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Montecito Today
By the People, for the People
Queen Elizabeth II Kept Records of Calls With Prince Harry, Biography Reveals
New book details strained final years between monarch and her grandson
Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:25pm
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The Queen's final years were marked by personal strain and a deteriorating relationship with her grandson Prince Harry, as revealed in a new royal biography.Montecito TodayA new biography by royal historian Hugo Vickers alleges that Queen Elizabeth II took the unusual step of ensuring a witness was present during phone calls with Prince Harry after his 2020 departure from royal duties, reflecting what the author describes as a breakdown in trust within the House of Windsor.
Why it matters
The book provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the deteriorating relationship between the Queen and her grandson Prince Harry following his decision to step back from royal life and move to California with his wife Meghan Markle. It sheds light on the monarch's efforts to carefully document and control interactions with Harry, underscoring the deep personal strain caused by the Sussexes' high-profile departure and subsequent media appearances.
The details
According to the book "Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History", the Queen asked a lady-in-waiting to remain in the room during conversations with Prince Harry to ensure there was a record of what was said. A palace source described the Queen's tone during these calls as notably restrained, with "lots of one word answers, 'yes' and 'no'." The same source said the arrangement was due to concerns about accountability and documentation, providing "moral support and protection" for the monarch. The book also notes that during a 2022 visit when Harry and Meghan introduced their daughter to the Queen, a lady-in-waiting was again present and the monarch declined requests for a photographer.
- In 2020, Prince Harry departed from royal duties and relocated to California with Meghan Markle.
- In June 2022, Harry and Meghan visited the Queen at Windsor Castle to introduce their daughter.
The players
Queen Elizabeth II
The late monarch of the United Kingdom who reigned for over 70 years until her death in 2022.
Prince Harry
The younger son of King Charles III and Princess Diana, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to California with his wife Meghan Markle.
Meghan Markle
The Duchess of Sussex, who is married to Prince Harry and accompanied him in stepping back from royal life.
Hugo Vickers
A royal historian who authored the upcoming biography "Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History".
King Charles III
The current monarch of the United Kingdom, who was previously known as Prince Charles and is the father of Prince Harry.
What they’re saying
“Whenever Prince Harry called his grandmother, she asked her lady-in-waiting to stay with her.”
— Hugo Vickers, Royal historian
“There were lots of one word answers, 'yes' and 'no'.”
— Palace source
“The Queen clearly wanted some kind of protection.”
— Palace source
“The distress the Sussexes caused the Queen in the last years of her life cannot be overestimated.”
— Hugo Vickers, Royal historian
“And now Harry has opted out, and for what? To be a carer for Archie?”
— Queen Elizabeth II
What’s next
The book "Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History" is set for release in April 2026, providing further insights into the strained relationship between the Queen and Prince Harry in the final years of her reign.
The takeaway
This biography sheds light on the deep personal strain and breakdown in trust between Queen Elizabeth II and her grandson Prince Harry following his decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to the United States. The Queen's efforts to carefully document and control interactions with Harry underscore the emotional hurt and institutional caution that shaped the monarchy's response to the Sussexes' high-profile departure.
