- Queen's cautious calls with Harry
- Tensions over Harry's marriage to Markle
- Vickers' insights into royal dynamics
Queen Elizabeth II's interactions with Prince Harry were notably cautious following his and Meghan Markle's departure from royal duties in 2020. According to Hugo Vickers, a longtime friend of the royal family, the Queen refused to take Harry's calls without an aide present. This revelation is detailed in Vickers' book, "Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History." The Queen's approach was reportedly due to the distress caused by Harry and Meghan's actions, including their controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey and Harry's memoir, 'Spare.'
Also interesting:
Not happening for now
King Charles’ U.S. Visit: Why Meeting Epstein Victims Is Off the Table
New details emerge
Prince Harry's Flirty Texts with Journalist Revealed in Privacy Trial
Queen's Cautious Calls with Harry
After relocating to California, Harry's communication with his grandmother became strained. Vickers claims that the Queen was "monosyllabic" during their conversations, often responding with simple "yes" or "no" answers. This guardedness extended to her refusal to see Harry and Meghan alone during their visit with their daughter, Princess Lilibet, at the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. Vickers notes that the Queen kept a lady-in-waiting present during these interactions, seeking "moral support and protection."
Tensions Over Harry's Marriage to Markle
Vickers' book also delves into the tensions surrounding Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle. The Queen reportedly advised Harry to wait a year before marrying Markle, a suggestion he did not heed. Vickers writes that the union was met with skepticism within the royal family, with Prince Philip referring to Markle as "The American." Despite this, Harry and Meghan wed in a grand ceremony in May 2018. Vickers adds that the Queen was not a fan of Markle's wedding gown, describing it as "too white and with ungainly shoulders."
Vickers' Insights Into Royal Dynamics
Vickers' account provides a comprehensive look at the Queen's life and the dynamics within the royal family. He highlights the challenges faced by the Queen, including her grandson's estrangement from his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William. Despite the tensions, the Queen maintained her composure and continued her duties until her death in September 2022. Vickers' book offers a glimpse into the complexities of royal relationships and the impact of Harry and Meghan's decisions on the Queen's final years.
