The Duke's Discontent: Prince Philip's Profane Reaction to Harry and Meghan's Wedding Revealed in New Book

The fairytale wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2018 captivated millions worldwide, a beacon of modern romance entering the ancient institution of the British monarchy. Yet, behind the scenes, away from the adoring crowds and the global spectacle, a different, far more candid reaction was unfolding. According to Gyles Brandreth’s intimate new biography, "Philip: The Final Portrait," the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was reportedly less than enchanted, expressing his sentiments with a distinctly un-royal expletive.

Brandreth, a close friend and official biographer of Prince Philip, paints a vivid picture of the Duke watching the nuptials on television from Windsor. While the world saw a joyous celebration, Philip allegedly saw something else entirely. "This is not what we signed up for," he is quoted as saying, accompanied by a rather blunt, 'bloody nonsense.' The account suggests that Philip's irritation stemmed from what he perceived as the "Hollywood" feel of the event, particularly the pronounced focus on Meghan's estranged father, Thomas Markle, and the surrounding family drama.

This surprising revelation offers a unique glimpse into the Duke's no-nonsense character and his deep-seated commitment to royal tradition. It stands in stark contrast to earlier reports of Philip’s initial warmth towards Meghan. Brandreth’s book suggests that Philip had initially been quite fond of Meghan, viewing her as a "breath of fresh air" and believing she could inject much-needed vitality into the monarchy, much like Wallis Simpson was initially perceived to have done decades prior.

However, the grandeur and theatricality of the wedding, coupled with the highly publicized family squabbles leading up to it, seemingly soured his perspective. The book implies that Philip, ever the pragmatist, found the overt emotionalism and the media circus surrounding Meghan’s family distracting from the gravitas and dignity expected of a royal event. For a man who had dedicated his life to duty and discretion, the public airing of private grievances and the perceived Americanization of the ceremony were evidently a source of significant vexation.

Brandreth’s account suggests that this initial displeasure at the wedding might have been an early indicator of the deeper tensions that would eventually lead to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back as senior royals in 2020, a move famously dubbed "Megxit." Philip, a steadfast figure who always championed the monarchy's enduring principles, would have found such a departure challenging to reconcile with his own lifelong commitment.

The biography, based on years of conversations with Prince Philip, offers a powerful and humanizing insight into the Duke of Edinburgh's private thoughts. It underscores that even the most stoic figures within the Royal Family had their moments of candid, even profane, reaction to events that shaped the monarchy's modern trajectory. Philip's alleged wedding-day grumble serves as a poignant reminder that even fairytales can have their critics, especially when observed by those who understand the weight of royal duty more than anyone else.