Tensions between Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry before wedding revealed
New claims have emerged about the strained relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry in the lead-up to his 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle.
According to royal author Sally Bedell Smith, the late Queen’s cousin, Lady Elizabeth Anson, shared behind-the-scenes details about the royal family’s concerns regarding the couple’s union.
Lady Anson reportedly told Smith that the Queen was “very worried” about Harry’s decisions regarding the wedding, particularly when he asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to perform the ceremony without consulting the Dean of Windsor first.
This move allegedly “blew” Harry’s relationship with his grandmother, with the Queen feeling “dismayed” and “really upset”.
The Queen’s concerns also extended to Meghan’s behaviour and intentions. Lady Anson claimed that the Queen thought Meghan had “engineered” the relationship with Harry, rather than being genuinely in love.
“Harry is besotted and weak about women,” Lady Anson said. “We hope, but don’t quite think she is in love. We think she engineered it all.”
Despite the tension, Harry and the Queen reportedly “patched things up” after he shared more details about his wedding plans with her. However, concerns about Meghan’s suitability for Harry persisted, with Lady Anson warning that “it’s worrying that so many people are questioning whether Meghan is right for Harry. The problem, bless his heart, is that Harry is neither bright nor strong, and she is both.”
The story also highlights the rocky start to Meghan’s relationship with Kate Middleton, particularly over a disagreement about bridesmaids’ dresses before the wedding.
The Queen was reportedly worried about the relationship between Meghan, Kate, and Prince William, fearing they wouldn’t be able to work together effectively.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been contacted for comment, with a source close to the couple dismissing the claims as “just gossip.”