In a controversial and emotionally charged episode of Outspoken, commentator Dan Wootton claimed that Queen Elizabeth II “hated” Meghan Markle—not from the outset, but due to what he described as a pattern of disrespect, manipulation, and divisive behavior leading up to the Sussexes’ royal exit.

While the word “hate” is strong, Wootton defended his use of it, stating that the Queen initially welcomed Meghan with open arms, even giving her access to key advisors. But over time, he claimed, the Queen became disillusioned, particularly as Meghan’s behavior allegedly strained family dynamics and deeply altered Prince Harry’s relationship with his relatives.

“It wasn’t about race,” Wootton insisted. “It was about Meghan’s character, her disregard for royal protocol, and the way she changed Harry.”

A Chilling Turning Point: The Final Phone Calls

Royal insider Richard Kay, writing in the Daily Mail, supported parts of Wootton’s narrative. One anecdote revealed how Queen Elizabeth went silent when told Harry was calling, a marked departure from her usual warmth. According to a former Palace switchboard operator, the Queen was clearly reluctant to speak to her grandson, knowing drama or demands might follow.

Angela Levin and Lady Elizabeth Anson, two royal confidantes, reportedly corroborated that Her Majesty was heartbroken by Harry’s transformation and deeply disappointed by Meghan’s refusal to follow royal traditions.

“She tried to help Meghan,” said Wootton. “But when she realized Meghan wasn’t marrying for love but for ambition—and was pulling Harry away from his family—she felt betrayed.”

Veil, Wedding Drama, and Broken Protocols

Wootton and his guest, Brittany from the Royal News Network, highlighted multiple moments of conflict:

Meghan’s decision to wear a long veil, despite being a divorcée, reportedly offended the Queen, who had enforced stricter standards for Camilla Parker Bowles.
Meghan allegedly refused to share wedding dress details with the Queen, and insisted on decisions without consulting royal protocol.
A last-minute change involving the Archbishop of Canterbury, without involving the Dean of Windsor, caused embarrassment at the highest level.

“It wasn’t one moment—it was many,” Wootton added. “The Queen felt increasingly shut out of her grandson’s life.”

Behind Palace Walls: Staff Tensions and Royal Fallout

According to Wootton and Kay, the Queen was disturbed not just by Meghan’s conduct, but also by her reported mistreatment of Palace staff, which led to high turnover and internal unrest. Meghan was reportedly dubbed “The American” behind closed doors—a subtle reference to Wallis Simpson, the woman who triggered the abdication crisis.

Lady Elizabeth Anson, the Queen’s cousin, allegedly told confidantes that Meghan would “be nothing but trouble.” Reports suggest the Queen became dismayed at Harry’s defensiveness and his decision to distance himself from William, Kate, and even his own grandmother.

Revisiting the Narrative: Race vs. Character

The segment firmly pushed back against narratives of racism within the monarchy. Wootton emphasized that the Queen’s concerns were rooted in behavior, not background:

“Queen Elizabeth was admired globally for her commitment to the Commonwealth. Suggesting she was racist is both unfair and historically inaccurate.”

Both Wootton and Brittany argued that Meghan’s difficulties in the royal family stemmed from a clash of values, not identity—citing her unwillingness to adapt and her alleged ambition to outshine rather than integrate.

Final Reflection: Was It Worth It?

The episode ended on a somber note, questioning whether Prince Harry had sacrificed too much for a relationship that, in the hosts’ view, contributed to a dramatic rift with his family, the monarchy, and his grandmother in her final years.

“He destroyed a lifelong bond with the Queen,” Wootton said. “And for what?”