In November 2017, Prince Harry carefully selected the perfect setting to propose to Meghan Markle, transforming the Walled Garden of Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace into an enchanting haven.
The atmosphere was meticulously arranged, with a soft blanket spread out, electric candles casting a gentle glow, and elegant white flowers adding a touch of romance to the intimate scene. In their 2022 Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, he reflected on the significance of that moment, admitting that he had wanted to propose even earlier. However, he felt it was crucial to first seek the approval of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, which he believed could only be done while he was in the UK.
Before proposing, Harry spent a day engaged in outdoor activities at Sandringham, where he summoned the courage to approach the Queen for her blessing. Royal biographer Ingrid Seward later recounted that neither Prince Charles nor Prince Philip was present during this crucial conversation. As they stood together in a windswept Norfolk field, Harry seized the opportunity while the Queen was collecting dead birds after a day of shooting with her Labradors. With no security personnel around, he realized this was a rare and precious moment to speak with her privately. The Queen’s response was characteristically reserved: "Well then, I suppose I have to say yes." While her words may have seemed understated, it was evident that she had a fondness for Meghan, a sentiment that would play a crucial role in their relationship.
Meghan’s first meeting with the Queen took place over tea at Royal Lodge in Windsor, an encounter that appeared to go well. The Queen was reportedly pleased that her grandson had found someone who could match his intense passions. Lady Elizabeth, one of the Queen’s closest confidants, later revealed that the monarch had high hopes for Meghan and Harry’s future together, particularly in their potential to inspire young people across the Commonwealth. The Queen’s support was significant, especially considering the complex dynamics within the royal family. However, not everyone in the royal circle shared her enthusiasm.
Prince Philip, for instance, remained skeptical of Meghan and drew comparisons between her and Wallis Simpson, the American socialite for whom King Edward VIII had abdicated the throne. His reservations were so strong that he reportedly referred to Meghan by the initials "D.A.," a reference to Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor. This skepticism underscored the generational divide within the royal family and their differing views on marriage and suitability.
When Meghan and Harry finally wed, her choice of wedding attire sparked some controversy. Unlike Wallis Simpson, who had worn pale blue for her second marriage, Meghan opted for a striking white gown designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. The elegant dress featured a bateau neckline, long sleeves, and a flowing floor-length silhouette. However, despite its beauty, it did not escape the Queen’s critical eye. Lady Elizabeth later disclosed that the Queen privately disapproved, remarking that the gown was "too white" for a divorcée remarrying in a church. This comment reflected the Queen’s adherence to royal customs and traditional expectations of decorum.
The Queen also questioned Meghan’s decision to wear a veil, a choice traditionally reserved for first-time brides. Royal author Tom Bower noted that she wondered why Meghan deemed it necessary, given that it was her second marriage. In contrast to Meghan’s extravagant 16-foot veil, adorned with lace representing the floral emblems of all 53 Commonwealth nations, Queen Camilla had opted for a more modest approach during her wedding to King Charles in 2005, foregoing a veil altogether in recognition of royal tradition.
Prince William also harbored concerns about Harry and Meghan’s relationship. Royal expert Tina Brown, in her book The Palace Papers, detailed how William, despite the general approval from the Queen and Prince Charles, remained wary. He feared that Harry was rushing into a serious commitment too quickly, recalling past relationships that had led to emotional turmoil. In his memoir, Spare, Harry recounted that William had warned him about the potential complications of falling for an American actress. This skepticism was not merely a passing remark; it reflected William’s protective instincts and his deep concern for his younger brother’s well-being.
Determined to ensure that Harry was making the right decision, William even enlisted the help of their uncle, Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, to try to persuade Harry to slow down. However, instead of causing Harry to reconsider, the intervention only deepened tensions between the brothers. Royal historian Robert Lacey noted that William struggled to comprehend how Harry could consider marrying someone he had known for less than two years. The rapid pace of their relationship, combined with Harry’s growing estrangement from the royal family, only intensified the rift.
Despite the mounting skepticism from family and friends, Harry ultimately proposed to Meghan in November 2017, just over a year after their first meeting. During their engagement interview with BBC journalist Mishal Husain, Harry described the depth of his emotions, saying, "The fact that I fell in love with Meghan so incredibly quickly was a sort of confirmation to me that everything—all the stars—were aligned. Everything was just perfect. It was this beautiful woman… she just sort of tripped and fell into my life, and I fell into hers." His words encapsulated the whirlwind romance that had blossomed amid the scrutiny of the royal family, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both Harry and Meghan as they prepared to navigate their lives together in the public eye.
