Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s marriage has spanned more than six years, with their grand wedding in May 2018 becoming a global spectacle. However, the honeymoon period was short-lived, and in a few years, the couple made the decision to step away from royal duties. What started as a strong bond with Prince William and Kate Middleton soon became strained, leaving their once-close relationships in tatters.
The couple’s journey together began after a blind date in 2016, and things progressed rapidly. Meghan, then an actress, made the bold move to the UK to be with Harry. Despite the quick development of their romance, not everyone in the royal family shared their excitement. Prince William, concerned for his younger brother, advised Harry to take things slow. This suggestion, made with the intention of looking out for Harry’s emotional well-being, did not sit well with the prince.
Harry and Meghan’s First Date and Their Connection
Their first meeting was set up by Meghan’s friend, and though the beginning was a little rocky—Harry was late for their dinner date—the chemistry was undeniable. Meghan describes the evening as “refreshingly fun,” even though Harry was visibly embarrassed about his lateness. Once they spent time together, Meghan felt a deep connection to Harry, and the relationship quickly blossomed.
While their initial connection was long-distance and private, it was marked by late-night phone calls and FaceTime chats that deepened their bond. For both, it felt exciting and easy, with Meghan commenting that the relationship was more relaxed than what people might assume from a royal romance. Despite the physical distance, their emotional connection grew stronger, and they continued their relationship in secret until it was time to go public.
The Challenges of Their Relationship
As with any relationship, Harry and Meghan faced challenges along the way. In his book Spare, Harry recounts an emotional incident in 2016 when he snapped at Meghan during a conversation. The anger came out of nowhere, and Harry realized that his frustration wasn’t due to the conversation itself, but stemmed from deeper, unresolved issues within himself. Meghan responded calmly, expressing that she would not tolerate being spoken to in that way and made it clear that she wouldn’t raise children in an environment filled with anger.
Harry admitted that he needed therapy to address the underlying issues contributing to his behavior, and Meghan encouraged him to try again, understanding the importance of healing. This moment of self-reflection was a pivotal point for the couple, demonstrating that they were both committed to growth and communication.
Prince William’s Concerns About Harry’s Relationship
When Harry and Meghan’s relationship began to heat up, Prince William grew concerned. He felt that the rapid pace at which Harry was moving could lead him to make decisions based on emotions rather than careful thought. William reportedly urged Harry to take his time and get to know Meghan better before making such a significant commitment.
According to Finding Freedom, William expressed his worries privately, but his concerns were also rooted in his desire to protect his younger brother. He did not want Harry to be “blindsided by lust,” as the authors put it, and wanted to ensure that Meghan was genuine in her intentions. While Harry was upset by this advice, it was clear that William was acting out of concern for his brother’s well-being and the impact the relationship would have on Harry’s future.
Meghan and Kate Middleton’s Strained Relationship
Meghan’s relationship with Kate Middleton, initially expected to be a supportive sisterly bond, never flourished as many had hoped. In Finding Freedom, it was revealed that Meghan was disappointed by Kate’s lack of effort to help her navigate the royal family. Meghan had hoped for guidance from Kate as someone who had been through the royal life, but that connection never developed.
The authors suggest that the two women never became close, and Meghan’s sense of isolation only deepened as she struggled with the intense media scrutiny. Meghan was also reportedly hurt that Kate didn’t reach out to her during difficult moments, particularly with the press. Over time, the relationship between the two Duchesses became more strained, and their differences only became more apparent.
The Future of Harry and Meghan’s Relationship with the Royal Family
The once-close ties between the Sussexes and the Royal Family have now been severed. With ongoing rumors of potential peace talks, it’s unclear whether a resolution is in sight. Harry has expressed a desire for reconciliation, but Meghan reportedly has specific demands before she would even consider sitting down with the royals.
Royal expert Tom Quinn suggested that Meghan’s “sense of grievance” is preventing meaningful progress in the relationship. Her insistence on a formal apology from the Royal Family may be a major obstacle to reconciliation, especially considering the family’s reluctance to meet her demands. Additionally, the couple has made it clear that they are unwilling to bring their children to the UK unless they feel the necessary protection is in place.
As time passes, it remains to be seen whether the Sussexes will ever reconcile with the royal family, or if the divide will continue to grow. Regardless, Harry and Meghan’s path will likely continue to be marked by a sense of tension, with the couple’s demands and grievances remaining key factors in any future discussions.
