Prince William had deep reservations about Meghan Markle’s intentions early in her relationship with Prince Harry, according to royal expert Phil Dampier. These concerns, Dampier claims, contributed to the now well-documented rift between the royal brothers.
In a recent report published by The Sun, Dampier stated that William, the Prince of Wales, believed Meghan may have seen her marriage to Harry as a vehicle to elevate her fame and secure a more prominent public platform.
“I think, unfortunately, that confirms what I’ve been saying or thought for the last few years—that, sadly, Meghan never really had any intention of staying in the Royal Family,” Dampier said.
“She saw [it] as a stepping stone—getting married to Harry… to new fame and fortune,” he continued. “And I think that’s what initially Prince William was concerned about. And that’s why they fell out. And now we are where we are.”
Dampier’s comments follow revelations from journalist and royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, who cited Queen Elizabeth II’s close confidante, Lady Elizabeth Anson. According to Smith, even the late monarch had early concerns about Meghan’s fit within the institution prior to the 2018 royal wedding.
The tensions between William and Harry have been widely reported over the past several years, particularly since Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties in 2020. The Sussexes’ move to California, followed by a series of candid interviews, documentaries, and a memoir by Harry, has only fueled the divide between the brothers.
Royal insiders have long speculated that William’s initial caution regarding Meghan’s role in the family was a contributing factor to the breakdown in their relationship. Dampier’s statements further support the theory that William was wary of how quickly the romance developed and whether Meghan truly understood—or was interested in—royal life.
Since stepping back from their royal roles, Harry and Meghan have pursued various media and philanthropic ventures, including high-profile interviews and deals with streaming platforms. While the couple has stated that their exit was largely driven by issues related to privacy, media pressure, and institutional challenges, critics continue to question their motivations.
Though the royal family has remained mostly silent on the matter publicly, sources suggest reconciliation remains distant. As royal observers continue to assess the fallout from “Megxit,” Dampier’s latest remarks add another layer to the ongoing narrative of suspicion, conflict, and fractured trust within Britain’s most famous family.