Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, global interest in her personal views—particularly regarding Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex—has continued to grow. However, much of what circulates in headlines stems from secondhand interpretations, unverified claims, or personal commentary. This article offers a factual, SEO-optimized overview of Queen Elizabeth II’s known public interactions with Meghan Markle and addresses the broader context of their relationship based solely on reputable sources and official communications.
Public Support from the Queen During Meghan’s Entry into the Royal Family
When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in May 2018, the wedding received full royal approval and was hosted at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle—a prominent location traditionally reserved for senior royals. Queen Elizabeth II formally bestowed the title Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the couple on their wedding day, as documented on the Royal Family’s official website. This act signaled the monarch’s institutional support for Meghan’s entry into the family.
In the years following the wedding, Meghan joined the Queen on a number of public engagements. Notably, she accompanied Queen Elizabeth II on a royal visit to Cheshire in June 2018—her first solo appearance with the monarch. According to BBC News and other major outlets, their interactions during this visit appeared positive, with the Queen demonstrating warmth and guidance toward her new granddaughter-in-law.
Departure from Royal Duties and the “Megxit” Transition
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan announced they would be stepping back from their roles as senior working royals. This decision was addressed publicly by Queen Elizabeth II in an official statement, emphasizing that the family supported the couple’s desire for a more independent life, though it involved relinquishing formal royal duties.
The official Sandringham Summit led to a mutual agreement that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would no longer use the “HRH” style, would not receive public funds, and would no longer formally represent the Queen. Buckingham Palace stated that “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family,” reinforcing the Queen’s personal care despite the institutional shift.
This departure marked a turning point in public perception and media coverage, with many narratives speculating on internal family dynamics. However, the Palace never confirmed any personal conflict between Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry’s Memoir and Public Commentary
In his 2023 memoir Spare, Prince Harry referred to his grandmother with deep respect, describing their relationship as close and affectionate. He detailed moments of personal interaction, including private meetings and conversations, but did not attribute any negative statements or actions to her directly.
While the book did reference challenges with royal protocol, household staff, and communication barriers, Queen Elizabeth II was portrayed as understanding and supportive. These reflections aligned with past interviews where both Prince Harry and Meghan expressed admiration for the late Queen’s character and leadership.
Public Engagements and Final Farewells
Queen Elizabeth II continued her public duties until the final months of her life. When she passed away in September 2022, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry returned to the UK for the funeral services held at Westminster Abbey. Meghan joined other members of the Royal Family in mourning, and the couple participated in the national and ceremonial tributes.
The Queen’s death marked a significant moment of unity, albeit brief. According to Sky News and ITV News, Meghan was involved in events including the procession and state funeral. There were no official reports of conflict or controversy between Meghan and other members of the royal family during this period.
The “Lilibet” Naming and Media Coverage
One widely discussed issue in media outlets concerned the naming of Prince Harry and Meghan’s daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, born in June 2021. “Lilibet” was Queen Elizabeth II’s private family nickname, originally used by her father, King George VI.
Following the birth announcement, Buckingham Palace released a brief congratulatory message. However, according to BBC News and The Guardian, there was no public confirmation of whether the Queen had given explicit permission for the use of the name. Some commentators speculated that the use of such a personal nickname may have caused concern, but no official statement from the Queen or Palace supported this claim.
The issue has since been used in speculative articles, but without verified Palace communication, the narrative remains media-driven rather than fact-based.
No Confirmed Evidence of Personal Feud
In the years following Queen Elizabeth’s passing, several unauthorized biographies and opinion-based publications have emerged, offering speculative insights into the Queen’s views on Meghan Markle. Books by authors such as Tom Bower and Ingrid Seward have included personal interpretations or anonymous anecdotes attributed to “sources close to the palace.” However, these accounts are not endorsed or confirmed by the Royal Household and should be viewed with discernment.
Reputable news outlets such as BBC, Sky News, and The Times have consistently emphasized that Queen Elizabeth II never publicly criticized Meghan Markle. In fact, official communications and verified public appearances reflect cordiality and support during her lifetime.
Post-Royal Life of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Since stepping down from royal duties, Meghan and Harry have focused on independent charitable and media ventures in the United States. Their organization, the Archewell Foundation, promotes mental health awareness, gender equity, and community-based initiatives. They have produced content for Netflix and collaborated with publishers and other platforms to share their personal stories and philanthropic goals.
Meghan recently introduced her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and Prince Harry remains involved with Invictus Games Foundation, continuing his work supporting wounded veterans. These endeavors are independent of royal patronages and do not involve representation of the monarchy.
Conclusion: What the Verified Record Shows
The verified record shows that Queen Elizabeth II supported Meghan Markle’s integration into the Royal Family and maintained a respectful and dignified relationship until her death. Public engagements, official statements, and Prince Harry’s own words in Spare reinforce the image of a monarch who prioritized family unity and institutional responsibility.
Speculative claims of a “secret feud” or tension between the Queen and Meghan have not been substantiated by official Palace sources or supported by credible public records. While the departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex created undeniable shifts in royal structure and media coverage, Queen Elizabeth’s personal legacy remains one of grace, diplomacy, and restraint.
As public interest in royal affairs continues, it is vital to rely on official sources and fact-checked reporting when evaluating the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II and her relationship with members of the Royal Family.
Verified Sources:
- The Royal Family Official Website
- BBC News
- Sky News – Royal Updates
- ITV News – The Royals
- The Guardian – UK Royal Family
- UK Parliament – Royal Titles
