While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding in 2018 captivated millions around the world, a new report suggests that some decisions behind the scenes may have left Queen Elizabeth II feeling deeply hurt.

According to royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, the late monarch confided in a close friend — Lady Elizabeth Anson — about concerns she had regarding her grandson’s approach to his nuptials. The claims, now resurfacing posthumously, paint a more complex picture of the lead-up to the Sussexes’ big day.

Private Tensions, Public Smiles

Despite the outward pageantry of their May 2018 ceremony at Windsor Castle, sources allege that Prince Harry bypassed some traditional protocols, including input from the Queen’s trusted event planner, Lady Elizabeth. While Lady Elizabeth had met Meghan and described her as “charming”, she reportedly later shared that the couple declined her planning help.

What’s more, Lady Elizabeth claimed Harry had written to her, saying his grandmother was “content” with the decision. However, in a private conversation with the Queen, she revealed the opposite sentiment — that Her Majesty was in fact “not at all content” and “really upset.”

Fractures in Family Dialogue?

The revelations, included in Smith’s latest work, suggest that Harry may have misjudged or miscommunicated the Queen’s stance during a time of high pressure. According to Lady Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth II was shocked by Harry’s directness during a 10-minute exchange and saddened by his refusal to involve her more meaningfully in key wedding decisions — even when it came to discussing the bride’s dress.

The Queen reportedly felt excluded from aspects of the planning process and expressed worry about Meghan’s relationship with the royal family. Lady Elizabeth even suggested the Queen questioned whether the relationship was built on mutual love, or something more calculated.

What This Reveals About Royal Dynamics

While these accounts cannot be independently verified — and representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not commented — they offer a glimpse into the internal strains of one of the world’s most public families.

The reported breakdown in communication highlights how royal traditions, personal boundaries, and generational expectations can collide — even at events meant to celebrate unity.