Prince Harry Says the Queen Has Received Some ‘Really Bad’ Advice From Palace Aides

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey continues to shed light on the inner workings of “The Firm” and “The Institution” surrounding the British monarchy.  At the center of it, obviously, is Queen Elizabeth II, whom both Prince Harry and Markle spoke kindly of during their interview. But Prince Harry did voice some criticisms of the people surrounding the 94-year-old royal.

In a new clip from the chat posted March 8, Prince Harry explained that before making his and Markle’s decision to step back as senior royals public, he informed his family; then, according to the duke, the queen invited him and Markle to Sandringham to talk. 

But right before this planned visit, Prince Harry says he was suddenly informed (via “secretaries”) that his grandmother was busy and wouldn’t be able to see them. Prince Harry says when he called her for details, the queen explained she had commitments she couldn’t get out of.

To this, Winfrey asked a very logical question: Can’t the literal queen of England see her own grandson if she wants to? Can’t she…do whatever she wants? Prince Harry said in response, “When you’re head of The Firm, there [are] people around you that give you advice. And what has also made me really sad is that some of that advice has been really bad.”

Watch the full anecdote here:

Elsewhere in the interview, Prince Harry said his relationship with the queen is actually quite strong. “I’ve spoken more to my grandmother in the last year than I have for many, many years,” he revealed.

Markle said of the queen, “She’s always been warm and inviting and really welcoming,” and even revealed she received a beautiful gift from her back in 2018: a set of pearl earrings and matching necklace. “She was one of the first people I met” in the royal family, Markle said of Queen Elizabeth II.