In recent years, the British royal family has been rocked by one of its most public and painful internal struggles — the estrangement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from the institution that defined Harry’s entire life. Central to this rift are allegations made by Prince Harry suggesting that Queen Elizabeth II, once seen as his steadfast grandmother and matriarch of the monarchy, may have played a pivotal role in decisions that hurt and alienated him and Meghan as early as 2017. This article unpacks these claims, the alleged betrayal, and the broader implications for the monarchy and its future.
The Seeds of Division: A Look Back at 2017
2017 marked a significant year in the royal calendar — the year Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship went public, and eventually, they announced their engagement. On the surface, the world appeared to celebrate the modern fairytale romance between a British prince and an American actress. However, beneath the gilded veneer, a more complex narrative was unfolding.
According to statements made by Prince Harry in interviews and public disclosures in the years that followed, it was around this time that key decisions were made that would set the tone for how Meghan was treated — not just by the media, but by the monarchy itself.
One of the most significant allegations concerns security arrangements. Harry has claimed that Meghan was initially denied royal protection upon entering the family — an extraordinary move, especially given the aggressive media scrutiny she was facing.
The Role of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC)
Harry’s grievance centers around the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, or RAVEC, a little-known body responsible for making decisions about the security of royal family members. According to Harry, it was RAVEC that decided Meghan should not be granted personal security when their relationship became serious.
This decision, he alleges, was not only dangerous but discriminatory, considering the high-profile nature of their courtship and the evident racial undertones of the press coverage. Harry stated that it was only through his personal intervention that Meghan was ultimately granted protection.
The implication that Queen Elizabeth — who had to at least be aware of RAVEC’s decisions — did not overrule this judgment is perceived by Harry as an early and “vicious” betrayal. He expected institutional and familial support. Instead, he claims he found bureaucracy and silence.
The ‘Lilibet’ Controversy: A Symbolic Snub?
Another notable point of contention came years later but was rooted in the same sense of miscommunication and disrespect. In 2021, Harry and Meghan named their daughter Lilibet, a deeply personal nickname of Queen Elizabeth used only by her closest family members.
The couple claimed the Queen had been informed and supported their decision. However, subsequent reporting — including a bombshell report from The Times and The Economic Times — suggested otherwise. The Queen was reportedly “hurt” and felt that the name had been appropriated without proper permission. For a monarch famed for stoic reserve, this behind-the-scenes anger spoke volumes.
To Harry and Meghan, it may have seemed a loving tribute. To the Queen, perhaps, it was yet another line crossed in a relationship that had already frayed.
Royal Disapproval: The Alleged “Evil” Label
Further deepening the public’s intrigue were reports in 2023 that the Queen privately referred to Meghan Markle as “evil” and deemed her relationship with Harry a “complete catastrophe.” These comments were allegedly made during an intimate family gathering at Balmoral, according to Sky News Australia.
While such reports are difficult to verify and were not confirmed officially, they fed the narrative that the Queen saw Meghan not as a welcome addition, but as a disruptive force. For Harry, this must have felt like the ultimate betrayal — not just from the institution, but from the grandmother he adored.
The Broader Royal Rift
The fallout from these perceived betrayals culminated in Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back as senior royals in early 2020. Branded “Megxit” by the British press, the move was portrayed as a bombshell — but according to Harry, it was a reluctant departure forced by ongoing disregard for their safety, dignity, and mental well-being.
In numerous interviews, including the Oprah Winfrey special and his memoir Spare, Harry repeatedly emphasized that he did not want to leave the royal family but felt he had no choice. From their perspective, there was no genuine support or protection within the palace walls.
Institutional Racism and the Meghan Factor
Race, too, has played a central role in the Sussex saga. Meghan, as the first biracial member of the modern royal family, faced unprecedented scrutiny and racially charged coverage by segments of the UK tabloid press. While the institution publicly condemned racism, Harry and Meghan have claimed that privately, very little was done to defend her.
Meghan’s own accounts of her treatment behind closed doors — including feeling isolated and even contemplating suicide — further revealed an environment where she felt unwelcome and unsafe. The fact that her security was initially denied, and her mental health concerns were allegedly ignored, adds credence to the notion of systemic failure — and for Harry, betrayal.
A Personal Struggle, A Public Reckoning
The narrative of betrayal isn’t limited to policy decisions or security arrangements. At its heart is a personal journey of disillusionment. Harry grew up with an almost sacred reverence for the monarchy, and particularly for his grandmother. Her image adorned currency, stamps, and portraits in every royal residence. For Harry, she wasn’t just a Queen — she was “Granny.”
This familial connection makes his claims all the more poignant. They’re not just about politics or media — they are about a grandson feeling abandoned by the one person he thought would protect him above all.
The Path Forward: Reconciliation or Rupture?
Despite the deep wounds, Harry has expressed a consistent hope for reconciliation. In various interviews, he has said he wants to rebuild relationships — especially with his father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince William. However, these efforts have reportedly been met with resistance.
Legal disputes, particularly around Harry’s right to UK security, have further complicated matters. According to a 2025 Times report, Harry is still fighting in court to have security reinstated during his visits to the UK. These legal battles serve as a constant reminder of how far he has drifted from the institution he once called home.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Fractured House
Whether or not Queen Elizabeth truly “viciously betrayed” her grandson is a matter of interpretation. What is clear is that decisions were made — both personal and institutional — that Harry believes irreparably harmed him and Meghan. From denied security to perceived insults, these events created a fissure that even time and diplomacy may not be able to fully heal.
As the monarchy moves forward under King Charles, the question remains: can it evolve to be more inclusive, empathetic, and transparent? Or will it remain anchored to traditions that have alienated even its own blood?
Prince Harry’s journey from royal insider to outspoken critic is not just a family drama — it’s a reflection of a broader cultural shift. One that asks difficult questions about loyalty, duty, race, and identity in one of the world’s most scrutinized institutions.
