Meghan Markle’s foray into royal life has always been a topic of vibrant discussion, especially considering her outsider status.
When her relationship with Prince Harry intensified, she met his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who, according to royal biographer Gyles Brandreth, initially offered her some sage advice on embracing her new role within the monarchy.
However, Markle’s direct three-word reply allegedly took the Queen by surprise.
Brandreth, in his book Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, reveals that the Queen’s fondness for Markle led her to personally invite the duchess to her annual Christmas dinner, long before her marriage to Harry.
The Queen recommended that Sophie Wessex, her daughter-in-law, could be a great mentor for Markle.
“Sophie can show you the ropes,” the Queen reportedly said.
But in a moment of brashness, Markle retorted, “I’ve got Harry,” making it clear that she felt no need for guidance from Sophie, who is now the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Sophie, often considered the royal family‘s hidden gem, is married to the Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward.
Brandreth noted that the Queen had anticipated that Meghan would find the transition into royal life a bit rocky at first.
Sophie herself has gone through a similar journey, once comparing her experience to Meghan’s during a candid chat with The Sunday Times.
She disclosed, “I had five years to adjust to this life.
For our six-month engagement, I was even living at Buckingham Palace.
It’s not always clear how things will unfold.”
While Markle’s abrupt response may have left an awkward impression, it’s not uncommon for someone to feel on edge in such monumental situations.
In a previous interview, she described the nerves she felt before meeting the Queen, explaining that her husband reminded her, “It’s not just your grandmother; it’s the Queen.” She even prepared by practicing her curtsy, only for the moment to lead her to execute a deep bow spontaneously, which she blushed about later.
Nonetheless, Markle fondly recalled the Queen’s warmth, reminiscent of her own grandmother’s kindness.
The Queen’s attitude toward Markle shifted after the couple stepped back from royal duties.
Just a month before her passing, during a private gathering at Balmoral, she reportedly expressed her displeasure over Markle using the word “evil” to describe her.
This chilling remark was surprising, given the Queen’s historically forgiving nature.
Reports suggest that she was also displeased when Harry and Meghan chose the name Lilibet for their daughter.
Reflecting on her bond with the late monarch, Markle recently shared her thoughts in an interview with Variety.
She recalled the significance of their first joint engagement in June 2018, during the unveiling of the Mersey Gateway Bridge.
Noting the Queen’s thoughtful outfit in remembrance of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Meghan emphasized how much she cherishes their moments together, articulating that she feels “fortunate” to have shared such a warm rapport with Queen Elizabeth.
Continuing further, Markle remarked, “I remain proud to have enjoyed a lovely connection with the family matriarch.” She highlighted how the Queen’s passing was a trying time for Harry.
Markle expressed her husband’s sense of solace in the notion that his grandmother was now reunited with his grandfather, Prince Philip.
These sentiments come as Meghan continues to set roots in California with her family.
Just recently, she delighted her Instagram followers with a glimpse into their breakfast routine, where she showcased a spread of pancakes, bacon, and fruit with the caption, “For my loves.” In an accompanying video, she enthusiastically prompted her children that it was time for breakfast, providing a glimpse of their home life after royal duties.
Within this context, Meghan has taken a strong stance about her experiences within the royal family, and her dialogue hints at the complexities of her journey.
While she faced challenges upon acclimatizing to royal traditions, it’s evident that each encounter held significant weight, leaving both her and the Queen with lasting memories.
As the narrative surrounding Meghan and the royal family continues to evolve, one can’t help but reflect on the nuanced dynamics that often arise between tradition and modernity in such high-profile settings.
Whether it’s through casual remarks made in private or cherished interactions in public, the impact of these relationships lingers, reminding us of the multifaceted nature of familial bonds within the royal sphere.
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