- Queen's relationship with Meghan Markle unveiled
- Rising tensions before royal wedding
- Meghan's departure from royal duties
Queen Elizabeth II's relationship with Meghan Markle began with a warm embrace, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex named their daughter Lilibet in honor of the Queen. The Queen's acceptance of Meghan was evident before the 2018 wedding, when she invited Meghan to Christmas at Sandringham, a gesture not extended to other royal brides-to-be. The Queen's Christmas broadcast in 2017 even hinted at the inclusion of new family members, reflecting her welcoming nature. Meghan fondly recalled her first Christmas at Sandringham, saying, "Oh, my gosh, it's amazing. It's just like a big family, like I always wanted." Courtiers noted that the Queen saw Meghan as a fresh and valuable addition to the monarchy.
Rising tensions before the royal wedding
Despite the initial warmth, tensions surfaced as the wedding approached. The Queen's suggestion that Meghan seek guidance from Sophie, Countess of Wessex, was declined, raising eyebrows. Meghan's choice of a white bridal gown for her second wedding also surprised the Queen. The biggest issue arose over Meghan's handling of royal protocol, particularly concerning a tiara fitting. Harry's memoir, "Spare," recounts a tense interaction with Angela Kelly, the Queen's dresser, which left him uneasy. Nonetheless, the Queen continued to support Meghan, granting her the title of Duchess of Sussex and inviting her on a solo engagement to Chester.
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Meghan's departure and subsequent criticisms
Despite the Queen's efforts, the relationship faced further strain when Meghan and Harry announced their decision to step back from royal duties in January 2020. Meghan's subsequent interview with Oprah Winfrey and the Netflix series "Harry & Meghan" included criticisms of the royal family. Courtiers observed that Meghan's actions seemed to amplify Harry's frustrations about his role within the family. Staff at the Palace perceived Meghan as seeking reasons for discontent, which contrasted with the Queen's attempts to integrate her into the royal fold.
The Queen's genuine efforts to welcome Meghan during her final years were met with challenges. Her Majesty had hoped Meghan would be a positive force within the monarchy, yet the unfolding events left lingering questions about the Sussexes' place in the royal family.
