In the closing years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, a profound sense of sorrow reportedly enveloped Buckingham Palace, largely attributed to the estrangement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The couple’s departure from royal life, infamously referred to as ‘Megxit’ by the media, took on a deeply personal significance for the Queen. According to trusted sources, she had cherished hopes that Harry would visit more often with his son Archie, a wish that ultimately went unfulfilled.
British royal commentator Hilary Fordwich expressed the Queen’s deep pain over the rift with her grandson, stating, “It is unforgivable that Harry was the cause of much heartbreak for Queen Elizabeth II.” She emphasized that the impacts of Harry and Meghan’s decisions marred the Queen’s final years, leaving an indelible scar on the royal family and British nation alike.
Expertise from royal author Katie Nicholl sheds light on the Queen’s emotional turmoil, quoting Lady Elizabeth Anson, a close confidante who passed away in 2020. According to Nicholl, the Queen struggled to comprehend how Harry, a grandchild once devoted to duty and country, could undergo such a drastic transformation that hurt her so profoundly.
The Queen was reportedly devastated when Harry and Meghan abruptly departed the UK following their last official engagement in March 2020. The monarch’s disappointment was exacerbated by her hope to see Archie more frequently, especially after granting the couple the use of Frogmore Cottage, a residence that held sentimental value for her due to its serene gardens.
Concerns for Harry’s well-being were also paramount for the Queen, who wished for continued protection for him amid growing uncertainties. This sentiment of worry extended to the planning of Harry and Meghan’s wedding, which was marked by considerable tension. Nicholl revealed that the Queen was taken aback by the couple’s modern wedding approach, including Meghan’s choice to don white and a veil despite being a divorcée.
The gradual deterioration of the Queen’s bond with Harry, once characterized by shared humor, became increasingly evident after his engagement to Meghan. Many observers noted shifts in the Queen’s demeanor as she became more guarded in her interactions with the couple.
Notably, as the royal family grappled with the repercussions of the couple’s departure, the Queen reportedly lamented that she saw Archie only once or twice prior to her passing. A virtual interaction during a Zoom call fell short of the personal moments she so deeply desired.
The rift between Harry and the royal family has only widened since the Queen’s death, exacerbated by Harry’s memoir, Spare, which has further strained relations. Despite these challenges, Harry recently expressed a longing for reconciliation, stating, “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.”
The future of this reconciliation remains unclear, yet it highlights the enduring hope for unity within the royal family. As the royal family seeks to navigate these intricate relationships, the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II’s deep love for family and duty continues to resonate.