Royal biographer Richard Fitzwilliams alleges that Prince Philip, the longest‑serving consort of Queen Elizabeth II, harbored strong disapproval of Meghan Markle and blamed her and Prince Harry for plunging the monarchy into crisis. The claim, based on interviews and unpublished memoirs, adds a new layer to the already volatile relationship between the Sussexes and the senior royals.

Philip’s 2017 Warning: “One steps out with actresses, one doesn’t marry them”

When Prince Harry announced his intention to marry Meghan Markle in November 2017,Fitzwilliams says Philip delivered a blunt admonition to his son, warning that marrying an actress was unacceptable. The comment, reportedly made in a private family setting, foreshadowed the tension that would later surface during the 2018 wedding, which broke with tradition through a lengthy revivalist sermon and a cast of Hollywood guests.

Post‑Wedding Relief:Philip’s “Thank f**k that’s over” Remark

According to the biographer, the Duke of Edinburgh was still recovering from a hip operation and a fractured rib when the wedding took place. After the ceremony, he allegedly whispered to the Queen, “Thank f**k that’s over,” expressing relief at the event’s conclusion. This candid reaction, if true, underscores the depth of his discomfort with the marriage and the surrounding media circus.

March 2021 Oprah Interview: Timing That Ignited the Crisis

Fitzwilliams argues that the Sussexes’ decision to air a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey on March 9, 2021, while Philip was hospitalized for an infection and heart condition, was a strategic misstep.. He notes that the interview should have been postponed out of respect for the ailing Duke, a view echoed by palace insiders who felt the timing “deepened the family rift.”

Conflicting Accounts: Sussexes vs. Palace on the Interview Decision

A friend of Meghan and Harry claimed the palace used Philip’s health as an excuse to keep the couple “muzzled,” suggesting the interview would have proceeded regardless. In contrast, Fitzwilliams cites Gayle King’s comment that the Sussexes would have delayed only if Philip had died, highlighting the starkly different narratives surrounding the event.

Unanswered Questions: Who Ultimately Influenced the Interview’s Timing?

The biographer leaves open who, within the royal household, had the final say on whether the Oprah interview should have been postponed.. Additionally, the extent to which Philip’s personal feelings shaped the Queen’s response to the interview remains unclear, as does the impact of his death in April 2021 on the subsequent handling of the Sussexes’ media ventures.

According to Fitzwilliams, the combination of Philip’s early warning, his post‑wedding relief, and the ill‑timed interview contributed to a “bitter rift” that still reverberates within the family. As the monarchy continues to navigate its public image, these behind‑the‑scenes dynamics offer a glimpse into the personal conflicts that shape royal decisions.