Royal experts and commentators have often claimed that Queen Elizabeth II had a soft spot for Prince Harry. The late monarch always wanted her younger grandson to find his happily ever after and thus was extremely welcoming for Meghan Markle. However, the docuseries Harry & Meghan hinted at how the matriarch was partial towards Prince William and Kate Middleton. 

In the second episode of the Netflix show, the Duke of Sussex described his dreamy proposal for the former American actress. He popped the question by getting on a knee in 2016 when they were enjoying a quiet date night. The adorable moment took place at the Sussexes’ home in Kensington Palace, Nottingham Cottage. Though Meghan Markle described the moment as joyful and exciting, Prince Harry had other plans for the proposal. However, he could not execute them due to the directives of Queen Elizabeth.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle needed Queen’s permission to marry

As per the royal protocols, Prince Harry had to take permission from the monarch before proposing to Markle for marriage. Royal Marriages Act 1772 states that all the descendants of George II need to take the sovereign’s consent to make their marriage legal. The tradition is not new for the Duke as his father King Charles III and Prince William also took the Queen’s permission before popping the big question. However, as per the royal prince, he was not allowed to ask Markle for marriage in any place other than the United Kingdom.

“I wanted to do it earlier. But I had to ask permission from my grandmother, I couldn’t do it outside of the UK,” the Sussex royal made the big revelation in the Netflix docuseries.

Prince Harry’s claim of not being able to propose to the actress abroad came as a surprise to the fans. In 2010, Prince William had gotten on one knee for Kate Middleton during their tour to Africa. The viewers are confused about how the rules can be different for the two brothers, considering that Prince Harry is not the one ascending the throne. 

Why do you think the Queen made different protocols for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? Share your thoughts in the comments below.