hoped they would respect its significance.
Fordwich emphasized that many close to the Queen regarded the couple’s exit, sometimes referred to as “Megxit,” as one of the darkest periods in her lengthy reign concerning family dynamics. Fordwich claimed the Queen lamented the situation, calling it a “complete catastrophe.”
The Queen had been hopeful that after the Sussexes settled, they would quietly move on with their lives, similar to the situation surrounding her uncle’s abdication. However, her hopes were dashed. She expressed concerns for Harry’s safety, viewing this priority as paramount, despite realizing that the final decision was out of her control.
Issues reportedly began to surface during the wedding planning, where the Queen was surprised by Meghan’s choice to wear white as a divorcée. Nicholl’s book, “The New Royals,” suggested that the Queen was concerned about Meghan’s attire and questioned whether she should wear a veil.
There were reports of friction during the wedding preparations as well, causing the Queen distress. Nicholl claimed Harry and Meghan insisted on following their own desires, breaking from royal traditions, which left the Queen feeling unsettled.
Lady Elizabeth Anson was brought in to help with wedding plans but was reportedly informed her assistance would no longer be needed after meeting Meghan. Nicholl described behind-the-scenes turmoil, including disputes over the tiara Meghan wished to wear.
Harry allegedly told the Queen’s dresser, Angela Kelly, that “what Meghan wants, Meghan gets.” Though Harry later denied making such a statement in his memoir, the tensions persisted beyond the wedding.
Fordwich remarked that the dynamic between the Queen and Harry, once characterized by shared humor, began to deteriorate following Harry’s engagement to Meghan. Observers noted the Queen became more guarded in her interactions with them, indicating a significant shift in their relationship.
Richard Fitzwilliams, another royal expert, asserted that Harry and Meghan’s actions during their last years caused substantial difficulty for the Queen. He noted that the Queen must have felt a deep sense of betrayal from Harry, whom she had always perceived as loyal.
Fitzwilliams elaborated that while Harry and Meghan refrained from openly disparaging the Queen post-departure, criticism of the institution she led was concerning. The Queen’s measured response to conflicts, captured in her phrase “some recollections may vary,” has become part of her legacy.
In a conversation shortly before Anson’s passing, she revealed the Queen was saddened by the limited time spent with Archie. The Queen had only seen her great-grandson a handful of times, and she was taken aback during a Zoom call with Harry.
Helena Chard, a British broadcaster, added that the Queen was reportedly devastated by her grandson and his wife’s departure from the royal fold. Despite her affection for Harry, she harbored concerns about his future and well-being.
Chard noted the Queen valued her bond with Harry, recognizing his vulnerabilities and only wishing the best for him. Initially viewing Meghan as a refreshing presence, the Queen’s outlook changed as she sensed Meghan’s unwillingness to conform to royal expectations.
With her lifelong dedication to service and preserving the monarchy, the Queen’s heart was burdened as she witnessed the turmoil wrought by Harry and Meghan’s choices.
Other authors, such as Sally Bedell Smith, have echoed Anson’s insights and highlighted the Queen’s concern over personal relationships within the family, particularly between Meghan, Kate Middleton, and the evolving dynamic between the brothers.
Following their departure as senior royals, Harry and Meghan settled in Montecito, California, citing invasive media scrutiny and limited support from the palace. The Queen, who served as the longest-reigning monarch, passed away in 2022 at the age of 96.
After stepping back from royal duties, the couple shared grievances through various interviews and documentaries, further straining familial relationships. Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” exacerbated the tension, revealing that he and his brother are not currently on speaking terms.
Harry expressed his desire for reconciliation with his family, reflecting on the need to stop fighting as they navigate their complicated relationship. While the past can create deep wounds, the hope for healing remains a poignant aspiration for the royal family in the future.
