Late Monarch Reportedly ‘Upset’ Over Prince’s ‘High-Handed Attitude’ Before 2018 Ceremony
What appeared to be a flawless royal wedding in 2018 masked serious behind-the-scenes tensions between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and palace officials—culminating in a rare intervention by Queen Elizabeth II, according to royal biographers.
In The Palace Papers, author Tina Brown described the lead-up to the wedding as chaotic, with palace staff overwhelmed by what insiders labelled constant demands from the Sussexes. Two major points of contention reportedly stood out: Meghan’s tiara and the bridesmaid dresses.
Meghan is said to have clashed with the Queen’s trusted dresser and advisor, Angela Kelly, over access to the chosen tiara ahead of the ceremony. When Meghan’s request to remove the tiara from storage for a hair trial was denied, tensions flared—prompting the Queen to step in directly.
According to The Times, the monarch told Harry, “Meghan cannot have whatever she wants. She gets the tiara she’s given by me.”
During wedding rehearsals, Harry allegedly snapped at staff, declaring, “What Meghan wants, Meghan gets.” The remark reportedly led to a private meeting between Harry and the Queen.
Royal commentator Ingrid Seward later revealed that Lady Elizabeth Anson, the Queen’s cousin and close confidante, said the monarch had been “upset” with Harry’s approach before and after the wedding—particularly over the tiara dispute.
Adding to the strain, a separate disagreement reportedly occurred between Meghan and Catherine over Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress, further deepening tensions ahead of the high-profile nuptials.
