Royal commentator blames Meghan Markle’s values for alienating Prince Harry from old pals and reshaping his royal identity

Prince Harry’s evolving identity since marrying Meghan Markle has once again stirred controversy, as royal biographer Tom Quinn claims the Duke has lost touch with longtime friends due to his transformation into what some now label a “woke” figure.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Quinn revealed that Meghan’s progressive worldview clashed severely with Harry’s former inner circle—especially those from his Eton days and military background. “Meghan was blamed for making Harry ‘too woke,’” he said. One of Harry’s closest friends reportedly dismissed Meghan, calling her a “tree hugger” and wondering aloud what the prince saw in her.

According to Quinn, Harry’s social circle perceived “wokeness” negatively, interpreting Meghan’s activist bent and liberal values as incompatible with their traditional, conservative ethos. He described how Harry, once immersed in aristocratic customs and royal duties, became entranced by the alternate life Meghan offered—one where legacy and decorum took a backseat to environmentalism, social justice, and modern humanitarian values.

“He rejected the values and traditions of his family,” Quinn explained, noting that Harry seemed eager to escape the constraints of his royal upbringing. This, however, didn’t sit well with his long-time companions or the royal establishment.

The biographer recalled a specific episode at Sandringham, the late Queen’s Norfolk estate when Meghan joined Harry and some old friends on a pheasant shoot. The clash of values was immediate. “She hated it,” Quinn said. “All of Harry’s friends were making jokes against tree-huggers and the woke crowd. They don’t like that sort of thing—it’s viewed as left-wing, and they made rude remarks.”

The culture clash only widened the gulf. Over time, Harry reportedly adopted Meghan’s worldview, becoming “more sympathetic” to causes that had never previously concerned him. “The idea of Harry worrying about these things before Meghan—it would never have occurred to him,” Quinn noted.

His transformation also allegedly caused friction within royal ranks. A former aide, speaking anonymously, described Harry as once “pretty easy-going,” but said his attitude shifted significantly after Meghan entered his life. “He became more disgruntled,” the source said. “We had meetings about events he was due to attend, but his mind was elsewhere.”

The source added that after Meghan’s arrival, Harry seemed to prioritise her wellbeing over his royal duties. “He saw his core activity as being with Meghan and increasingly adopting her views of the world. Some might say that’s loyalty to a spouse, but the staff were baffled.”

Though some defend Harry’s transformation as the natural evolution of a man stepping into a more socially conscious role, critics argue that his embrace of “woke” ideology cost him dearly—alienating his oldest friends, straining royal relations, and perhaps even contributing to his eventual decision to step back from senior royal duties altogether.

This latest insight into Harry’s post-royal life comes amid continued scrutiny over the Sussexes’ brand, public image, and ongoing projects in the U.S. As the couple forges ahead with media ventures and philanthropic work, their relationship remains under the microscope—especially when it comes to the internal and external fallout of their break with the Crown.