### Queen’s Candid Views on Meghan Markle Uncovered in New Revelations
Fresh perspectives regarding the late Queen Elizabeth II’s disquietude over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s withdrawal from royal duties have come to light in newly released biographical accounts. These insights, drawn from exchanges between esteemed royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith and Lady Elizabeth Anson – herself a close confidante to the Queen – spotlight the personal turmoil that surrounded the “Megxit” controversy.
According to detailed notes published by Smith, Lady Elizabeth confirmed that Queen Elizabeth felt considerable frustration and sorrow during Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their senior royal roles and settle in the United States. “She was not at all content,” Lady Elizabeth stated, giving a rare glimpse into the Queen’s genuine sentiments during the crisis.
Further revelations suggest that tensions did not arise solely from the Sussexes’ move across the Atlantic. Strains reportedly first surfaced during preparations for the royal wedding in 2018. The Duchess of Sussex is said to have kept her wedding dress—a Givenchy creation featuring an open bateau neckline and three-quarter sleeves—a secret from the Queen. According to Lady Elizabeth’s recollections, the Queen found the wedding gown “flamboyant” and felt it was somewhat inappropriate for a divorcee, referencing Meghan’s previous marriage. This minor yet symbolic incident is said to have set the tone for future misunderstandings within the royal household.
Another point of contention surfaced in the lead-up to Harry and Meghan’s controversial departure from the royal family, compelling the Queen to open up to Lady Elizabeth about her disappointment and the emotional burden of their decision. “I was shocked when the Queen told me this, how she was so saddened,” Lady Elizabeth recounted, emphasising that the Queen’s anguish was deeply personal.
Despite these private disclosures, there have been moments of ambiguity regarding the Queen’s feelings towards Meghan Markle herself. Lady Elizabeth, renowned for orchestrating royal events, admitted uncertainty: “The jury [was] out on whether she likes Meghan.” This ambiguous stance reflects both the complexity of royal relationships and the careful discretion with which the Queen navigated sensitive family matters.
The revelations take on additional significance as speculation grows about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s intentions regarding their connection to the Royal Family. Recent developments, such as the appearance of ‘HRH’ titles and the surname Sussex on passport applications for their children—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—have left insiders puzzled. Some observers interpret this move as an olive branch, signalling a potential desire to re-engage with royal life.
Richard Eden, a Royal correspondent for the Daily Mail, reflected on the implications: “The suggestion gives the biggest hint yet that they’re hoping to mend fences.” He went on to pose the broader question of whether Harry and Meghan, having relinquished official roles to build a future in America, now contemplate returning to royal duties via their children’s status.
These candid glimpses into the Queen’s private thoughts unfold against a backdrop of ongoing public debate surrounding the Sussexes’ choices and their broader impact on the monarchy. Royal watchers argue that while official duties and protocols continue, personal dynamics within the Royal Family are perhaps more fragile than they have appeared to the outside world.
The memoirs, based on intimate conversations held just before Lady Elizabeth’s death in late 2020, provide a rare behind-the-scenes look into one of the monarchy’s most turbulent recent chapters. They challenge the perception of royal unity, highlighting instead a family facing difficult, sometimes heartbreaking, decisions in the public eye. As further revelations come to light, the enduring fascination with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s relationship with the institution of monarchy shows little sign of waning.