A recently surfaced letter, purportedly written by the late Queen Elizabeth II, has sparked widespread controversy and debate.
According to reports, the letter allegedly expresses the Queen's profound disappointment with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, whom she reportedly referred to as "traitors" who betrayed both the monarchy and the people she had dedicated her life to serving. While the authenticity of the letter remains unverified, it is claimed to have been drafted by one of the Queen's closest aides, Sir Edward Young.
In the letter, the Queen is said to have conveyed feelings of being "used and exploited" by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. She reportedly accused them of leveraging their royal titles for personal gain, enhancing their fame and fortune at the expense of the royal family's reputation. This revelation has reignited tensions between the Royal Family and the Sussexes, with many royal observers and critics blaming Meghan Markle as the primary instigator of the conflict. The alleged contents suggest that the Queen believed Prince Harry had been manipulated by Meghan, ultimately leading him to turn his back on the Royal Family.
The letter is also said to have highlighted the Queen’s belief that the Sussexes should have retained appropriate security measures, even after stepping down as senior working royals. This detail directly contradicts the Sussexes' narrative that they were unfairly cut off by the palace. This disclosure has intensified the long-standing belief among critics that Meghan Markle was the driving force behind the couple's controversial decisions, including their withdrawal from royal duties and subsequent relocation to the United States.
Royal commentator Emily Andrews has noted that the letter, if genuine, indicates the Queen felt Meghan was orchestrating the couple's actions and using Prince Harry to advance her own agenda, at the cost of the Royal Family's reputation. The Sussexes have not yet issued an official statement regarding the alleged letter. However, their legal team has been active in challenging various decisions made by the British government. Notably, Prince Harry has taken legal action against the Home Office over the decision to reduce his security arrangements after he and Meghan stepped down from their royal roles in February 2020. Though the High Court ruled that the reduction was lawful, the Court of Appeal has agreed to hear his appeal following a direct request from his legal team.
This ongoing legal battle has only added fuel to the fire, with critics accusing the Sussexes of using the legal system to maintain a privileged status and secure taxpayer-funded protection, despite their decision to step away from royal responsibilities. Should the alleged letter prove to be genuine, it could further strain the already fragile relationship between the Sussexes and the Royal Family.
Royal historian David Starky commented that the Queen’s alleged words suggest a deep sense of personal hurt and betrayal, making reconciliation between the two sides even more difficult. Public reaction to the letter has been polarized, with some sympathizing with the Queen and condemning the Sussexes, while others rally behind Prince Harry and Meghan, accusing the Royal Family of mistreatment and unwarranted scrutiny. The ongoing controversy has deepened existing divisions, leaving questions about whether a peaceful resolution is possible.
