Queen Elizabeth 'Refused to Take Prince Harry’s Calls Without a Witness' in Her Final Years
Another day brings another royal book release, and with it, more dramatic revelations about the British monarchy. This time, the focus is on the late Queen Elizabeth II and her grandson, Prince Harry, as detailed in a new biography that delves into the private struggles of the long-reigning monarch.
New Biography Explores Queen's Personal Turmoil
In his latest work, 'Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History,' royal historian Hugo Vickers offers an intimate portrait of the woman behind the crown. While covering her enduring marriage to Prince Philip and the challenges with her son, Prince Andrew, the book also sheds light on the Queen's distress over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from royal duties.
The couple's exit in 2020, marked by their move to California and claims of a 'really difficult environment' including institutional issues and racism, sparked global controversy. Their subsequent media appearances, such as the 2021 Oprah interview and Harry's 2023 memoir 'Spare,' only intensified the public fallout.
Queen's Protective Measures During Phone Calls
Vickers reveals that Queen Elizabeth was deeply affected by the situation, leading her to take unusual precautions. Known for her privacy and inscrutability over 70 years on the throne, she reportedly refused to speak with Prince Harry on the phone without a witness present after the fallout.
'Whenever Prince Harry called his grandmother, she asked her lady-in-waiting to stay with her,' Vickers wrote. He emphasized that 'the distress the Sussexes caused the Queen in the last years of her life cannot be overestimated.'
An insider corroborated this to Page Six, noting that during these calls, the Queen remained 'monosyllabic,' often responding with one-word answers like 'yes' and 'no.' The source explained that she sought 'moral support and protection' by having her lady-in-waiting nearby, ensuring 'there was a record of what was said.' They added that the Queen was 'on her guard' with Harry because she felt 'so hurt by what he had done.'
Queen's Judgment of Harry's Life Choices
Elsewhere in the biography, Vickers touches on Harry's decision to leave royal life and relocate to the United States. He claims the Queen 'judged' these choices, reportedly questioning, 'And now Harry has opted out, and for what? To be a carer for Archie?'
Despite this criticism, Harry and Meghan appear to be thriving in their new life. Recently, Meghan shared a heartwarming video on Instagram of Harry skiing with their six-year-old son, Prince Archie, captioned: 'My boys. Quick learner, Archie! So proud.' The couple, who have historically kept their family life private, have been offering rare glimpses, such as a Valentine's Day photo of Harry with their daughter, Princess Lilibet, and a mother-daughter beach cuddle on International Women's Day.
This biography adds to the ongoing narrative of royal tensions, highlighting the personal costs behind the public facade of the monarchy.
