Prince Harry’s bombshell book Spare revealed Queen Elizabeth II’s rather curt reaction to his proposal to marry Meghan Markle. Set to hit the shelves in paperback next month, Spare lays bare the moment Harry asked for his grandmother’s blessing to wed the American actress and divorcee. Given that he was sixth in line to the throne at that time, Harry required the late monarch’s approval.
He decided to broach the subject with the Queen during a private moment on a family hunting outing. While assisting with the game birds and the Queen strolling with her corgis, as reported by Daily Express UK, Harry found the opportunity to voice his intentions.
After gathering his nerve, he conveyed to his grandmother his profound affection for Meghan and his wish to build a life with her, reports the Express US. “I stood completely still, as motionless as the birds in my hands. I stared at her face but it was unreadable. At last she replied: ‘Well, then, I suppose I have to say yes’.”
Harry, initially taken aback by her response, soon grasped the significance: “She’s saying yes, you muppet! She’s granting permission. Who cares how she words it, just know when to take yes for an answer.”
Despite the seemingly cool nature of the Queen’s consent, Harry confirms in Spare his enduring respect for “his Granny” maintaining his allegiance to the Queen, his Commander in Chief, even after stepping back from Royal duties, stating: “I’ll forever support my Queen, my Commander in Chief, my Granny. Even after she’s gone.”
The Royal Family remains divided after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, with Prince Harry’s relationships particularly strained. In an unexpected gesture, Prince William and Princess Kate sent birthday wishes to Prince Harry, despite their highly publicized differences.