Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been married for over six years, with their lavish wedding in May 2018 capturing the world’s attention. However, the early days of their marriage were followed by challenges that led them to step away from royal life just two years later. Once seen as a couple with a close relationship with the royal family, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, their bond with the UK royal family has since deteriorated.
The Early Days of Their Relationship
The couple’s relationship began in 2016, when a friend of Meghan’s set them up on a blind date. According to Meghan, their first meeting took place during the Wimbledon tennis tournament in London, where the two arranged to meet for dinner. Though the date started off with some tension due to Harry’s late arrival, they quickly connected. “I was panicking, I was freaking out,” Harry admitted about his tardiness, while Meghan recalled him being “genuinely so embarrassed.” Despite the awkward beginning, they hit it off, and the connection was strong enough for Meghan to relocate to the UK to be with Harry soon after.
Their relationship quickly developed, but not everyone in Harry’s circle was thrilled with how fast things were moving. Prince William, in particular, expressed concerns about Harry rushing into things with Meghan. According to royal author Omid Scobie, William urged Harry to take his time and not be “blindsided by lust.” This advice, though well-meaning, caused tension between the brothers, with Harry feeling frustrated by the suggestion and the language William used.
Their Early Struggles and a Turning Point
Despite the challenges, Harry and Meghan’s relationship grew stronger, though it was not without its bumps. In his memoir Spare, Harry detailed an argument with Meghan in 2016, where he became disproportionately angry during a conversation. Meghan, calm and composed, stood her ground, telling Harry she would never tolerate being spoken to disrespectfully. “Where did you ever hear a man speak like that to a woman?” she asked him. This conversation marked a turning point for Harry, who acknowledged the need for therapy and help in managing his anger.
As Harry reflected on the incident, he realized that his behavior stemmed from deeper issues, not from the conversation itself. Meghan encouraged him to seek help again, leading to a significant shift in Harry’s emotional journey. This incident revealed the couple’s commitment to understanding and supporting each other, laying the groundwork for their future together.
Prince William’s Concerns and Meghan’s Introduction to the Royal Family
When Meghan was first introduced to the royal family, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, things started off well. Meghan was nervous about meeting William, expecting tension due to the royal family’s scrutiny of potential suitors. However, William put her at ease by remarking, “I was looking forward to meeting the girl who has put that silly grin on my brother’s face.” Despite this positive interaction, William privately voiced concerns about the speed of Harry and Meghan’s relationship, worrying that Harry might not be fully aware of the potential pitfalls.
William, according to Finding Freedom authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, felt that Meghan might be more focused on her own progression and public profile rather than the royal family’s collective goals. Although William never openly shared these concerns with Harry, they were reportedly expressed to his aides, showing the complexities of navigating the personal and public sides of the royal family’s expectations.
Strained Relationships with Kate Middleton and the Royal Family
Meghan’s relationship with Kate Middleton was also strained. Meghan had hoped that Kate would offer guidance, especially given their shared role as members of the royal family. However, according to Finding Freedom, Kate did not make an effort to welcome Meghan in the way Meghan had hoped. This lack of connection left Meghan disappointed, though she didn’t dwell on it. Instead, she wished Kate had checked in with her during difficult times, especially with the intense press coverage she faced.
As the tension between Meghan and the royal family continued to grow, Meghan and Harry decided to step away from their roles as senior members of the royal family. Their decision to focus on their family and well-being led them to relocate to the United States. However, the relationship with the royal family remained fraught, and the possibility of reconciliation seemed distant.
The Current State of Affairs and Meghan’s Conditions for Reconciliation
The relationship between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the royal family has deteriorated significantly. Speculation about potential peace talks has surfaced, with Prince Harry reportedly open to the idea of reconciliation. However, sources close to the couple suggest that Meghan has two key demands before she would consider any sit-down with the royal family: a public apology and a recognition of the past wrongs she believes she has endured. Meghan’s “sense of grievance,” according to royal expert Tom Quinn, is preventing any meaningful resolution.
Despite Harry’s desire for a reconciliation, he fully supports Meghan’s stance. The couple has made it clear that they would not bring their children to the UK unless they are assured of proper protection, making any potential reunion even more complicated. With Meghan’s firm position, it seems that a resolution, if it ever happens, is still a long way off.
