Meghan Markle Blamed for Prince Harry's 'Woke' Transformation Before Royal Exit: Author

By the time Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020, whispers of unrest had turned into outright speculation. According to royal author Tom Quinn, some older palace staff accused Harry of becoming "a tree-hugging lefty" and abandoning traditional royal values. Harry’s childhood friends reportedly weren’t impressed, either.

Quinn’s new book, "Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants," dives deep into the dynamics of the House of Windsor, drawing from interviews with current and former palace staff. And boy, do they have opinions. A recurring theme? Meghan Markle was allegedly the catalyst for Harry’s transformation, with one of his friends describing her as "a tree hugger" and "too woke." Not exactly the kind of language you’d expect at a royal tea party.

Harry met Meghan, an American actress, in 2016, and their whirlwind romance quickly became public. While Meghan initially charmed the British press as a refreshing addition to "The Firm," things apparently shifted behind closed palace doors. According to Quinn, Harry’s traditional social circle struggled to embrace Meghan’s progressive values. A pheasant shoot at Sandringham became a flashpoint, where Meghan reportedly clashed with Harry’s friends over their disdain for anything remotely "woke."

Quinn claims that Meghan’s influence prompted Harry to reevaluate his world and adopt a more socially conscious outlook. Before Meghan, Harry was seen as easy-going and content. After her arrival, insiders noted a shift. One former palace aide described Harry as becoming "more disgruntled" and preoccupied with Meghan’s welfare, even at the expense of his royal duties.

"The terrible modern word ‘woke’ has often been used," one ex-staffer told Quinn. "Although I don’t like it, I can see why it is applied to Harry. He became far more concerned about social issues and minority rights than he ever was before Meghan." While some saw this as loyalty to his wife, others found the change baffling.

Quinn’s book also examines the stark contrast between Harry’s upbringing and Meghan’s influence. Raised in the elite world of Eton College and aristocratic privilege, Harry’s early friendships were with people who, according to Quinn, "hated anything politically correct.” Meghan, on the other hand, encouraged Harry to adopt a broader perspective, which reportedly caused tension not just with friends but within the royal family itself.

Harry’s evolving worldview also created friction with his brother, Prince William. While William embraced the traditions and expectations of being the future king, Harry began to reject them. Quinn suggests this ideological divide played a significant role in their estrangement.

The fallout from Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal life is well-documented. The couple accused the British tabloids and even palace insiders of unfair treatment, including allegations of racism against Meghan. In 2020, they announced plans to become financially independent and relocated to California, signing high-profile deals with Netflix and Spotify.

Since then, Harry and Meghan have aired their grievances publicly, including in Harry’s memoir, "Spare." Quinn believes these public revelations reflect Harry’s complete break from his old life. "In being loyal to his wife and his new life in the States, he has adopted all the values that come with that," Quinn noted, contrasting Harry’s stance with William’s steadfast loyalty to royal traditions.

Ultimately, Quinn posits that Meghan offered Harry an escape from the constraints of royal life, but at a cost. "She is a very powerful personality," he said. "By adopting Meghan’s view of the world, Harry has distanced himself from his old life, creating a split that may never fully heal."