Meghan Markle and Prince Harry commanded attention with their return to the U.K. on Aug. 26 after six years away. This comes amid their strained relationship with the Royal Family since their stepping away from the institution in 2020.

However, before this, Meghan had initially managed to warm her way into the hearts of her husband’s family when he had first introduced her when they had begun dating. But she had an extremely awkward first encounter with Harry’s uncle Andrew Mountbatten Windsor during that time, who has since become an outcast from the family following his association with convicted s-x offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Harry recounted the anecdote in his 2023 memoir Spare, in which he recalled taking his then-girlfriend to meet his aunt Sarah Ferguson at her former residence. Andrew, his younger daughter Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank and another friend were also present.

Queen Elizabeth II Was An Unexpected Visitor

The Duke of Sussex added in his memoir that things soon took a more serious turn when everyone learned that the late Queen Elizabeth II was also arriving at the residence.

Describing the entire atmosphere after his grandmother’s arrival, Prince Harry mentioned, “After twenty minutes, Granny announced she had to be going. My uncle Andrew, seated beside her, holding her handbag, began to escort her out. Euge went with her too. Before reaching the door, Granny looked back to say goodbye to Jack, and to Fergie’s friend. She locked eyes with Meg, gave a wave and a warm smile. Bye. Bye. Lovely to meet you, Ma’am, as she dipped into a curtsy again. Everyone flooded into the room after she’d driven away. The whole vibe changed. Euge and Jack were their old selves, and someone suggested drinks.”

However, after his grandmother’s departure, Harry realized that Meghan did not recognize his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. If this was not enough, Meghan Markle mistook the controversial royal for the late Queen’s assistant.

Meghan Markle Didn’t Recognize Andrew

He added, “Everyone complimented Meg on her curtsy. So good! So deep! After a moment, Meg asked me something about the Queen’s assistant. I asked who she was talking about. That man holding the purse. That man who walked her to the door. That wasn’t her assistant. Who was it? That was her second son. Andrew.”

However, in recent times, both the Sussexes and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have been estranged from the Royal Family for different reasons. Andrew was stripped of his Royal titles and duties by his elder brother, King Charles, on Nov. 3, 2026, following his connection to the Epstein scandal.

On the other hand, Harry and Meghan Markle have disassociated themselves from the Royal family and, since then, have made several controversial allegations and remarks in their Netflix series, the Oprah interview, and the Duke’s 2023 memoir, which has only worsened their relationship with the institution.

But their recent return to the U.K. might be hinting at a change in tide. Speculation is rife that the Sussexes might attempt to mend their relationship with the Royal family, although they still remain detached from their former Royal roles.

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