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Prince Harry’s proposal to Meghan Markle took an unexpected turn when he sought Queen Elizabeth II’s permission, highlighting the complexities of royal protocol. As the sixth in line to the throne, Harry was bound by tradition to ask for his grandmother’s blessing before proposing, a requirement rooted in centuries of royal history.
In his memoir Spare, Harry recounts the anxious moment during a family shooting trip at Sandringham when he finally got the chance to speak with the Queen. He aimed to catch her in a good mood after their hunt, carefully planning how to approach the sensitive topic of marriage. When he did manage to have a private conversation, he expressed his love for Meghan and his desire to marry her. However, the exchange quickly became confusing.
Harry opened the conversation by stating, “I’ve been told that I have to ask your permission before I can propose.” The Queen’s unexpected reply, “You have to?” left him bewildered. He found himself questioning whether she was being sarcastic, ironic, or simply cryptic, especially during what he described as a “wildly inconvenient” moment.
After a moment of silence, the Queen responded with a simple, “Well then, I suppose I have to say yes.” This brief nine-word statement added to Harry’s confusion. Was she making a joke, or was her response tied to the word “have” in his request? The ambiguity of the moment forced Harry to decode the Queen’s words, and it was only after some contemplation that he realized she was indeed granting her permission.
With the royal blessing secured, Harry was free to propose. He designed a beautiful engagement ring featuring two diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection and one from Botswana, a place that held special significance for the couple. The proposal took place during a cozy evening at their Kensington Palace home, where Harry nearly spoiled the surprise by opening a bottle of champagne—something he didn’t often indulge in.
This encounter provides a fascinating look at the intersection of modern love and royal tradition. Even a seemingly simple act like asking for a blessing can unfold into a complex and nuanced interaction.
However, this moment also foreshadowed the turbulent path that lay ahead for Harry and Meghan. Their decision to step back from royal duties and the subsequent family rift shows how tradition and personal aspirations can clash in the life of a modern prince. The story serves as a reminder that even within the structure of monarchy, love can lead to unpredictable and transformative changes.