In her final days at Balmoral Castle, Queen Elizabeth II expressed deep disapproval of Meghan Markle, labeling her marriage to Prince Harry a “complete catastrophe.” The remarks, made just four days before her death on September 8, 2022, were disclosed by royal expert Sally Bedell Smith, based on accounts from the queen’s cousin, Lady Elizabeth Anson. The private conversation, held over drinks before dinner, revealed Elizabeth II’s sorrow over Harry and Meghan’s actions. Published in the ‘Royal Extras’ newsletter, the report reignites discussions about the strained relationship between the British royal family and the couple, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and now reside in the United States.
The rift between Meghan, Harry, and the royal family is well-documented, but the queen’s candid words, shared in such an intimate setting, offer a fresh perspective. Lady Elizabeth Anson, a close confidante, noted that the monarch was particularly upset by Harry’s “disrespectful” behavior before his 2018 wedding to Meghan. The couple’s decision to leave royal life, dubbed “Megxit,” was a turning point for the monarchy, and Elizabeth II’s criticisms suggest lingering frustration that persisted until her final days.
- Key points from the Balmoral conversation:
- The queen observed Meghan “up close” and formed her opinion based on direct interactions.
- She described Harry and Meghan’s union as a “disaster.”
- Harry’s conduct in 2018 was deemed “disrespectful” by Elizabeth II.
Sally Bedell Smith’s revelation, backed by her access to credible royal sources, has sparked renewed interest in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the British monarchy.
Background of Meghan and Harry’s Royal Journey
Meghan Markle’s entry into the royal family began with promise but quickly faced challenges. The 2017 engagement announcement with Prince Harry generated excitement, with Meghan viewed as a modern figure who could refresh the monarchy’s image. However, reports of tensions with other royals, including Kate Middleton and Prince William, surfaced before the 2018 wedding. The ceremony, held at St. George’s Chapel, drew global attention, but Lady Elizabeth Anson’s account suggests the queen already sensed trouble.
Post-wedding, Harry and Meghan took on active royal roles, attending official events and launching the Sussex Royal brand for their charitable work. Yet, relentless scrutiny from the British media, often critical of Meghan, combined with internal conflicts, prompted their bombshell announcement in January 2020 to step back from royal duties. The move stunned the world and elicited a statement from the queen, who expressed support but also regret over their choice.
Elizabeth II’s Final Weeks
By September 2022, Elizabeth II’s health was declining. At 96, the monarch spent her final days at Balmoral, Scotland, surrounded by close family and friends. It was in this private setting that she confided in Lady Elizabeth Anson. According to the cousin, the queen, though frail, remained sharp and unafraid to voice her thoughts on Meghan. Balmoral, a cherished retreat, provided a backdrop for personal reflection, where Elizabeth II felt free to discuss sensitive matters.
The queen’s death on September 8 marked the end of her 70-year reign, the longest in British history. Her final public appearance, two days earlier, was to appoint Liz Truss as prime minister. Even in her last moments, Elizabeth II stayed engaged with royal affairs, including the ongoing situation with Harry and Meghan, who were settled in Montecito, California, with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
Response to Sally Bedell Smith’s Report
The ‘Royal Extras’ newsletter, penned by Sally Bedell Smith, shed light on a previously undisclosed side of Elizabeth II’s views. A respected royal biographer, Smith’s access to reliable sources lends weight to the story. However, the lack of official statements from the royal family’s press office or Harry and Meghan’s representatives leaves the account unconfirmed. Silence is a standard tactic for the monarchy, which avoids fueling controversies.
The revelation has sparked online debates, with social media reflecting divided opinions. Some see the queen’s criticism as evidence of cultural clashes between Meghan, an American with a Hollywood background, and the monarchy’s rigid traditions. Others argue that Elizabeth II, known for her reserve, would only voice such strong disapproval out of deep frustration.
- Details about the newsletter:
- Published in 2025, based on discussions with Lady Elizabeth Anson.
- Highlights previously unreported views of Elizabeth II on Meghan.
- Remains unaddressed by official royal or Sussex representatives.
Harry and Meghan’s Life Post-Megxit
Since stepping away from royal life, Harry and Meghan have built a new chapter in the United States. In Montecito, they raise their children, Archie (born 2019) and Lilibet (born 2021), the latter named in honor of the queen. They established Archewell, a foundation focused on social causes, and secured deals with Netflix and Spotify for content production. While financially successful, their relationship with the royal family remains strained, with few joint public appearances.
The couple’s 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview deepened the divide, with allegations of racism within the royal family and claims of inadequate support for Meghan. Harry’s 2023 memoir, ‘Spare,’ further exposed rifts with William and Charles III. These moments have cemented Harry and Meghan as polarizing figures, celebrated by some and scrutinized by others.
Lady Elizabeth Anson’s Role
Lady Elizabeth Anson, the queen’s cousin, was a discreet yet significant figure in royal circles. Known for her closeness to Elizabeth II, she organized royal events and maintained strong family ties. Though she passed away in 2020, her conversations with Sally Bedell Smith were documented, offering a rare glimpse into the queen’s private thoughts. The trust placed in Anson suggests the Balmoral exchange was a moment of candor, away from public scrutiny.
Anson’s involvement in Harry and Meghan’s wedding gave her unique insight into the couple. Her accounts reinforce the notion that the queen, while publicly supportive of Meghan initially, harbored private reservations.
Public Perception of Meghan Markle
Before becoming a duchess, Meghan was recognized for her role in ‘Suits’ and her advocacy for gender equality. Her integration into the royal family was initially welcomed, but critical British media coverage highlighted alleged disputes with palace staff and other royals. These narratives fueled the couple’s decision to leave royal life.
The disclosure of Elizabeth II’s criticism may bolster the view that Meghan was never fully embraced by the monarchy. Supporters, however, argue she faced bias due to her American roots and African-American heritage, which complicated her acceptance.
- Key milestones in Meghan’s royal journey:
- 2017: Engagement to Harry announced.
- 2018: Wedding at St. George’s Chapel.
- 2020: Stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the U.S.
- 2021: Oprah interview revealed tensions with the royal family.
Elizabeth II’s Legacy and the Modern Monarchy
Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign navigated profound social and political shifts in the United Kingdom. Her ability to keep the monarchy relevant amid crises, from Charles and Diana’s divorce to Megxit, earned widespread respect. Yet, her reported criticism of Meghan reveals that even she held firm opinions on the monarchy’s future.
Under Charles III, the monarchy faces similar challenges, including adapting to a more diverse and questioning society. Harry and Meghan’s estrangement remains a sensitive issue for the Crown, which strives to balance tradition with modernity.
Lack of Official Response
The absence of statements from Harry, Meghan, or the royal family keeps Sally Bedell Smith’s account as a standalone piece in the royal narrative. The monarchy’s silence aligns with its approach to avoiding direct engagement with media controversies. Meanwhile, the story gains traction in tabloids and online platforms, fueling speculation about what transpired at Balmoral.
The ‘Royal Extras’ newsletter offers limited details beyond the queen’s remarks, but their impact is enough to renew interest in the dynamics between Meghan, Harry, and the royals. The account, though credible, remains a fragment of a larger, perhaps forever untold, story.