Meghan Markle reportedly faced significant challenges with Prince William before her departure from the royal family. Prince Harry has since disclosed that Meghan once “burst” into tears after learning about a statement released by William’s team.
Harry and Meghan’s time as working royals was fraught with difficulties. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been candid about their treatment by the royal family, with Harry writing a memoir and the couple participating in a documentary. Harry has gradually revealed more details, including an incident where Meghan cried after seeing an alleged statement from Prince William.
When they were active royals, Harry and Meghan often felt unsupported. Harry has claimed that the family was unwilling to protect Meghan or help her improve her public image. He recounted a moment when Meghan cried after a statement was issued by William’s team.
“I mean, the saddest part of it was this wedge created between me and my brother so that he’s now on the institution’s side,” Harry said in his Netflix documentary with Meghan, according to Express. Harry expressed disappointment in their treatment compared to William and Kate Middleton. He recalled a story suggesting that the Sussexes were leaving the royal family because William had “bullied” them out, and the palace quickly defended William.
“Once I got in the car after the meeting, I was told about a joint statement that had been put out in my name and my brother’s name squashing the story about him bullying us out of the family … I couldn’t believe it. No one had asked me permission to put my name to a statement like that,” Harry shared in the series.
Meghan took the news even harder. “And I rang [Meghan] and I told her and she burst into floods of tears because within four hours they were happy to lie to protect my brother and yet for three years, they were never willing to tell the truth to protect us.” Reports indicate that Meghan and William do not maintain a relationship today.
Harry and Meghan hoped that sharing their story would improve their reputation and provide a better understanding of their decision to leave the royal family. However, it seems to have had the opposite effect. Their relationship with the royals remains strained, and their popularity in the UK has declined.
In the US, Harry and Meghan enjoy a somewhat better reputation, but challenges persist. Harry faced significant criticism for receiving the Pat Tillman Award at this year’s ESPYs for his work on the Invictus Games, with Pat Tillman’s own mother calling him out. Despite the negativity, the couple continues to build their lives in the US, with Meghan stating earlier this year that they are “really happy.”