Prince Harry had a known weakness for women, insiders claim. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith revealed this through conversations with Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin, Lady Elizabeth Anson.
Harry’s emotional vulnerability was apparent before his 2018 marriage to Meghan Markle. Sources say Meghan was aware of this trait. The Queen reportedly saw Harry as “besotted and weak” when it came to women. This perception shaped concerns about his relationship with Meghan.
Meghan’s Alleged Strategic Approach
Insiders allege Meghan “engineered” her romance with Harry. Lady Elizabeth Anson told Bedell Smith that Meghan might not have been truly in love. “We hope, but don’t quite think she is in love,” Anson said. She added, “We think she engineered it all.”
The Queen shared similar doubts, believing Meghan orchestrated the relationship to suit her ambitions. This sparked early tensions within the royal family.
Queen Elizabeth’s Growing Concerns
Queen Elizabeth II had doubts about Meghan from the start. According to Bedell Smith, the Queen was “very worried” two weeks before the 2018 wedding. Harry’s rudeness during wedding discussions upset her. Meghan’s refusal to share details about her wedding dress added to the strain. The Queen felt Harry was overly influenced by Meghan.
She described their relationship as a “complete catastrophe” in her final months.
Royal Family Tensions Escalate
The royal family noticed warning signs early on. Lady Elizabeth Anson said Meghan’s assertiveness contrasted with Harry’s perceived weakness. Prince William also had doubts, suspecting Meghan used Harry for fame. This led to a rift between the brothers.

The Queen was dismayed by Harry’s decisions, like bypassing her approval for wedding plans. Meghan’s frosty relationship with Kate Middleton further fueled concerns.
Megxit and the Queen’s Betrayal
Harry and Meghan’s 2020 exit from royal duties, dubbed “Megxit,” deepened the Queen’s dismay. Insiders say she felt betrayed by their public criticisms.
Their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, alleging racism within the royal family, was seen as unforgivable. A former courtier told The Daily Beast the Queen felt Harry attacked the institution she served for over 70 years. This marked a complete betrayal in her eyes.
Ongoing Speculation and Public Divide
Recent reports, as of July 2025, keep these claims alive. reflect divided sentiments, with some calling Meghan manipulative and others defending her.
Royal commentator Phil Dampier and broadcaster Esther Krakue have echoed the Queen’s concerns, suggesting Meghan saw Harry as a “stepping stone.” Financial struggles and their Netflix deal add pressure to their “fragile” marriage, insiders claim. The narrative of Meghan’s motives remains a heated topic.
The claims about Meghan Markle “engineering” her relationship with Prince Harry stem from royal insiders, particularly Lady Elizabeth Anson and Sally Bedell Smith. These sources highlight Queen Elizabeth II’s doubts, noting Harry’s emotional vulnerability and Meghan’s perceived ambition.
The Queen’s concerns grew as Harry disregarded protocol and clashed with family members. Megxit and the Oprah interview solidified her sense of betrayal.
Public discourse on social media shows a split, with some vilifying Meghan and others questioning the narrative. While these accounts offer insight, they rely on subjective perspectives and lack definitive evidence, leaving room for skepticism about the full story.