August M
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal life, the decision stunned the monarchy and the public alike. Behind the scenes, however, their initial proposal appears to have caused particular unease for Queen Elizabeth II.
According to a royal author, the plan placed the late monarch in an impossible position and cut against principles she held firmly throughout her reign.
A different idea
Prince Harry and Meghan left frontline royal duties in 2020 and later settled in California, where they have built independent careers.
But royal commentator Robert Jobson says their first proposal was not a complete departure from royal life.
Instead, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wanted to earn their own income while continuing to use their HRH titles and carry out limited duties on behalf of the monarchy, reports The Express.
That model, often described as “half-in, half-out,” was ultimately rejected.
The Queen’s view
Jobson writes about the episode in his book Catherine: The Princess of Wales, describing how the proposal was received by Queen Elizabeth II.
“The idea of the couple earning millions by cashing in on their royal titles and status was abhorrent to her (Queen Elizabeth II),” he wrote.
According to Jobson, the late Queen was unwilling to allow a situation in which royal status could be used alongside commercial ventures.
A surprise decision
The refusal may have come as a shock to Prince Harry. Jobson suggests the Duke had believed his grandmother would back the plan for a scaled-back royal role.
He wrote that Harry “assumed” the Queen would support the idea of them continuing in a part-time capacity while becoming financially independent.
Instead, the monarch made clear that royal duty and private profit could not be combined in that way.
Personal ties
Despite the firm stance on their royal roles, Jobson suggests the relationship between the Queen and her grandson remained warm.
It is believed they stayed in touch through video calls, during which the Queen was able to see Harry’s children, Prince Archie, now six, and Princess Lilibet, four.
The Queen is also thought to have met Harry in person several times after his departure from royal life.
Final meetings
One of those visits reportedly took place only months before her death.
During that meeting, the Queen is believed to have met Princess Lilibet for the first time. The child was named after the monarch’s childhood nickname, a detail that underscored the personal bond that endured despite institutional tensions.
Sources: Daily Express, Robert Jobson (Catherine: The Princess of Wales)
