In the lead-up to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 royal wedding, Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly hurt and concerned by the couple’s actions, according to her cousin and longtime confidante.

Confidante Reveals Queen’s Private Feelings

Lady Elizabeth Anson, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 79, shared insight into the Queen’s feelings during an interview with royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith for the Times of London. The interview, published after Anson’s death, painted a picture of royal tensions before Harry and Meghan’s big day at Windsor Castle.

From early on, Anson had misgivings about Meghan, describing her as “nothing but trouble.” She recalled a disagreement involving the Queen, stating that Harry had written to her explaining that he and Meghan were taking a different direction and assured her that his grandmother was “content” with their decisions.

“But when I spoke to the Queen, she said she was not at all content,” Anson said. “Meghan could turn into nothing but trouble. She sees things in a different way.”

Dispute Over Wedding Ceremony Details

One particular issue that troubled the Queen involved the ceremony itself. Anson said the Queen was upset that Harry had asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to officiate their wedding in St. George’s Chapel without first seeking approval from the Dean of Windsor, who holds the authority in such matters.

“Harry thinks the Queen can do what she likes, but that’s not how it works,” Anson explained. “She was genuinely upset. I was shocked to hear how saddened she was.”