Tensions Revealed in Queen Elizabeth's Call with Prince Harry

Details have emerged about a striking telephone conversation between Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth II, shedding light on the friction between the late monarch and Meghan Markle. The call, made during the pandemic from America, reportedly left the Buckingham Palace operator in an “uncomfortable” situation due to the Queen’s uncharacteristic silence.

According to reports, Prince Harry followed protocol by dialing the Queen’s private number and identifying himself to the switchboard operator. However, when the operator announced Harry’s call to the Queen, she responded with a “stony silence,” a reaction that was both unexpected and memorable.

The revelation comes from new extracts published in a memoir, which suggest the Queen had growing concerns about her grandson, particularly following his marriage to Meghan Markle and their subsequent departure from royal duties. The Daily Mail’s royal columnist, Richard Kay, emphasized the significance of this moment, noting that the Queen’s lack of acknowledgment was a departure from her usual courtesy.

Context and Historical Background

This incident occurred years after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding and their decision to step back from royal responsibilities to begin a new life in the United States. The move, often referred to as “Megxit,” has been a source of ongoing tension within the royal family. It also coincided with a challenging period for Queen Elizabeth II, who was dealing with the declining health of her husband, Prince Philip, who passed away in April 2021 at the age of 99.

Lady Elizabeth Anson, a cousin to the Queen and a renowned party planner, provided additional insights into the Queen’s feelings about the situation. She claimed that the Queen was deeply dissatisfied with the “Megxit” affair and that Prince Harry had been “rude to her for ten minutes” during one of their interactions.

Expert Opinions and Analysis

Royal commentators have suggested that the Queen’s reaction during the phone call was indicative of the broader discord caused by the Sussexes’ departure from royal life. Richard Kay noted that the telephonist’s recollection of the event highlights an exceptional deviation from the Queen’s typical conduct, further underscoring the tensions within the family.

American historian and royal expert, who spoke with one of the Queen’s trusted confidantes, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the Queen’s silence was a reflection of her disappointment and concern over the ongoing situation with Harry and Meghan.

Implications and Future Considerations

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities within the royal family and the challenges faced by its members in balancing personal desires with public duties. As the royal family continues to navigate these dynamics, the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II and her relationship with her grandchildren remains a topic of interest and speculation.

Despite the reported tensions, it is worth noting that Prince Harry shared a close bond with his grandmother. The Duke of Sussex was often seen smiling beside the Queen at various royal events during the later years of her reign. Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland in September 2022, marking the end of an era for the British monarchy.

The conversation between Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth II, as revealed in recent reports, underscores the enduring complexities of royal relationships and the impact of personal decisions on public perception.