Newly unearthed notes from interviews conducted by royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith with Lady Elizabeth Anson — a close cousin and longtime confidante of Queen Elizabeth II shed fresh light on the late monarch’s true feelings about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from royal duties.
According to the late Lady Elizabeth, the Queen was “not at all content” with Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their royal roles in what became widely known as “Megxit.” The revelations, detailed in Smith’s recently released materials, add further context to one of the most dramatic royal episodes in modern history.
Lady Elizabeth, who died in November 2020, reportedly shared that the Queen was deeply hurt by Harry’s behavior during that time. “Harry was rude to her for ten minutes,” she told Smith, noting a particularly tense exchange between the monarch and her grandson.
The notes also touch on the 2018 royal wedding, revealing that the Queen had concerns about Meghan’s choice of attire. The monarch allegedly found the Givenchy wedding gown “flamboyant” and believed it was inappropriate for someone who had previously been married.
Adding to the tension, Lady Elizabeth stated that Meghan “wouldn’t tell” the Queen about the details of her dress, which featured an open bateau neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves. This lack of communication reportedly contributed to the Queen’s unease.
When asked about the Queen’s personal opinion of Meghan, Lady Elizabeth revealed that her cousin’s feelings were conflicted. “The jury [was] out on whether she likes Meghan,” she said. Still, the monarch was clearly affected by the couple’s decision to leave. “I was shocked when the Queen told me this, how she was so saddened,” Lady Elizabeth recounted.
The Queen, known for her discretion and steady presence, often confided in Lady Elizabeth about private matters, including family dynamics and royal responsibilities. Her reported sadness over Harry and Meghan’s departure underscores the emotional toll it took on the monarch during her later years.
Meanwhile, speculation is mounting about a potential reconciliation between the Sussexes and the royal family. Recent reports noted that the couple used the titles HRH and the surname Sussex in passport applications for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Royal commentator Richard Eden suggested this could indicate a desire to re-establish ties with the monarchy. “It may be a quiet signal that they’re hoping to mend fences,” he said.
Whether a return to royal life is on the horizon remains uncertain, but these newly surfaced insights offer a poignant glimpse into the Queen’s private heartbreak over a family rift that captured global attention.