Prince Philip's Disappointment Over Harry and Meghan's Departure from Royal Duties

In a surprise move that reverberated globally, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced in 2020 their intention to distance themselves from royal responsibilities in the UK and settle in America. While the royal family had no direct control over their decision and attempted discussions to address the situation, it became clear that not all members felt supportive of their choice. Among those most affected was Prince Philip, who reportedly felt let down by his grandson’s actions, especially given his own sacrifices for the monarchy.

Before his marriage to Queen Elizabeth in 1947, Prince Philip renounced his Greek and Danish citizenship, taking on the British identity. He underwent sweeping changes, including adopting the name Philip Mountbatten, and he left behind a promising Navy career when Elizabeth ascended to the throne in 1952 to prioritize her role over his own ambitions. According to royal experts, Philip’s commitment to service made Meghan's reluctance to fully embrace royal life particularly frustrating for him, as he struggled to understand her desire to maintain her independence rather than offer conventional support to Harry and the monarchy.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward noted that Philip's disappointment stemmed from observing Meghan's career choices and her decision to assert her voice, contrasting with his own life of sacrifice in the service of the monarchy. Sources indicate that this frustration was a contributing factor to his absence from the 2020 Sandringham summit, which aimed to discuss Harry's future outside of royal duties. Despite his discontent, Prince Philip remained in touch with Harry and Meghan after they settled in the U.S., using Zoom to connect with them and view his great-grandson, Archie, although the content of his last conversation with Harry remains unknown.