Queen Elizabeth II was known for her careful and considered approach to royal matters, but when it came to Meghan Markle, she reportedly made an exception. 

Before Meghan’s marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, the late monarch is said to have fast-tracked her entry into the Royal Family for a specific reason. 

According to reports, the Queen saw Meghan as a valuable asset who could bring a fresh and modern perspective to the monarchy.

The Queen’s Support for Meghan Markle

Despite the traditional and often rigid protocols of the Royal Family, Queen Elizabeth II appeared to have a genuine fondness for Meghan. 

A Palace courtier previously revealed to The Daily Mail that the Queen believed Meghan, a divorced, mixed-race American actress, could breathe new life into the institution.

Royal commentator Richard Eden shared insights into the Queen’s thinking, stating, “The Queen believed that Meghan would be a breath of fresh air and a great asset to the monarchy.”

As a sign of this belief, Her Majesty took the unusual step of inviting Meghan to accompany her to an official royal engagement before the royal wedding. Meghan’s attendance at a Commonwealth Day service in March 2018—just two months before she and Harry tied the knot—was seen as a clear indication of the Queen’s desire to integrate her into royal life swiftly.

This was a rare move, as royal fiancées typically do not attend major official events alongside the monarch before their wedding. However, the Queen’s decision demonstrated her willingness to embrace Meghan and give her a prominent role within the Royal Family.

A Royal Wedding and High Expectations

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in May 2018, the ceremony was celebrated as a moment of modernity for the British monarchy. The wedding blended royal traditions with elements of Meghan’s American heritage, including a gospel choir and a sermon by Bishop Michael Curry, which captivated audiences worldwide.

At the time, many believed Meghan would bring a new perspective to royal duties, particularly through her advocacy work and global appeal. The Duchess had already built a career in philanthropy, speaking out on gender equality and other humanitarian issues, making her an ideal candidate to modernize the monarchy.

A Short-Lived Royal Journey

Despite the Queen’s initial enthusiasm for Meghan’s role in the Royal Family, the harmony was short-lived. Less than two years after their wedding, Meghan and Harry announced in early 2020 that they would be stepping back from their roles as senior working royals.

Their decision, often referred to as “Megxit,” was met with widespread debate, with some seeing it as a necessary step for the couple’s personal happiness while others viewed it as a departure from royal duty.

Following their move to Montecito, California, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex engaged in a series of high-profile media appearances, most notably their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. In the interview, they made several claims about their experiences within the Royal Family, including allegations that an unnamed family member had expressed concerns over the skin color of their unborn son, Archie.

The Queen’s Response and Lasting Sentiment

In response to Harry and Meghan’s claims, Queen Elizabeth II issued a carefully worded statement acknowledging their concerns but maintaining that the matters raised would be addressed privately. She also emphasized that the couple and their children remained “much-loved” members of the family.

The birth of their daughter, Princess Lilibet, in 2021 was another moment of significance, as she was named after the Queen’s childhood nickname. While tensions between the Sussexes and the Royal Family have remained evident, the Queen’s gesture in allowing them to use such a personal name suggested that she still held them close in her heart.

Legacy of the Queen’s Decision

Looking back, Queen Elizabeth’s efforts to welcome Meghan into the Royal Family appear to have been well-intentioned, even if the relationship between the Sussexes and the monarchy ultimately became strained. Her decision to fast-track Meghan’s involvement showed a willingness to adapt to changing times and a recognition of the potential Meghan had as a royal figure.

Though Meghan and Harry are no longer working royals, the Queen’s initial endorsement of their union remains a testament to her belief in their ability to contribute positively to the monarchy. While their departure from royal life has sparked ongoing controversy, the Queen’s early support demonstrated her hope for a more inclusive and modern Royal Family.

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