

Whatever the reasons may be, the arrival of Meghan Markle onto the royal scene spelled trouble for the family, which is now divided across an ocean.
Marie Claire spoke to royal biographer Andrew Morton as he releases his new book, The Queen: Her Life, and the author shared insights into what was going on behind the scenes when Markle first married Prince Harry. For Morton, the Queen did everything she could to make her new granddaughter-in-law feel welcome.
"I think the Queen did her best to bring her into the family. I mean, demonstrably so," he tells Marie Claire.
"She took her on public engagements, notably up to Merseyside. She gave her jewelry, pearls and so on. She put her assistant private secretary, Samantha [Cohen], into her office to teach her about, you know, the niceties of the Commonwealth and the monarchy.
"And I think she really embraced her, and tried to bring her into the fold in a very friendly and open manner.
"I mean, sadly, Harry was talking to Oprah in December 2018 at a hotel in London, discussing interviews, and he was looking for a way out, even then.
"Yeah, within six months... they married in May 2018, didn't they? Yeah, so it's December, or November."
Asked whether the Royal Family knew the trouble that would be coming their way after the wedding, Morton answers, "No, I don't think they did."
He adds, "I mean, you know, they certainly knew that Harry was not happy in the Royal Family, and as you know, he's been to counselling, psychological counselling. He found it very difficult appearing in public.
"And yet, conversely, he had the Diana touch, he was and is quite a charismatic individual. And so, for that matter, was Meghan, even though obviously both are now the butt of tremendous criticism from people."
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Wait—Did Vanessa Hudgens Just Get Married?
White dress + beach in Mexico + costars posting on social media from the same place = all signs point to yes!
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Macaulay Culkin Made Wife Brenda Song Cry With His Hollywood Walk of Fame Speech: "You're Absolutely Everything"
"You're the best person I've ever known."
By Fleurine Tideman
-
Selena Gomez's Valentino Rosette Dress Actually Felt Groundbreaking
Miranda Presley, eat your words.
By Maria Santa Poggi
-
Despite It All, King Charles Absolutely “Refuses” to Strip Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of Their Duke and Duchess of Sussex Titles
The reason is poignant.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry Will Miss Britain’s “Wedding of the Year” Because of Continued Rift With the Royal Family, Royal Expert Reports
The groom, the Duke of Westminster, is one of Prince Archie’s godparents.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
One of King Charles’ Siblings Was Adamant That Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Be Evicted from Frogmore Cottage
Meanwhile, another sibling was “uneasy” about the decision.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Despite the Royal Family’s Disdain for Princess Diana When She Was Alive, It Regularly Pushed Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to Dress Like Her, New Book Claims
“During the past 13 years, Diana cosplay has become a royal staple.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
King Charles Had Just Two Frosty Words for Son Prince Harry After the Release of the Netflix Docuseries ‘Harry & Meghan’
The King’s composure surrounding his younger son allegedly broke for a moment.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The Royal Family Needn’t Worry: 'Spare' Volume II Won't Happen, Omid Scobie Says
Prince Harry has previously said he could write a whole other book with content left on the cutting room floor.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Meghan Markle Became the “Star of the Show” When She Married Into the Royal Family, Omid Scobie Writes
She was “Princess Diana all over again,” the newly released 'Endgame' reads.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince William is Jealous of Prince Harry’s Ability to “Break Away” from the Royal Establishment, Omid Scobie Writes
“It’s easy to see why William’s fury is bubbling to the top.”
By Rachel Burchfield