Relations within the British royal family are once again under public scrutiny. According to recent reports based on a book by royal historian Andrew Lownie, the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, expressed serious doubts about his grandson Prince Harry’s choices. It has come to light that shortly before Harry’s wedding to American actress Meghan Markle, his grandfather gave him a blunt piece of advice, shedding light on the undercurrents within Buckingham Palace.
Philip, known for his candid and sometimes blunt demeanor, reportedly cautioned his grandson, noting that actresses are for dating, not for marrying. This remark, made in a private conversation, reflects the conservative views of the older generation of the Windsors and their cautious attitude towards newcomers from the show business world. While Buckingham Palace traditionally refrains from commenting on such revelations, this information has circulated in the press for years, fueling rumors about Meghan’s difficult acceptance into the royal fold.
An Unequal Union: A View from Buckingham Palace
The romance between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle developed rapidly from the very start, attracting global attention. Their engagement in 2017 and subsequent wedding in 2018 seemed like a modern Cinderella story. Yet, beneath the glossy surface lay deep-rooted conflicts. Prince Philip’s advice, if it indeed took place, was only the tip of the iceberg. It symbolized the clash between two worlds: the centuries-old traditions of the British monarchy and the ambitions of an independent woman from Hollywood.
Interestingly, other sources, notably royal biographer Ingrid Seward, claimed the opposite. According to her, Philip was initially quite friendly and welcoming to Meghan. He understood she was ‘a completely new type’ for the family and showed no open hostility. Perhaps his caution was less about Meghan herself, and more about her profession and public profile, which he felt might bring more trouble than benefit to the monarchy. At the same time, after the wedding ceremony, former royal butler Grant Harrold noted another biting remark from the Duke, who, with barely concealed relief, told the Queen he was glad the event was over.
The wedding, the rift, and the move across the ocean
Despite all concerns, Prince Philip attended his grandson’s wedding. This was truly a remarkable feat, considering he had undergone a major hip operation just six weeks earlier. His determination to walk down the chapel aisle and take his seat showed his dedication to both family and duty, even if he wasn’t thrilled about the event itself. However, this gesture of goodwill could not prevent the looming rift.
Soon after the wedding, tensions began to mount between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and other family members. The situation reached its peak in 2020, when they made the sensational decision to step down from their roles as senior royals and move to North America. Dubbed ‘Megxit’ by the press, the move shocked the monarchy and led to an almost complete break in relations between Harry and his brother William, as well as their father, now King Charles III.
A cold farewell and tentative steps toward peace
The death of Prince Philip in 2021, at the age of 99, became an occasion for a temporary family reunion. Prince Harry flew from the US for his grandfather’s funeral. In his memoir Spare, he described in detail the difficult meeting with his father and brother that took place immediately after the solemn ceremony. According to him, the conversation quickly escalated into a heated argument, and he felt that no one wanted to listen to him. Prince Charles, as Harry recalls, begged his sons not to make his final years a misery.
This meeting did not lead to reconciliation, and the rift between the brothers seemed to only grow wider. However, in recent years, there have been some signs of a thaw, at least in Harry’s relationship with his father. Reports indicated that during one of his recent visits to the UK, Harry met with King Charles. The encounter was described as highly emotional—their first in nearly two years—and offered a faint hope that family bonds might still prove stronger than grievances and disagreements.
Incidentally, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was truly a figure of remarkable stature. Born a prince of Greece and Denmark, he was the grandson of King George I of Greece and great-grandson of King Christian IX of Denmark. His lineage connected him to almost every royal house in Europe, including the Spanish monarchy through shared ancestors such as Queen Victoria. Renouncing his foreign titles to marry the future Queen Elizabeth II, he dedicated his entire life to serving the British Crown. Philip was known for his sharp mind, unique sense of humor, and lifelong passion for the sea, rising to the rank of Commander in the Royal Navy. He established the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to support youth development. His marriage to Elizabeth II lasted over 73 years, making it the longest in British royal history. For the Queen, he was not only a husband but also her mainstay and most trusted advisor throughout her long reign. His passing marked the end of an era for the British nation and the royal family.
