What Queen Elizabeth II Really Thought of Meghan Markle, According to Her Confidante

Queen Elizabeth II’s relationship with Meghan Markle was a subject of much speculation during the Duchess of Sussex’s time as a working royal. Now, details are emerging from those who were closest to the late monarch, offering insight into her private feelings. Lady Elizabeth Anson, a first cousin and close confidante of the Queen, shared her observations with royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, revealing the Queen’s initial impressions and later reservations about Meghan Markle.

Early Impressions: “Poised, Natural, Intelligent”

In late 2017, following the announcement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement, Lady Elizabeth Anson shared her initial assessment of the future Duchess. According to Bedell Smith, Anson viewed Meghan as “poised, very natural, intelligent and thoughtful.” The Times reports that Anson too noted a “very loving connection” between the couple, adding that “Meghan is clearly brighter than Harry, but she has to be careful not to overshadow him.”

A Wedding Snub and Growing Concerns

As wedding plans progressed in early 2018, the Queen offered Lady Anson’s assistance to Harry and Meghan. However, Meghan declined the offer, stating that her own arrangements were sufficient. Hello Magazine reports that this decision was perceived as a slight by the Queen. Anson reportedly told Bedell Smith that this exchange “hurt more than you can believe.”

Harry’s Conduct and a Strained Relationship

Beyond the wedding arrangements, Anson also revealed that the Queen was troubled by Prince Harry’s behavior leading up to the wedding. Vanity Fair reports that Harry was “rude” to his grandmother during a meeting before the nuptials, leading the Queen to have reservations about his fiancée. According to Anson, the “jury was out” on whether the Queen liked Meghan.

A “Blown” Relationship

Anson believed that Prince Harry “blew” his relationship with his grandmother. Whereas Lady Elizabeth Anson passed away in November 2020, taking many of her stories to the grave, her insights offer a rare glimpse into the Queen’s private thoughts about one of the most talked-about royal relationships.

Lady Elizabeth Anson: A Lifelong Royal Confidante

Lady Elizabeth Anson, a professional party planner, had a close relationship with the Queen for over six decades. She organized numerous royal events, including the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations and the 70th wedding anniversary of the Queen and Prince Philip. The Times notes that Anson was a great-niece of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and a goddaughter of King George VI, solidifying her position within the royal circle.