New revelations have surfaced about the emotional toll Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 royal wedding may have taken on Queen Elizabeth II.
Though the ceremony captivated millions worldwide, behind closed doors, it seems the late monarch was quietly heartbroken by one particular encounter.
A Royal Wedding That Broke Traditions
The wedding at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle was a standout event in royal history. From Meghan’s elegant Givenchy dress to their modern vows and a celebrity-studded guest list that included Oprah, the Clooneys, and the Beckhams, the day marked a clear departure from tradition. But despite its polished appearance, tensions may have been brewing behind the scenes.
The Queen’s Desire to Be Involved
According to royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, who spoke with one of Queen Elizabeth’s most trusted confidantes, the monarch had hoped to play a more active role in the wedding preparations. Bedell Smith shared insights from the late Lady Elizabeth Anson, a well-known society party planner and first cousin to the Queen.
Lady Elizabeth claimed that Her Majesty was left deeply disappointed after a failed attempt to engage Meghan in a simple conversation about her dress. “They had tea with her the day before yesterday. She was trying to find out about the wedding dress, and Meghan wouldn’t tell her,” she reportedly said.
A Disheartening Moment for the Monarch
Lady Elizabeth recalled how the Queen had confided in her following the exchange. “She was really upset,” she said. “I was shocked when the Queen told me this, how she was so saddened. I had no idea about the conversation, that he was rude to her for 10 minutes.”
While Meghan was initially described as “full of charm” by Lady Elizabeth, the couple reportedly made it clear early on that they did not want her involved in the wedding planning process — despite her longstanding role as a royal event coordinator.
Conflicting Accounts Over Wedding Decisions
Prince Harry allegedly wrote to Lady Elizabeth to let her know they had chosen to go in a different direction. “He said, ‘I am close to my grandmother, and she is content with this,’” she recalled. But Lady Elizabeth said the Queen later told her otherwise: “She said she is not at all content.”
The lack of communication and differing perceptions appear to have added to the underlying strain between the couple and the monarchy.
Ongoing Royal Tensions
These revelations come at a time when Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the Royal Family remains a topic of public fascination. In the past, Harry has opened up about a physical confrontation with his brother Prince William, reportedly over Meghan. The brothers are believed to have little to no contact at present.
Despite this, Harry has expressed a desire to heal the rift, reportedly hoping to reconcile with both King Charles and Prince William. He is even said to have recently made efforts to extend an olive branch.
Tyla has reached out to Prince Harry’s representatives for comment.