Meghan Markle is once again facing scrutiny, this time over claims that she used her relationship with Prince Harry as a calculated move to boost her public profile, according to a royal expert. The fresh accusations come from veteran author Sally Smith, who cited remarks allegedly made by the late Lady Elizabeth Anson, a trusted royal confidante and cousin to Queen Elizabeth II.
In a recent interview, royal commentator Phil Dampier weighed in on the claims, sharing details with The Sun that shed light on how Meghan’s role within the Royal Family may have been perceived behind palace walls. Dampier explained that Lady Elizabeth Anson, affectionately referred to as “Liza Shockley” by Smith, had frequent and close contact with Queen Elizabeth II—reportedly speaking with the monarch daily, even during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown.
“And Liza Shockley, as Sally Smith likes to call her, she was speaking to the Queen on a regular basis right up until her death, spoke to her every day, even in lockdown,” Dampier said. According to Dampier, the Queen was initially welcoming of Meghan, viewing her as a refreshing addition to the monarchy.
However, he noted that Her Majesty soon grew concerned about the nature of Meghan and Harry’s relationship. “She remarked that Harry was perhaps a little bit too much in love, was possibly besotted and a bit weak, and being manipulated by Meghan,” Dampier continued.
The royal expert went on to suggest that Meghan never intended to remain a full-time working royal, despite her initial enthusiasm and public appearances. “I think, unfortunately, that confirms what I’ve been saying or thought for the last few years,” he said. “That, sadly, Meghan never really had any intention of staying in the royal family.”
Dampier concluded with a blunt assessment of Meghan’s motives: “She saw as a stepping stone getting married to Harry to new fame and fortune.” These renewed claims come amid ongoing public debate surrounding Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties in 2020 and their subsequent move to California.
Since stepping back, the couple has pursued media ventures, launched a podcast, and signed multi-million-dollar deals with Netflix and Spotify, drawing both praise and criticism. While Meghan’s supporters argue she was unfairly treated by the British press and royal institution, critics continue to question her long-term intentions. As these narratives clash, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain prominent—if polarizing—figures on the global stage.