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.”

Early Doubts About Meghan’s Intentions

In the weeks before the wedding, Anson claimed the Queen was still uncertain about Meghan. “The jury is out on whether she likes Meghan,” she recalled the Queen saying. Anson also expressed her own doubts, suggesting Meghan may have orchestrated the relationship.

“My Jemima”—Anson’s affectionate nickname for the Queen—“was very worried. Harry is besotted and soft when it comes to women. We hope Meghan is genuine, but we’re not convinced she’s truly in love.”

Tensions Within the Royal Family

After the wedding, Anson claimed Meghan began to distance herself and Harry from Prince William and Kate Middleton. According to her, the Queen noticed friction, particularly between Meghan and Kate.

“Meghan, William, and Kate aren’t working well together,” Anson told Bedell Smith. “That’s something the Queen said—especially in regard to the two women. It’s troubling that so many people are questioning if Meghan is the right fit for Harry.”

She went on to say, “The problem is, Harry isn’t particularly strong or bright, and Meghan is both.”

Sussexes’ Departure and Ongoing Debate

Following their marriage, the couple welcomed their son, Archie, in 2019 and stepped down from royal duties the following year, relocating to North America.

While Harry and Meghan have not publicly addressed Anson’s remarks, they have always insisted their relationship with Queen Elizabeth remained warm even after their royal exit. Royal biographer Omid Scobie supported this narrative, telling Entertainment Tonight in 2021 that the Sussexes maintained a good connection with the Queen and Prince Philip.

“We’ve seen Harry speak fondly of them, including during his interview on The Late Late Show with James Corden,” Scobie said.