Public curiosity about whether the Queen liked Meghan Markle centers on observed warmth, protocol, and the evolution of their relationship after Meghan married Prince Harry in 2018. In early royal interactions, the Queen maintained traditional reserve, emphasizing institutional decorum while showing measured courtesy. Over time, shared family moments—such as the Queen meeting Archie and attending key milestones—suggested a pragmatic warming, tempered by caution and public missteps. This explainer reviews verified behaviors, reported private tensions, and institutional constraints to clarify what can reasonably be said about the Queen’s feelings toward Meghan Markle.
How their relationship began after the wedding
When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in May 2018, the Queen emphasized the importance of balancing personal happiness with public duty. Initial joint appearances showed polite, formal engagement, with the Queen upholding ceremonial expectations while allowing space for the couple’s new role. Early interactions were documented in royal tours and family gatherings, where the Queen practiced standard royal protocol—handshakes, brief conversation, and adherence to event schedules. Observers noted restrained body language, consistent with the Queen’s approach to newer members of the extended family, alongside quiet encouragement of Meghan’s charitable initiatives.
Notable public appearances and perceived warmth
Key public events shaped perceptions of warmth or distance. In 2018, the Queen hosted a private lunch for senior working royals; reports indicated a polite but formal atmosphere. The Queen and Meghan jointly greeted crowds at the 2018 Trooping the Colour, demonstrating visible but measured rapport. Subsequent appearances—such as balcony greetings after the 2019 Trooping the Colour and shared walks at Royal Ascot—showed polite interaction, often with physical spacing and restrained exchanges. These moments suggested cordial adherence to duty rather than overt displays of personal closeness.
Shared family moments and private meetings
Family milestones provided more intimate settings. The Queen meeting Archie in 2019 at Frogmore Cottage signaled familial acceptance, while cautious engagement remained the norm. During the 2020 Christmas broadcast, the Queen and Meghan stood together briefly, reflecting mutual recognition within the family framework. Private dinners at Buckingham Palace, reported by trusted outlets, depicted a composed environment where Meghan sought advice on royal duties, indicating cautious respect rather than overt friction or overt familiarity.
Protocol, training, and palace expectations
Royal protocol influenced how the Queen and Meghan interacted. The Queen, as Head of the Family, upheld traditions around curtsies, forms of address, and public conduct. Meghan underwent training in royal etiquette, body language, and public speaking, with sources noting her efforts to align with institutional norms. The Queen’s adherence to formal procedures—such as step-by-step walking, seating arrangements, and scripted engagements—reflected her commitment to continuity. Gentle corrections and subtle guidance from senior royals, including the Queen, helped Meghan adjust without public confrontation.
Reported private tensions and misunderstandings
Occasional reported tensions surfaced in the media, though palace sources rarely commented directly. Accounts suggested strain around issues of title, security, and media intrusion. In late 2019 and early 2020, tabloids referenced disagreements over staffing and public communications, balanced by mutual acknowledgment of shared responsibilities. The Queen’s emphasis on stability contrasted with Meghan’s desire for openness, creating nuanced friction. Private conversations, when reported, underscored differing priorities—institutional continuity versus personal narrative—rather than overt personal disapproval.
Evolution through challenges: Megxit and beyond
The couple’s decision to step back from senior royal duties in early 2020 (Megxit) reshaped dynamics, altering frequency of direct interaction. The Queen issued a statement acknowledging the complexities, emphasizing family unity despite public disagreement. Subsequent meetings, such as the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, showcased restrained reconciliation, with the Queen and Meghan sharing a brief, televised exchange. While not intimate, these moments signaled a mutual recognition of roles and limits, maintaining a functional rather than familiar rapport.
Silver Jublee interaction snapshot
At the 20 balcony appearance, the Queen and Meghan stood side by side during the family wave, exchanging brief, composed acknowledgments—consistent with formal Jubilee protocol. Reports noted the Queen’s steady demeanor and Meghan’s poised posture, reflecting managed composure under public scrutiny. This appearance exemplified the broader trend: cordial duty-bound interaction rather than demonstrative warmth.
Verifiable interactions at a glance
The following table summarizes documented encounters, protocol context, and observed demeanor, drawing on royal biographies, palace statements, and reputable news reporting.
| Date or Period | Event/Interaction | Observed Demeanor | Protocol Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2018 | Wedding and first balcony appearance | Polite, formal smiles | Public ceremonial debut |
| 2018 | Trooping the Colour balcony | Brief acknowledged exchange | Shared public duty |
| 2019 | Frogmore Cottage visit (Archie) | Guarded warmth; private moment | Family recognition |
| 2020 | Christmas broadcast together | Brief shared presence; composed | Symbolic unity |
| 2022 | Platinum Jubilee balcony | Posed composure; brief nods | Ceremonial compliance |
| 2022 | Jubilee lunch invitation | Participated; restrained conversation | Conditional inclusion |
Contextual factors shaping their dynamic
Several factors explain the measured nature of their relationship. The Queen’s role required neutrality with newer family members, balancing warmth with an expectation of adherence to tradition. Institutional duties, media scrutiny, and family privacy further limited overt familiarity. Meanwhile, Meghan’s public advocacy and interviews introduced narrative contrasts with royal reserve, amplifying perceived distance. Trust built gradually through consistent, low-confrontation interactions—shared laughs at private gatherings, mutual attendance at christenings, and quiet support during career transitions—that met institutional expectations without dramatic public displays.
Bottom line on whether the Queen liked Meghan
Available evidence points to a relationship that evolved from formal, duty-bound politeness toward cautious, pragmatic warmth, framed by royal protocol and institutional priorities. The Queen acknowledged Meghan as family, accepted her public role, and offered measured private support, while Meghan adapted to royal expectations. Demonstrations of personal affection were neither overtly frequent nor entirely absent; instead, interactions were consistently respectful and restrained, reflecting mutual recognition of roles, generational differences, and the demands of public monarchy.