Prince Harry’s relationship with Meghan Markle continues to spark debate among royal experts, with broadcaster Esther Krakue recently claiming that the Duke of Sussex is “totally whipped” by his wife — a sentiment she says King Charles is fully aware of. In a conversation with royal biographer Phil Dampier, Krakue told The Sun that this dynamic has long been evident to insiders, including courtiers close to the royal family.

Krakue explained that King Charles has reportedly made remarks alluding to Harry’s submissiveness in the relationship. According to her, this view is shared by many within the palace, who believe Meghan’s influence on Harry has been profound since the couple’s relocation to the United States.

Adding to the conversation, Krakue discussed how the late Queen Elizabeth II’s opinion of Meghan shifted over time. Initially, the Queen welcomed the former actress warmly. Like many across the UK, the monarch was said to be impressed by Meghan’s intelligence, poise, and communication skills, traits that came naturally from her acting background. However, this positive outlook began to change after cultural and personal differences surfaced within the royal setup.

Cultural Differences and Behind-The-Scenes Friction
Krakue believes the turning point in Meghan’s relationship with the royals came from what she calls a “clear cultural clash.” While Meghan was initially embraced by the Queen and the public, tensions began to rise after her marriage to Harry, particularly in her dynamic with other royals like Prince William and Kate Middleton. According to royal author Sally Bedell Smith, who interviewed the Queen’s cousin Lady Elizabeth Anson before her passing in 2020, the Queen had growing concerns about Meghan’s role and compatibility with Harry. Anson reportedly said that Meghan’s arrival created unease within the family, especially due to the lack of rapport between Meghan and Kate.

Anson also expressed doubts about Meghan’s intentions and whether her love for Harry was genuine, implying that her entry into the royal family might have been calculated. She reportedly said that Harry was “besotted and weak,” while Meghan came across as someone in control.

Financial Reality Cersus Royal Fantasy
Another source of tension, according to Krakue, may have been Meghan’s perception of Prince Harry’s wealth. She claimed Meghan assumed she was marrying a billionaire but quickly discovered that Harry, while royal, did not possess the financial status she expected. This disappointment, as reported by The Daily Mail and Firstpost, added to her growing disinterest in royal duties and may have contributed to the couple’s eventual departure from official roles.Krakue said that Meghan wasn’t fully prepared — or perhaps even interested — in the responsibilities tied to being a working royal. She suggested that Meghan underestimated the demands and expectations of royal life and that this mismatch eventually led to friction within the royal household and with the British public.Public and Royal Sentiment Aligned
The evolution of the Queen’s opinion of Meghan, as shared by Krakue and Dampier, closely mirrored how the public’s view changed over time. While there was excitement and admiration in the beginning, skepticism grew after the couple’s multiple interviews, public appearances, and their eventual withdrawal from royal duties. Some critics, like Krakue, now argue that Meghan’s motivations may not have been entirely aligned with the values of the institution she married into.

As Prince Harry and Meghan continue to make headlines from their home in the U.S., speculation about their relationship and standing within the royal family remains intense. With growing commentary from insiders and royal experts, the rift within the monarchy appears far from healed.