Newly released notes from royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith's interviews with Lady Elizabeth Anson, the late Queen Elizabeth II's cousin and trusted aide, offer a fascinating glimpse into the monarch's views on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
According to Lady Elizabeth, the Queen was "not at all content" with the couple's decision to quit royal duties, known as "Megxit."
The notes reveal that the Queen was upset by Harry's behavior, with Lady Elizabeth sharing that Harry was "rude to her for ten minutes."
There were also tensions surrounding Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018, with the Queen reportedly finding Meghan's Givenchy wedding dress "flamboyant" and unsuitable for a divorcee.
Lady Elizabeth told Smith that Meghan "wouldn't tell" the Queen about her wedding dress, which featured an open bateau neckline and three-quarter length sleeves.
The Queen's cousin also revealed that the monarch's feelings towards Meghan were complex, saying "The jury [was] out on whether she likes Meghan."
According to Lady Elizabeth, the Queen was "saddened" by the couple's decision to leave royal duties. "I was shocked when the Queen told me this, how she was so saddened," Lady Elizabeth said.
The Queen regularly confided in Lady Elizabeth, who passed away in November 2020, about her concerns and feelings regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
In recent weeks, there have been hints that the Sussexes may be eyeing a return to the royal family. The inclusion of the titles HRH and the surname Sussex on passport applications for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet has sparked speculation about a possible reconciliation.
Royal reporter Richard Eden suggested that this move could be a hint that the couple is hoping to mend fences and potentially stage a return to the royal fold.
