Prince Harry, long celebrated as one of Britain’s most eligible bachelors, had his share of rumored romances before crossing paths with Meghan Markle in July 2016. The two met on a blind date in London, and sparks flew instantly. Harry later shared that their connection developed “incredibly quick,” leading the couple to marry just two years later in a royal wedding that captivated fans worldwide.
Prince Harry was struggling to get the queen’s blessing
Behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s fairytale romance, he faced a daunting challenge — securing Queen Elizabeth II’s approval to marry his now wife. According to the Daily Mail, in his memoir “Spare,” the Duke of Sussex recalled the daunting moment he had to ask his grandmother for permission to propose.
He described how the conversation unfolded during a getaway at Sandringham, one of the royal family’s private estates. “Granny wasn’t exactly known for changing her mind,” he wrote. “So this moment was either the start of my life or the end.”
Harry admitted he had been putting off the discussion for days, struggling to find a moment alone with the queen. However, when he saw her walking toward her car after a “classic royal shooting luncheon,” he realized it was now or never.
Harry claims to have begun nervously, “Granny, you know I love Meg very much, and I’ve decided that I would like to ask her to marry me, and I’ve been told that I have to ask your permission before I can propose.”
As she was caught off guard, Harry explained that their staff had told him royal protocol required her approval. “You have to?,” the queen replied. “Well then, I suppose I have to say yes,” she added.
The response left Harry momentarily confused. Then, realizing she had in fact granted her consent, he chided himself: “You muppet! She’s granting permission. Who cares how she words it, just know when to take yes for an answer.”
With the queen’s approval secured, Harry began planning his proposal. Wanting to honor his late mother, Princess Diana, he designed Markle’s engagement ring using diamonds from one of Diana’s bracelets. He then asked for the Duchess of Sussex’s hand in marriage, and the rest is history.
Originally reported by Khushali Srivastava on RealityTea.
