Royal Drama and Personal Struggles
Another day, another royal book release. This time, the focus is on the late Queen Elizabeth and her grandson, Prince Harry. In his latest biography, Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History, royal historian Hugo Vickers delves into the life of the monarch, exploring both her public persona and private struggles.
The book covers the Queen’s long and enduring marriage to Prince Philip, as well as the challenges she faced with her son, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was later disgraced. However, it also sheds light on Prince Harry’s relationship with the Queen, offering a glimpse into the tensions that arose during his time in the royal family.
The Sussexes’ Exit from the Royal Family
In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the shocking decision to step back from their roles as working members of the royal family. They moved to California, citing a “really difficult environment” as the reason for their departure. This included claims of a lack of institutional support and alleged racism within the royal family.
Following their exit, the couple used the media to share their side of the story. Their 2021 Oprah interview and Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare, which became the fastest-selling non-fiction book ever, generated global attention.
The Queen’s Distress and Protective Measures
According to Vickers, the Queen was deeply affected by the situation. Known for her reserved nature and privacy throughout her 70-year reign, the monarch reportedly refused to speak with her grandson on the phone without a witness present. Vickers wrote that whenever Prince Harry called, the Queen asked her lady-in-waiting to be with her.
“The distress the Sussexes caused the Queen in the last years of her life cannot be overestimated,” he noted. An insider told Page Six that during these calls, the Queen remained “monosyllabic,” responding with only “yes” or “no.”
A Guarded Relationship
The source added that the Queen kept her lady-in-waiting with her for “moral support and protection,” ensuring there was a record of what was said. They concluded that the Queen was “on her guard” with Harry because she was “so hurt by what he had done.”
Vickers also touched on Harry’s decision to move to the US and leave behind his royal duties. He claimed that the Queen “judged” his life choices, reportedly saying, “And now Harry has opted out, and for what? To be a carer for Archie?”
A Growing Family Life
Despite the tensions, it seems that Harry, Meghan, and their children are thriving. Recently, Meghan posted a heartwarming video on Instagram showing Harry and their son, Prince Archie, skiing together. She captioned the footage, “My boys. Quick learner, Archie! So proud.”
Harry and Meghan, who have traditionally kept their personal lives private, have been sharing more glimpses of their family recently. On Valentine’s Day, Meghan posted a photo of Harry and their daughter, Princess Lilibet, wearing a ballet outfit. She captioned it, “These two + Archie = my forever Valentines.”
A month later, on International Women’s Day, Meghan shared a mother-daughter photo of the pair cuddling on the beach. She wrote, “For the woman she will one day be… Happy International Women’s Day.”
