Royal Biographer Claims Meghan Used Harry for Fame
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with other members of the Royal family going to church at Sandringham on Christmas Day 2017. Photo courtesy of Mark Jones under CC BY 2.0.
Royal biographer Phil Dampier claims that Prince William believed Meghan Markle intended to use her marriage to Prince Harry as a stepping stone to fame and fortune. Dampier's assertion adds a provocative twist to the ongoing saga of the British royal family's internal struggles, offering a glimpse into the suspicions and tensions that have shaped recent royal history.
A Royal Family Under Strain
According the New York Post, the late Queen Elizabeth II's cousin and so-called closest confidante, Lady Elizabeth Anson, previously expressed apprehension about Meghan Markle's intentions when she joined the royal family, saying, "Harry is besotted and weak about women. We hope, but don't quite think she is in love. We think she engineered it all."
The Duchess of Sussex, 2018. Photo courtesy of Northern Ireland Office under CC BY 2.0.
According to Dampier, Prince William shared similar doubts. "I think, unfortunately, that confirms what I've been saying or thought for the last few years that, sadly, Meghan never really had any intention of staying in the royal family," Dampier said, as reported by Page Six. Dampier continued, "She saw as a steppingstone getting married to Harry to new fame and fortune. And I think that's what initially Prince William was concerned about." It is important to note that this interpretation comes from Dampier and is not an established fact.
Interpreting the Rift
The biographer further suggested that William's concerns about Meghan's alleged motives contributed to the well-documented rift between the brothers. Dampier claims this was the reason for their falling out.
The public had more than one glimpse into the fallout, including Prince Harry's memoir "Spare," where he accused William of physically attacking him over Meghan, as reported by Page Six. Despite the tension, Harry has expressed a desire to make amends, saying that he would "love reconciliation with [his] family" because "there's no point in continuing to fight" and adding that "some members" of his family would "never forgive" him.
Royal Insider Perspectives
One inside source dismissed Dampier's claims as mere "opinions" that are "without merit" and "not grounded in fact," telling Page Six "there is no way Mr. Dampier ... could possibly know what the Duchess' intentions were or are, about anything."
Royal broadcaster Esther Krakue echoed some of Dampier's observations but added nuance. She noted that the late Queen initially had a positive opinion of Meghan, describing her as a "breath of fresh air" and "very intelligent, very well-spoken, obviously from her acting background," as reported by the New York Post. Krakue went on saying that the Queen welcomed Meghan warmly and with "open arms," adding "I think where things went wrong was clearly the cultural clash."
Krakue also referenced an alleged remark from King Charles's about Harry being "whipped" by Meghan, saying that similar comments have been echoed consistently by courtiers and people close to the royal family.
The Larger Royal Drama
This story unfolds amid a backdrop of ongoing royal family drama, including Harry and Meghan's accusations of racism within the royal household, their Netflix series detailing their grievances, and the public airing of private family disputes. The tension between the brothers and their families has become a defining feature of the modern monarchy, captivating audiences worldwide.
Prince William, now the Prince of Wales, is seen as the future king, tasked with preserving the monarchy's legacy amid these challenges. His alleged skepticism of Meghan Markle's intentions adds a personal dimension to the institutional struggles facing the royal family.
What's Next for the Royals?
As the royal saga continues, the question is whether the family can heal these deep wounds. Harry's expressed willingness to reconcile offers a glimmer of hope; however, the path to unity is fraught with unresolved grievances and public scrutiny.
For now, the narrative of Meghan Markle using Harry as a "stepping stone" is a potent and controversial storyline, fueling speculation and debate about the true nature of her relationship with the royal family.
References: Prince William believes Meghan Markle saw Harry as a 'stepping stone' to fame: royal biographer | Prince William saw through Meghan Markle's marriage plan, biographer claims | What Queen Elizabeth II really thought of Meghan Markle, according to royal's cousin
