More than two decades after Princess Diana's death, her presence remains a constant in her sons' lives. For Prince Harry, losing his mother was a trauma that marked his life and has often been a central topic in his public statements.
However, one of the aspects he has most deeply desired to connect with his mother's memory has been his love life. In particular, his marriage to Meghan Markle, a relationship that for him represents not only love but also an emotional legacy that connects with Diana's figure.
Lady Di's family no longer hides the truth about Meghan Markle
From the beginning of their relationship, Harry openly expressed his desire for Diana to have been able to meet Meghan. In the words of the Duke of Sussex himself, "Diana would be delighted" with the woman he chose. He made this statement during the engagement interview they gave in 2017.
Nevertheless, that emotional and personal vision was not shared by everyone in his closest circle. Some members of his maternal family, from whom he expected to find understanding and support, showed a very different opinion.
According to Tom Bower, author of the book Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors, Harry actively sought the approval of his mother's sisters and brother. The prince hoped they would see similarities between Meghan and Diana, especially regarding personality and social sensitivity.
But, as the author reveals, "no one agreed that his vulnerable mother had anything in common with his girlfriend." Bower states that, for the prince, it was especially painful to hear from his aunts that Meghan "wouldn't fit into the royal family."
The situation became even more tense when Charles Spencer, Diana's younger brother, intervened to advise him not to rush into marriage. "His advice provoked a bitter reaction," the writer notes.
What would Princess Diana think about Meghan Markle?
Despite this, Harry never stopped defending the connection between his mother and his wife. In the docuseries Harry & Meghan, he states: "Many things about Meghan and her way of being are very similar to my mother. She has the same compassion, the same empathy, the same confidence, she has that warmth that characterizes her."
Meanwhile, Meghan also spoke about how important it was for her to meet Diana's sisters. "I think that by being able to meet them, I can access a part of her through them and, of course, through him. It's incredibly special."
Despite the initial friction, the truth is that Diana's siblings have been present at key moments in Harry's life. They attended his wedding, were present at Archie's christening, and participated in the emotional unveiling of the statue in honor of Lady Di at Kensington.
The bond with Diana, then, remains a constant emotional reference point in Harry's life. But his desire to establish a parallel between Meghan and his mother found limits, even within his own family. A comparison that, for him, has deep meaning, but that didn't achieve the unanimity he sought.