A newly published biography discloses that Prince William “sought assurances” to stop his brother’s wife, Meghan Markle, from ever wearing their late mother’s cherished jewelry.
Published on August 6, Robert Jobson’s new book, “Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen,” sheds light on how Prince William had reservations about Meghan Markle wearing Princess Diana’s jewelry collection.
The book highlights the strained relationship between the brothers before Harry’s wedding in May 2018. By the time William agreed to be Harry’s best man, their relationship had worsened, and the Prince of Wales grew concerned about Harry’s choice of partner.
Robert’s book read, “William, still concerned by the match, even sought assurances from the Queen that his brother’s bride-to-be would not wear any jewelry in the collection once worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, even though his wife Catherine had been allowed to wear some, which would be due to her rank [sic].”
The book also sheds light on the increasing distance between the two couples. When offered a chance to move next to William and Catherine at Kensington Palace, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex declined. Despite efforts to downplay the feud, the divide became obvious.
According to a source in Robert’s book, Meghan was “taken aback” by the stark difference in living conditions between the brothers. The source claimed, “It was perhaps the beginning of all the tensions between the two couples.”
Meghan understood William’s higher rank, but she believed Harry deserved more because of his royal status. Further insight into the situation comes from former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
In June 2024, speaking to The Sun, Jennie expressed that Meghan should have been given more time to adjust to royal life. She compared Harry and Meghan’s quick courtship with William and Catherine’s decade-long relationship, which allowed the Princess of Wales to better understand the demands of royalty.
“Kate was given ten years to peer into the goldfish bowl of royal life. I think it was brilliant she saw all the restrictions and glare of publicity it brings,” Jennie said. She added that William’s warning to Harry about rushing into the relationship with Meghan “came from a good place.”
Also, Jennie pointed out that slower courtships, like those of William and Catherine, as well as Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who is married to Prince Edward, have led to more successful royal marriages.
Apart from allegedly banning Meghan from using Diana’s jewelry, William supposedly took another decisive step by dismissing a key figure from his payroll.
He removed Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, from the Duchy of Cornwall’s payroll, surprising netizens. As per The Telegraph on July 24, Annabel has been the estate’s interior designer since 2005, working under King Charles III’s direction on various royal properties.
