New book claims Queen Elizabeth feared Harry and Meghan were secretly recording her

 

Recent reports published on April 11, 2026, have brought to light new claims regarding the relationship between the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during her final years.   According to a newly released biography, the monarch grew increasingly wary of her interactions with the couple, fearing that private moments were being documented for media projects.

Heightened Security and "Witnesses"

The book, authored by royal biographer Hugo Vickers, suggests that the late Queen’s trust in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle fell significantly following their 2021 television interview. The author claims that the Queen became "distrustful" to the point of altering how she conducted family business:

• Verified Conversations: Reports suggest the Queen eventually "refused to answer" phone calls from her grandson unless a third-party witness was present to verify the contents of the conversation.

• In-Person Anxieties: During the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, insiders allege the Queen was "wary" of in-person encounters, fearing that any discussions or casual moments might be recorded for the couple’s high-profile Netflix documentary.

• A "Sickened" Family: The biography states that senior members of the Royal Family were particularly upset by the timing of the couple's public criticisms, which occurred while Prince Philip was undergoing significant health challenges.

Perspectives on the Late Monarch’s Legacy

The revelations come as the Royal Family continues to manage the fallout from various "tell-all" projects. While some observers argue that the late Queen always sought to maintain family unity, historians like Vickers suggest that her public stoicism masked a deep personal hurt.

The book argues that the Queen's legendary "never complain, never explain" mantra was put to its ultimate test by her own family members. As we look back from 2026, these reports contribute to a growing narrative about the internal pressures faced by the Crown during one of its most transitional periods.

By the time of her passing in September 2022, the "paranoia and chaos" often cited by insiders had reportedly created a permanent distance that the current King and Prince of Wales are still navigating today.