TOO BIG FOR HER TIARA
Much has been made of the way the Queen has apparently welcomed Meghan into the royal family with open arms, showing her kindness as she settles into her new role and even breaking rules such as allowing the duchess to bring her mum, Doria Ragland, to Christmas dinner with the family this year.
But Meghan’s not the golden girl all the time, according to a palace insider. Apparently, the Queen put her foot down during the planning for Harry and Meghan’s wedding when the former actress insisted that she wanted to wear a particular emerald and diamond tiara.
Her Majesty did not think the bejewelled headwear in question was a suitable choice as the origins of the tiara couldn’t be established. It was suspected it could have come from Russia, which would have been inappropriate. Meghan reportedly wasn’t happy when she was told it was a no-go.
“Meghan had her heart set on this tiara with emeralds and Prince Harry hit the roof when they were told it was impossible for her to wear it. There was a very heated exchange that prompted the Queen to speak to Harry. She said, ‘Meghan cannot have whatever she wants. She gets what tiara she is given by me.”
In the end ,Meghan wore a 1932 Queen Mary diamond bandeau tiara from the Queen’s personal collection. She later talked about choosing it in an audio commentary that is part of an exhibition at Windsor Castle, describing the occasion as “surreal”.
She’s being thankful and gracious now, says the source, but the incident showed how difficult she can be.
There’s speculation too over whether the Duchess of Sussex’s behaviour has anything to do with the departure of three of Harry and Meghan’s staff this year. Edward Lane Fox, Harry’s private secretary, stepped down from his role in April after five years working for the prince.
His replacement, Samantha Cohen, also departed not long after getting the job. And now Meghan’s personal assistant Melissa, whose last name has not been revealed, has resigned from her role.
A royal official couldn’t resist making a dig. “To lose one member of the household could happen to anyone. To lose three in a few months is starting to look like a stampede.”