Prince Harry Met Queen Elizabeth As 'Just Granny And Grandson' Before Exit

By Emily Lee

July 28, 2020

Back in March, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to London for their final royal engagements before officially stepping down from their roles. While in town, it was reported that Prince Harry joined his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, for a private four hour lunch at Windsor Castle. The palace wouldn't comment on the meeting at the time, however, because it wasn't "official" palace business. Instead, it was simply a lunch between a grandmother and her grandson. The spokesperson explained they wouldn't comment on how members of the royal family spend their time.

Now, though, more details about the private lunch between Harry and Her Majesty have been revealed in the new biography about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In Finding Freedom, an aide told royal reporters Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand that there were "no titles" at the lunch. The low-key occasion was simply time spent between "just granny and grandson."

Here's an excerpt about the lunch from Finding Freedom, which was published in the Daily Mail:

"Sitting at the Queen's dining room in her Windsor Castle apartment, it was just like the old days. While he had lost respect for parts of the institution, and even certain family members at points, the Queen was still one of the most important women in his life. As they tucked into a roast lunch, the Queen made it clear to Harry that she would always support him in whatever he decided to do. Though a 12-month trial period had already been promised to Harry earlier in the year, their conversation was also a reminder that should he and Meghan ever want to return to their roles, they were always welcome."

At the time, The Sun reported that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry had a lengthy heart-to-heart about his future plans.The Queen reportedly wanted to talk with Harry about the situation without his father, Prince Charles, or brother, Prince William, present. A source told the outlet that Queen Elizabeth told her grandson that he and Meghan are "much loved" members of her family no matter what.

“The Queen had a lot to talk to Harry about and this was the ideal time for them to both say their piece," The Sun's source revealed in MArch. “When Harry and Meghan announced they wanted to quit it all happened very quickly and it was very stressful for all concerned. Sunday was the first time the Queen has had the chance to talk to Harry on his own and really find out what his plans are. It was a much more relaxed environment and they were both able to speak their mind.”

Photo: Getty

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.