Late monarch’s private disappointment resurfaces amid signs of possible Sussex return
Newly unearthed notes from royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith have shed light on Queen Elizabeth II’s candid, and at times conflicted, feelings toward Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The revelations come from a series of conversations with the late monarch’s cousin and close confidante, Lady Elizabeth Anson, offering a rare glimpse into the Queen’s personal reactions to the couple’s royal exit and their controversial choices.
According to Lady Elizabeth, the Queen was deeply "saddened" by Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties—a move widely referred to as “Megxit.” More tellingly, the monarch was reportedly taken aback by Harry’s behaviour during a private exchange, with Lady Elizabeth describing the Duke as “rude to her for ten minutes.”
Tensions reportedly began as early as the couple’s 2018 wedding. The Queen allegedly found Meghan’s Givenchy gown “flamboyant” and inappropriate for a divorcée and was displeased that Meghan did not consult her about the design. “The jury [was] out on whether she likes Meghan,” Lady Elizabeth noted, suggesting the Queen’s feelings were never entirely settled.
These reflections, made before Lady Elizabeth’s passing in 2020, highlight how the Queen grappled with Harry and Meghan’s choices—particularly their withdrawal from the royal fold and increasingly public criticism of the monarchy.
The revelations come as new signs hint at a possible shift in the Sussexes’ approach. Reports that passport applications for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet included the HRH title and the surname "Sussex" have sparked speculation that Harry and Meghan may be quietly exploring a path toward reconciliation with the royal family.
Royal commentator Richard Eden suggested the move could reflect a desire to repair ties and leave the door open for a future return—one that would inevitably come under close public and royal scrutiny.
Whether such a return is welcomed remains uncertain, but the Queen’s private reflections serve as a reminder of the emotional complexity behind one of the monarchy’s most talked-about rifts.
