Meghan Markle's 'broken promise' to the Queen revealed by royal author

The Duchess of Sussex is said to have made a 'promise' to the Queen during her very first meeting but later broke it, a new book claims.

Meghan Markle and the Queen sat down
(Image credit: Getty)

Meghan Markle broke a 'promise' she made to the Queen on their very first meeting, a royal author has claimed.


Meghan Markle 'broke a promise' she once made to the Queen on their very first meeting, a new book claims.

The Duchess of Sussex vowed "she wouldn't let Her Majesty down" when it came to the Commonwealth when they met for the first time, according to royal author Giles Brandreth in his new book Elizabeth: An intimate portrait (opens in new tab).

When the former Suits actress met with Prince Harry's grandmother for the first time at Windsor Castle it was during the 20 minute meeting that Meghan is alleged to have made a 'promise' to the Queen (opens in new tab), but went on to break it, it is claimed.

The book recalled the meeting and alleges that the Queen was "particularly delighted by the enthusiasm Meghan showed for the Commonwealth and the commitment she made to the Queen to do 'whatever you think we should be doing for the Commonwealth'."

Speaking about the said promise, Giles writes, "She promised the Queen that when it came to the Commonwealth she wouldn’t let Her Majesty down. The Queen liked Meghan and told lots of people so."

Following her marriage to Prince Harry (opens in new tab), the Queen handed Meghan a vital role within the commonwealth, as she was appointed the Vice President of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust on International Women's Day 2018.

But just two years later, Meghan could no longer keep her promise after her and Harry decided to step back (opens in new tab) from working royals and leave the uk to set up a new life for themselves in the US (opens in new tab).

WAS £25 (opens in new tab)

Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait - by Giles Brandreth - WAS £25, Now £12.50 | Amazon (opens in new tab)

A personal account of the life and character of Britain's longest-reigning monarch, from the writer who knew her family best.

The Queen on the balcony with Prince Charles, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

(Image credit: Getty)

Upon the Sussexes stepping back, Meghan had intended to still honour her words, and the couple released a joint statement at the time which read, "We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages."

But after a 12 month review, the Queen ruled that the Sussexes weren't allowed to be involved in any royal tasks and the couple expressed their disappointment.

Selina Maycock
Senior Entertainment Writer

Selina is a Senior Entertainment Writer with more than 15 years of experience in newspapers and magazines. She currently looks after all things Entertainment for Goodto.com, Woman&Home, and My Imperfect Life. Before joining Future Publishing, Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism. She is fully NCTJ and NCE qualified and has 100wpm shorthand. When she's not interviewing celebrities you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories.