Just four days before her death in September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) made scathing remarks about Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, labeling her marriage to Prince Harry a “total catastrophe.” The comments, disclosed by royal expert Sally Bedell Smith in the ‘Royal Extras’ newsletter, were reportedly shared by the queen during a private conversation with her cousin, Lady Elizabeth Anson, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The revelation sheds light on the monarch’s feelings about the union, which led to Harry and Meghan’s exit from royal duties in 2020. The report reignites discussions about the royal family’s strained relationship with the couple, now living in the United States with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
Sally Bedell Smith, a journalist with close ties to royal sources, provided details of the queen’s critical remarks. According to her, Elizabeth II expressed sorrow over Harry’s “disrespectful” behavior during preparations for his 2018 wedding to Meghan. The monarch’s blunt assessment of the marriage came in her final days, as she reflected on the challenges facing the royal family.
- Key points from the conversation:
- Elizabeth II was saddened by Harry’s attitude in pre-wedding meetings.
- The queen saw the couple’s actions as disruptive to the monarchy.
- The remarks were made privately, with only a few people present.
Lady Elizabeth Anson’s account, passed to Smith through trusted sources, has stirred attention. Published in July 2025, the report offers a rare glimpse into Elizabeth II’s thoughts in her final moments, underscoring the weight of her words at a vulnerable time.
Background of Elizabeth II’s ties with Harry and Meghan
The relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Harry and Meghan was a mix of public support and private tension. When their engagement was announced in 2017, the queen expressed joy, but concerns reportedly emerged behind closed doors. The couple’s wedding in May 2018 at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, was a global spectacle, yet their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, dubbed “Megxit,” shook the monarchy.
Sources close to the royal family suggest Elizabeth II tried to remain impartial, but the couple’s move to the United States and deals with companies like Netflix sparked unease. Their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they raised issues of racism within the royal family, further strained relations. Known for her reserve, the queen rarely voiced personal views publicly, making Anson’s account particularly striking.
Sally Bedell Smith emphasized that Elizabeth II viewed the marriage as a turning point. During an informal dinner at Balmoral, the queen reportedly shared her thoughts with a small group, including her cousin. The word “catastrophe” captures the depth of her disappointment with the marriage’s fallout.
Lady Elizabeth Anson’s account
Lady Elizabeth Anson, a longtime confidante of the queen, was the primary source of the story. According to Smith, Anson described the Balmoral conversation as a rare moment of candor. With her health declining, Elizabeth II reflected on the monarchy’s recent struggles, including the impact of Harry and Meghan’s departure.
The exchange took place during pre-dinner drinks, a Balmoral tradition where the queen engaged with close guests. Anson noted that Elizabeth II expressed frustration with how Harry and Meghan handled their exit from royal life. The queen also highlighted the emotional toll of her grandson’s decision, given their once-close bond.
- Details from Anson’s account:
- The queen observed Meghan closely and formed a firm opinion.
- Elizabeth II mourned Harry’s withdrawal from active royal duties.
- The monarch saw the marriage as a strategic misstep for the family.
Though Anson passed away in 2020, her words were preserved by those close to her and shared with Smith. The journalist, known for her royal biographies, vouched for the source’s reliability, but Buckingham Palace has not addressed the report.
Harry and Meghan’s path post-marriage
Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding was initially hailed as a step toward modernizing the monarchy. Meghan, an American actress of African descent, brought diversity to the royal family. However, intense media scrutiny and internal conflicts prompted their exit from royal duties in January 2020.
The couple settled in Montecito, California, where they raise their children, Archie (born 2019) and Lilibet (born 2021). Naming their daughter after the queen’s childhood nickname was a tribute, though reports suggest Elizabeth II was not fully consulted, sparking minor controversy.
Through their Archewell foundation, Harry and Meghan focus on philanthropy and media projects. Deals with Spotify and Netflix produced documentaries and podcasts, but critics argue they capitalize on their royal ties. Harry’s 2023 memoir, “Spare,” detailed rifts with his brother, Prince William, and father, King Charles III, deepening the family divide.
Public response to Smith’s report
The ‘Royal Extras’ newsletter sparked immediate reactions. Royal watchers and commentators are split, with some viewing Elizabeth II’s criticisms as valid and others defending Meghan, citing racism and media pressure as reasons for the couple’s departure.
Harry and Meghan’s representatives have not commented on the report. Their silence, consistent since “Spare,” suggests a focus on privacy. Buckingham Palace, as is customary, issued no statement, leaving the story unchallenged officially.
The lack of rebuttal fuels speculation. Some see it as tacit confirmation of the report’s accuracy, while others view it as a royal strategy to avoid further controversy. Sally Bedell Smith’s credibility as a royal journalist remains intact, lending weight to her account.
Balmoral: the setting of the queen’s final thoughts
Balmoral Castle, where Elizabeth II spent her last days, was a cherished retreat. Nestled in Scotland’s Highlands, it hosted family vacations and moments of reflection. In 2022, despite her frail health, the queen welcomed guests and fulfilled duties at the estate.
The conversation Anson described occurred in an intimate setting, with the queen surrounded by trusted confidants. Balmoral’s significance as a place of personal and royal milestones, including the 2020 approval of Harry and Meghan’s exit, adds depth to the queen’s remarks.
- Balmoral’s role:
- A personal haven for the queen for decades.
- A venue for family gatherings and key decisions.
- The site of Elizabeth II’s death on September 8, 2022.
The ripple effects of ‘Megxit’
Harry and Meghan’s 2020 exit was one of the greatest challenges of Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign. Citing lack of support and media pressure, the couple sought independence. The queen, in a statement at the time, expressed reluctant support but hoped they would retain some royal roles, which they did not.
The decision shifted responsibilities to other royals, like William and Kate Middleton, and dented the monarchy’s image amid allegations of racism and neglect. Smith’s report suggests Elizabeth II saw ‘Megxit’ as a personal and institutional failure, with her final words reflecting unresolved tensions.
Meghan Markle’s public image
Meghan remains a polarizing figure. To some, she represents defiance against the monarchy’s rigid traditions. To others, her media ventures and exit are seen as self-serving. Elizabeth II’s private criticisms, now public, bolster narratives of royal disapproval.
At 44 in 2025, Meghan focuses on social causes like gender equality and mental health. Her relationship with the royal family, however, remains distant. Harry has sought reconciliation, but reports indicate little progress.
Elizabeth II’s legacy and final words
Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign was defined by stability and discretion. Her reported criticisms of Meghan, revealed after her death, contrast with her public neutrality. Smith’s account humanizes the queen, portraying her as a grandmother concerned for her family and the monarchy’s future.
The Balmoral conversation, one of the last records of her personal views, adds complexity to her legacy. As Harry and Meghan build their lives in the U.S., the queen’s words linger as a reminder of the tensions that marked her final years.
