Full Breakdown
Queen Elizabeth II's Concerns Over Meghan Markle: A Deep-Dive
4/2/2026, 3:08:58 PM
Early Skepticism of Meghan Markle
Queen Elizabeth II expressed concerns about her grandson Prince Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, from their initial meetings, according to Susan Page's upcoming book, "The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History." A palace aide revealed that the late monarch viewed Markle as an opportunist, noting her adept public relations skills that outpaced the palace's traditional methods. The aide stated, "Her Majesty had become wary of Meghan as an opportunist — was ‘on to her from the start.’"
Family Dynamics and Tensions
Harry and Markle's relationship faced scrutiny from the royal family, particularly due to Markle's background as an American actress. In his memoir "Spare," Harry recounted that family members were surprised by his relationship with Markle, with some harboring doubts about its longevity. Markle herself noted that perceptions of her as an actress influenced the family's judgment. The couple's engagement was announced in November 2017, followed by their marriage in May 2018. However, their decision to step back from royal duties in January 2020 reportedly disappointed the Queen, who remained publicly supportive.
Communication Breakdown
Following Harry and Markle's exit from royal life, communication between Harry and the Queen deteriorated. Writer Hugo Vickers claimed in his book "Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History" that the Queen refused to take Harry's calls without an aide present, indicating the distress caused by the couple's actions. Vickers noted that the Queen's responses during their conversations became monosyllabic, reflecting her emotional hurt. Additionally, she had advised Harry to delay marrying Markle, a suggestion he did not heed.
The Queen's Final Days and Meghan's Absence
In the days leading up to Queen Elizabeth II's death on September 8, 2022, tensions remained high. Tom Bower's book "Betrayal" claimed that Markle was deemed "unwelcome" at Balmoral Castle during the Queen's final moments due to her previous refusals to visit. Charles reportedly found Markle's presence unacceptable, believing that sharing grief with her was unthinkable given her past criticisms of the monarchy.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the Sussexes, including royal insiders and authors, have portrayed Markle as a divisive figure within the royal family. Vickers described the distress the couple caused the Queen in her later years, while Bower's account emphasized the rift between the Sussexes and the royal family. In response, Harry and Markle's representatives accused Bower of fixation and crossing a line in his portrayal of their relationship with the monarchy.
Official Statements & Responses
In public statements, both Harry and Markle have expressed admiration for the Queen. Markle described her as "wonderful," while Harry acknowledged the complexities of his family's dynamics in "Spare." The Queen's official responses to the couple's actions, particularly during the Oprah Winfrey interview, included the statement that "some recollections may vary," reflecting her desire to maintain a level of dignity amid the turmoil.
What's Next
As the royal family continues to navigate the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II's passing, the release of Page's book on April 14, 2023, is anticipated to shed further light on the complexities of the relationships within the monarchy, particularly regarding Harry and Markle's roles.
