A new book claims that Prince Harry didn’t take his grandmother’s advice when it came to marrying Meghan Markle, and that choice may have strained his royal relationships. According to the biography by Hugo Vickers, Queen Elizabeth II suggested that Harry wait a year before tying the knot. But, as we know, Harry went ahead and married Meghan just six months after their engagement.
Vickers notes that the Queen had some reservations about the wedding itself. She apparently wasn’t a fan of Meghan’s dress, calling it “too white” with awkward shoulders, and reportedly told a close aide: “You get on with it. It’s nothing to do with me.” Despite these doubts, Meghan was warmly welcomed into royal life early on. She joined the Queen and the Royal Family at Sandringham for Christmas 2017, attended church services, and was nicknamed “Sparkle” by staff at the estate.
Still, not everyone in the family was convinced Meghan was the right fit. Prince Philip referred to her dryly as “the American,” while Prince William privately advised Harry to take more time before making such a big commitment—advice that contributed to a long-lasting rift between the brothers. Even Prince Charles reportedly echoed a cautionary approach, similar to advice he’d once received from Lord Mountbatten: “Have fun, but don’t marry her.”
The couple’s engagement was announced on November 27, 2017, and they wed six months later at St George’s Chapel, Windsor—a moment many celebrated. But by March 2019, Harry already seemed uneasy during the Commonwealth Day service, and Meghan revealed during a visit to Africa that she was struggling with royal life.
By January 2020, Harry returned from a Canadian holiday hoping to negotiate a “half-in, half-out” arrangement with the Queen, allowing him to remain self-financing while still working with the Royal Family. However, the Queen’s private secretaries, along with Charles and William, weren’t on board. Harry was essentially given an all-or-nothing choice: fully in or fully out. He returned to Canada, stepping back from royal duties, reportedly leaving the Queen unimpressed. She allegedly told a confidante: “And now Harry has opted out, and for what? To be a carer for Archie.”
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the details.
