Prince William was ‘worried’ about Harry dating Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been married for over six years, but their fairy-tale wedding and whirlwind romance have been overshadowed by family conflict and their decision to leave royal life. Could peace talks ever repair their broken ties with the Royal Family?

In 2016, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met on a blind date in London, set up by a mutual friend. Meghan, who was in town for the Wimbledon tennis tournament, agreed to meet Harry at Soho House. Though the date started off on the wrong foot—Harry was late—it quickly turned into a charming evening.

Harry admitted in their Netflix series Harry & Meghan that he was nervous, describing himself as a “hot, sweaty, red ball of mess.” Meghan, on the other hand, found his honesty endearing, and the pair hit it off.

The couple’s relationship blossomed, starting as a long-distance romance filled with text messages and FaceTime calls. Harry described their connection as “relaxed and easy,” and their love story quickly captured the world’s attention.

Early challenges and family concerns

Despite their happiness, not everyone in the Royal Family was thrilled about Harry’s rapid romance. Prince William, in particular, expressed concerns about the relationship moving too fast. According to Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, authors of Finding Freedom, William told Harry to “take as much time as you need to get to know this girl.”

Harry reportedly bristled at the comment, feeling it implied doubt about Meghan. William was also concerned about Meghan’s motivations, worrying that she might prioritize her public image over the Royal Family’s goals. However, he chose to keep those thoughts largely private.

Meghan and Kate: A missed opportunity for connection

While Meghan hoped to build a close bond with Kate Middleton, the relationship between the two duchesses never developed as she’d envisioned. Meghan reportedly wanted Kate to guide her through the challenges of joining “The Firm,” but Kate’s efforts fell short of Meghan’s expectations.

Authors of Finding Freedom noted that Meghan felt disappointed but didn’t dwell on the lack of camaraderie. Meghan believed their strained relationship stemmed from not spending enough time together.

Two years after their 2018 wedding, Harry and Meghan shocked the world by stepping back from their roles as senior royals. Their move to the United States marked the start of a highly publicized rift with the Royal Family.

In his memoir Spare, Harry shared personal struggles, including an argument with Meghan early in their relationship. After a heated moment, Meghan stood firm, telling Harry she would not tolerate disrespect. That pivotal moment, Harry wrote, helped him recognize the need for therapy and personal growth.

Can the Royal Family reconcile?

Today, relations between Harry, Meghan, and the Royal Family remain strained. Rumors of potential peace talks have circulated, but any reconciliation seems complicated. Royal expert Tom Quinn claims Meghan has two demands: an apology from the Royal Family and an acknowledgment of past grievances.

“Harry would like a reconciliation,” Quinn told the Mirror, “but supports his wife completely. Until she feels that the Royal Family have been sufficiently nice to her, it’s not going to happen.”

Adding to the tension is the couple’s decision not to bring their children, Archie and Lilibet, to the UK, citing concerns over security.

What’s next for the Sussexes and the Royals?

While Prince Harry has expressed a desire to mend ties, Meghan’s perceived “sense of grievance” might hinder progress, according to experts. King Charles is seen as the most likely mediator, but it’s unclear if he can bridge the gap between the Sussexes and the rest of the family.

Will Harry and Meghan ever reconcile with the Royal Family, or has the rift grown too wide to repair? Share your thoughts on this ongoing royal saga!