Queen Elizabeth's Heartbreak: Monarch Had Hoped Prince Harry Would Bring Archie Over After Leaving UK with Meghan

In the final years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, a deep sorrow reportedly cast a shadow over Buckingham Palace — one that royal insiders claim stemmed from the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. While the couple's exit from royal life was dubbed 'Megxit' by the press, for the Queen, it was far more personal. She had, according to sources close to her, quietly hoped that Harry would bring son, Archie, back for visits. That wish, sadly, was never fulfilled.

British royal expert Hilary Fordwich said the monarch was devastated by the rupture with her grandson.

'It is unforgivable that Harry was the cause of much heartbreak for Queen Elizabeth II,' Fordwich told Fox News Digital. 'All those around her knew of her sorrow and deep concern... This is the root of the massive rift between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family. The pain they caused in the queen's waning years can't ever be repaired... The family nor the nation will never forget it.'

From Family Favourite to Royal Rebel

Fordwich's remarks followed the release of new claims by royal author Katie Nicholl, who cited private conversations with Lady Elizabeth Anson, a cousin and longtime confidante of the Queen. Anson, who died in 2020, reportedly offered a rare glimpse into the monarch's emotions.

'Lady Elizabeth told me that the queen felt her once-close relationship with her grandson would never be the same again,' Nicholl wrote. 'She couldn't understand how Harry, who had loved his military career and been devoted to duty, could change the way he did... He has hurt her beyond belief.'

Nicholl added that the Queen had been 'deeply disappointed and hurt' when Harry and Meghan abruptly left the UK after their final royal engagement at Commonwealth Day in March 2020. The monarch had hoped to see Archie more often, particularly after gifting the couple Frogmore Cottage — a residence she cherished for its peaceful gardens.

'The queen had hoped that they would bring Archie over. She was very disappointed they didn't,' Lady Elizabeth reportedly told Nicholl. 'She was hurt when they left Britain, and how they left so suddenly.'

According to Fordwich, the Queen described the Sussexes' departure as a 'complete catastrophe.' Her concern reportedly extended beyond emotional disappointment to practical matters, such as Harry's safety and security. Though she expressed her belief that protection for her grandson should remain a priority, the final decision was beyond her authority.

Rift Began At The Wedding

Even the planning of Harry and Meghan's wedding was allegedly a source of strain. Nicholl, in her book The New Royals, claimed the Queen was 'surprised' that Meghan wore white and a veil, given she was a divorcée. 'Harry and Meghan were intent on doing things their way, even if it came to breaking with traditions,' she wrote.

Lady Elizabeth Anson, who had been enlisted to help with the wedding, was reportedly dismissed after her initial meeting with Meghan. Nicholl noted 'many tears and tantrums' behind the scenes — including a much-publicised dispute about a tiara and claims that Harry told staff, 'what Meghan wants, Meghan gets.' Although Harry later denied the quote in his memoir Spare, tensions with palace aides like Angela Kelly were undeniable.

'The deterioration of the queen and Harry's relationship, which was once distinctive due to their shared sense of humour, began just after Harry's engagement to Meghan Markle,' Fordwich added. 'Those around her saw her become more guarded around Harry and Meghan.'

Heartbreak Behind Palace Walls

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams echoed this sentiment, saying: 'One of the gravest charges that can be levelled at Harry and Meghan is that they made the queen's last years so difficult.' He noted that despite the couple avoiding direct criticism of the Queen, their public grievances about the monarchy cast a long shadow. 'The irony is that the queen's dignified comment, 'some recollections may vary,' is what is best remembered.'

Though the Queen rarely spoke publicly about her feelings, she was reportedly 'sad' that she only saw Archie 'once or twice' before her passing. In a Zoom call, she remarked on his red hair, but the virtual interaction was a poor substitute for the in-person moments she had longed for.

British broadcaster Helena Chard added: 'Queen Elizabeth was very fond of her grandson Harry... She simply wanted the best for him. Initially, she felt Meghan was a breath of fresh air. However, her views changed very quickly.'

Despite the Queen's hopes, the rift between Harry and the royal family has only deepened in the years since. With his 2023 memoir Spare and further interviews, relations remain strained even after the Queen's death. Harry recently told the BBC, 'I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore.'

Whether that reconciliation ever comes is uncertain — but for Queen Elizabeth II, the heartbreak of a fractured family appears to have left a lasting mark on the final chapter of her reign.