‘The Queen had seen plenty of narcissists’: Inside Meghan's rift with Elizabeth II | The Daily T

Key Concepts

• Annus Horribilis: A Latin phrase used by Queen Elizabeth II to describe a particularly disastrous or unfortunate year.
• The Look: A non-verbal, unspoken stare from the Queen used to signal disapproval or displeasure.
• Kinetic Blow: A physical strike or altercation.
• State Visit: A formal visit by a head of state to a foreign country, involving high-level diplomatic protocol.
• Recollections may vary: A famous phrase used by the late Queen in response to claims made by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex regarding their experiences within the Royal Family.
• Trade Envoy: A role previously held by Prince Andrew to promote British business interests abroad.

1. The Queen’s Character and Leadership

Robert Hardman, author of Elizabeth II: In Private, In Public, The Inside Story, characterizes the late Queen as having two distinct personas: the public figure (serious, composed) and the private individual (direct, amusing, and occasionally intimidating).

• The Look: Hardman notes that the Queen’s "look" was a powerful tool of authority. Even high-ranking officials like Tony Blair reportedly feared it.
• Diplomatic Skill: The Queen maintained a pragmatic approach to statecraft, hosting controversial figures (such as Idi Amin and Emperor Mobutu) if it served the national interest. Hardman highlights that she possessed a unique ability to handle "monsters" with grace.

2. Prince Andrew: Controversies and Conduct

The biography details a pattern of erratic and entitled behavior by Prince Andrew, which eventually led to his removal from public duties.

• The "Kinetic Blow": Hardman recounts an incident where Prince Andrew physically struck Sir Anthony (the Master of the Household) after being denied a room at the palace for a private event.
• Trade Envoy Role: Former Prime Minister David Cameron revealed that Andrew’s tenure as a trade envoy was a "national embarrassment." Cameron noted that Andrew’s speeches were frequently inappropriate, and he often undermined British interests by suggesting foreign alternatives to British products.
• The Epstein Connection: Hardman argues that Jeffrey Epstein viewed Prince Andrew as a "passport" to gain access to high-level global figures, effectively using the Prince’s status for his own ends.

3. The "Tiara Gate" and Meghan Markle

Hardman provides a detailed account of the tensions surrounding the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

• The Process: Traditionally, the Queen enjoyed a "bonding process" with brides, helping them select a tiara from her collection.
• The Conflict: The situation became strained when the couple demanded the tiara on short notice for a hair rehearsal. Hardman explains that the delay was not an act of malice but a necessary curatorial check by Angela Kelly (the Queen’s dresser) to ensure the piece had no controversial historical ties (e.g., links to slavery or imperial loot).
• The Queen’s Intentions: Hardman asserts that the Queen genuinely tried to accommodate Meghan, offering her significant patronages, such as the Association of Commonwealth Universities, to provide her with a non-political platform.

4. The Relationship with Prince Harry

• The Bond: Despite the eventual fallout, Hardman emphasizes that the Queen adored Harry. He cites the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony—where the Queen entrusted Harry to represent her—as evidence of their special bond, noting that she likely did this because she knew he was about to be deployed to Afghanistan.
• The Final Break: The Queen reportedly realized the relationship had reached a point of no return when the couple moved to California and "took the dogs," a symbolic gesture that signaled they were not coming back.

5. Donald Trump and the Monarchy

Hardman shares his experience interviewing Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago.

• Mutual Respect: Despite political differences, Trump held a deep respect for the late Queen, viewing her as a symbol of "old-world" charm.
• Diplomatic Influence: Hardman recounts a conversation where he jokingly discouraged Trump from "invading" Greenland or Canada, noting that Trump’s acknowledgment of Canada’s history and sovereignty suggested he understood the gravity of the monarchy’s role.

Synthesis and Conclusion

Robert Hardman’s biography serves as a retrospective on a reign defined by both immense public duty and private resilience. The key takeaway is that the Queen’s ability to navigate complex personalities—from world leaders like Donald Trump to the internal crises involving Prince Andrew and the Sussexes—was rooted in a deep sense of duty and a pragmatic understanding of human nature. While the monarchy faces ongoing challenges, particularly regarding the rift between Prince William and Prince Harry, Hardman suggests that the institution’s strength lies in its historical continuity and the gravitas maintained by the sovereign.