A new royal biography claims Prince Philip cautioned his grandson with a sharp remark when Harry announced his intention to marry Meghan Markle
A new royal biography has brought renewed attention to Prince Philip’s reaction when Prince Harry revealed his plans to marry Meghan Markle. According to the account, the late Duke of Edinburgh issued a terse warning to his grandson as he prepared to introduce Meghan formally into the royal family. The claim adds another layer to the complex picture of how senior royals viewed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s relationship in its early stages.
The biography, written by historian Andrew Lownie, focuses primarily on Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson but includes details related to wider family dynamics. In the book, the author describes the moment Prince Philip learned of the engagement and reportedly offered a pointed remark that reflected his hesitations. He is said to have told Harry that one spends time with actresses but does not marry them. The comment, which has been highlighted in previous reporting, is presented as typical of Philip’s direct and often brusque way of speaking.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their engagement in November 2017 after dating for a little over a year. Meghan was already known for her acting career before joining the royal family, and Philip’s alleged comment has been interpreted as an expression of concern about the pressures that might arise from such a background. The tone of the remark also fits with the late Duke of Edinburgh’s reputation for quick wit and forthright observations, which were a familiar part of his public and private persona.
Philip’s reaction, according to the biography, was not the only expression of caution voiced within the royal family at the time. Reports over the years have suggested that Prince William also felt the couple were moving quickly. He had dated Kate Middleton for a long time before their marriage, and this experience reportedly influenced his outlook. At one point, a source told a publication that William encouraged Harry to slow down, which caused tension between the brothers.
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Prince Harry has addressed these early concerns himself. In his memoir Spare, published in 2023, he wrote about the emotional strain caused by the scepticism he felt was directed at his relationship. He described moments of friction with William, including a confrontation in 2019 that escalated into a physical altercation. According to Harry, the argument began when William used unflattering words about Meghan. Harry wrote that he defended his wife and pointed out that his brother was repeating negative narratives that had appeared in the press.
Despite these disagreements, Harry noted in the same memoir that William did not attempt to stop him from marrying Meghan. Instead, the tension largely revolved around differing views on timing, public attention and the challenges of life inside the royal institution. Meghan herself later spoke about the intensity of the scrutiny she experienced and how it affected her time as a working royal.
Prince Philip, who died in 2021 at the age of ninety-nine, had long been a prominent figure in shaping the family’s internal expectations. His comment, while sharp, has been framed in the biography as consistent with his characteristic humour and straightforward manner. Supporters of the late Duke have often described him as someone who spoke plainly, even when his words were controversial or misunderstood.
The resurfacing of this remark through the biography has renewed discussion about the early strains that surrounded Harry and Meghan’s relationship. It also highlights the differing perspectives within the royal family at an important moment in recent history. The couple went on to marry in May 2018 and later stepped back from their official roles, setting the stage for wider conversations about tradition, duty and personal freedom.