Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare,” which came out in January 2023, revealed a heartbreaking exchange between him, his wife Meghan Markle, and his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen reportedly scolded the Sussexes for their actions before she passed away.
According to a report by Express, the couple had brought their baby daughter Lilibet Diana to meet the Queen during the Platinum Jubilee weekend in June 2022. However, they were allegedly turned down when they asked for a private photographer to document the special occasion.
According to an anonymous royal insider, as reported by The Sun, “Harry and Meghan wanted their photographer to capture the moment Lilibet met the Queen. But they were told no chance. It was a private family meeting.” The denial, as per The Sun’s report, stemmed from concerns that any photos taken by the couple’s photographer could potentially be shared with US television networks.
This significant event unfolded during an informal garden party hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the grounds of Frogmore Cottage, their former home in the Windsor Castle enclave. Lilibet Diana, named after the Queen’s family nickname and Prince Harry’s late mother, celebrated her first birthday on this momentous weekend.
The Sun’s report suggests that the denial of the photography request underscored tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family. Despite the joyous occasion, it appears that certain boundaries were upheld, emphasizing the private nature of the meeting between the Queen and her great-granddaughter.
Prince Harry’s memoir further detailed the meeting, describing Archie making deep bows and Lilibet cuddling the monarch’s shins. The Queen, in Prince Harry’s account, remarked, “Sweetest children, Granny said, sounding bemused. She’d expected them to be a bit more … American, I think? Meaning in her mind, more rambunctious.”
The memoir, shedding light on this intimate family moment, offers a glimpse into the dynamics between the Sussexes and the royal family, especially during a poignant reunion. It adds a layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the monarchy.
As the Sussexes continue to reside in California after stepping down from royal duties in March 2020, this episode reveals the intricacies of navigating the delicate balance between personal desires and royal protocols, even during a momentous family celebration.
The denial of the photography request underscores the palace’s efforts to maintain a level of privacy for significant family events, shielding them from potential media intrusion. This incident serves as a microcosm of the ongoing challenges faced by Harry and Meghan in navigating their public and private lives, particularly in the context of their relationship with the royal family.
The Platinum Jubilee weekend not only marked a joyous occasion but also highlighted the nuanced dynamics within the royal family. The denied request for a private photographer adds another layer to the complex relationship between the Sussexes and the monarchy, showcasing the intricacies of balancing personal desires with the traditions and expectations of the royal institution
