A royal biographer has resurfaced a striking claim about a warning Prince Philip allegedly gave Prince Harry before his wedding to Meghan Markle—just as new rumors about tension in the Sussexes’ marriage begin circulating.
According to author Andrew Lownie, whose book Entitled explores private dynamics within the Royal Family, Prince Philip advised Harry that marrying Meghan would come with complications the young prince might not fully anticipate. The late Duke of Edinburgh reportedly told his grandson, “One steps out with actresses, one doesn’t marry them,” when Harry and Meghan announced their engagement in 2017.
Lownie’s account mirrors earlier reporting from royal writer Ingrid Seward, who also wrote that Philip was quietly wary of Meghan from early on in the relationship. Even after the 2018 wedding, Philip’s reservations allegedly remained—former royal butler Grant Harrold has claimed the Duke muttered, “Thank f**k that’s over,” as he left the chapel, though this anecdote has never been officially confirmed.
Harry and Meghan would go on to step back from royal duties in 2020, move to North America, and welcome their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Philip, who was nearing the end of his life at the time, reportedly told Queen Elizabeth II that he had no intention of getting involved in the couple’s decision, saying he would “soon be out of it.” Yet according to biographer Gyles Brandreth, Philip still believed people should be free to live as they think best, even if he disagreed with their choices.
Since leaving the UK, Harry has returned for several key events—including King Charles’ coronation, a meeting with his father following the King’s cancer diagnosis, and the 10th anniversary celebration of the Invictus Games—often without Meghan by his side.
Recently, however, Philip’s alleged warning is gaining renewed attention as reports suggest Meghan may be feeling overwhelmed. A RadarOnline source claimed the Duchess looked as if she was “fighting back tears” during a visit to a Montecito bookstore, describing her as “struggling to keep the mask on.”
Insiders also say the couple have clashed over how much to share of their children online. The issue reportedly escalated after Meghan posted a Halloween-themed Instagram video that briefly included partial images of Archie and Lilibet. Although their faces were hidden, the move was said to have bothered Harry, who is sensitive about the media due to his own childhood experiences.
In the midst of increasing speculation, Meghan has been working again—recently filming a cameo for the comedy Close Personal Friends. Some insiders believe the project might be more than a creative opportunity. According to one source, returning to acting could be Meghan’s way of gaining independence “in case they pull the trigger on their marriage.”
Legal experts have also chimed in, estimating that a divorce could cost Harry tens of millions unless a private prenup is in place—something no one has confirmed.
For now, nothing has been officially stated by the Sussexes. But with old quotes resurfacing and new reports intensifying, Prince Philip’s long-ago warning is once again echoing through royal circles.
