In the wake of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s controversial decision to step back from their duties as senior royals, many have thought of how the Queen has reacted to the news.
While some argue that she was betrayed and hurt by their decision, the wording in her most recent statement shows how she is first and foremost a grandmother rather than a monarch.
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family,” she penned in her official statement.
“I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.”
Prince Harry has even remarked on how “normal” the Queen is as a granny in the past but still recognises how important she is in the grand scheme of things.
“Once you’re in the military, she means a lot more to you than just a grandmother. She is the queen,” he previously stated.
“And then you suddenly, it’s like start realising, you know, wow, this is quite a big deal. And then you get goose bumps and then the rest of it.”
WATCH BELOW: Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan bow their heads to the Queen. Post continues after video…
Similarly, when Harry announced his engagement to Duchess Meghan, his bride-to-be expressed her utmost respect for her grandmother-in-law.
“To be able to meet her through his lens, not just with his honour and respect for her as the monarch, but the love that he has for her as his grandmother, all of those layers have been so important for me so that when I met her I had such a deep understanding and of course incredible respect for being able to have that time with her. She’s an incredible woman,” the then-Meghan Markle said in the official engagement interview.
As a grandmother to eight and great-grandmother to another eight, we hardly expect the Queen to have favourites, but it’s safe to say that she and Prince Harry will always be close, no matter the royal politics.
Keep scrolling to see the sweetest moments between the Queen and Prince Harry over the years.
Queen and Prince Harry
A young Prince Harry wasn’t afraid to take centre stage with his granny at Trooping the Colour in 1988.
Queen and Prince Harry
Along with his big brother William, Harry spent plenty of quality time with the Queen growing up.
Royal family
As he grew up, the red-headed prince’s respect for his grandmother only grew.
Sandhurst
Though even at serious times like his Sandhurst military graduation, he wasn’t afraid to crack a smile.
Queen and Prince Harry
Trust Harry to put a smile on Queenie’s face!
Prince Harry and the Queen
And again!
Queen and Prince Harry
We love that Prince Harry isn’t afraid to show affection.
Queen and Prince Harry
“She’s a fantastic woman,” Prince Harry said of the Queen during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Invictus Games
Who could forget the duo’s iconic Invictus Games video featuring a royal mic drop?
Queen Meghan and Harry
When Duchess Meghan was formally welcomed into the fold, the Queen made sure to make her feel like one of the family.
Meghan and the Queen
She even took the newly appointed Duchess of Sussex on a rare outing without Prince Harry.
Meghan Harry and the Queen
The Duke and Duchess accompanied Her Majesty to the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards hosted at Buckingham Palace.
Meghan Harry and the Queen
When Duchess Meghan was pregnant with Archie, the Queen was naturally the first to learn of the news.
Archie meets the Queen
And when she met her great-grandson, you could feel the love.
Queen and Prince Harry
Even when Archie was a newborn, Prince Harry took time to accompany his grandmother to an official garden party.
Queen and Prince Harry
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.”
Queen and Prince Harry
No matter his royal status, Prince Harry will always be her grandson.
