Queen Elizabeth II expressed genuine joy over the marriage of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, marking a momentous occasion that captivated the public’s attention. The grandeur of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding was not just in its ceremony but also in the intricate planning and execution that required the dedication of numerous staff members.
Amid the celebrations, the late Queen’s admiration for the efforts of four young staff members stood out, leading to a remarkable gesture of gratitude from the monarch herself. During the wedding preparations, these staff members encountered an unexpected surprise when they found Queen Elizabeth herself in their presence. This rare encounter was not just a moment of royal acknowledgment but also set the stage for a lavish token of appreciation from the Queen.
According to the Daily Mail’s Richard Eden: “I hear that, a couple of days after he married Meghan Markle, four young troopers were busy brushing down and washing their horses in the stables at Windsor when they suddenly felt someone was watching them.”
In 2018, in recognition of their outstanding service during one of the royal family’s most significant events, these individuals were bestowed with an extravagant gift, a gesture that left them both thrilled and grateful for the unexpected break from their duties. The royal wedding itself was a spectacle of tradition and elegance, with Meghan and Harry being escorted in a horse-drawn carriage pulled by four meticulously selected horses, accompanied by two outriders to complete the procession.
He continued: “She told them ‘I am most happy with my boys on the wedding day. You kept the horses at the right distance from the carriage, and there were no accidents or problems with the horses’.” She allegedly said: “In fact, I’m so pleased with the way you handled the horses that, out of my own purse, I am sending all four of you on holiday to Canada. To stay with the Canadian Mounties.”
This choice underscored the couple’s attention to detail and their adherence to royal traditions. In addition to the acknowledgment of the staff’s efforts, the Queen extended her generosity towards the newlyweds with a significant gift. Meghan and Harry were granted Frogmore Cottage, a royal residence that underwent extensive renovations before the couple moved in April 2019.
This gesture by the Queen was a testament to her support and blessings for their union. However, the narrative took an unexpected turn when, on February 28, 2023, it was reported by The Sun that King Charles had evicted Harry and Meghan from Frogmore Cottage. This decision followed the release of Prince Harry’s revealing memoir, “Spare,” introducing a new chapter in the ongoing dynamics within the royal family.
This development marks a significant shift from the initial warmth and celebration that surrounded the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding, reflecting the complexities and evolving relationships within the British monarchy.
