Queen Camilla had a touching response when asked about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle following their engagement announcement back in November 2017. They were married in May the following year

There have long been rumours that the relationship between the Royal Family and Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is tense but she was initially welcomed with open arms by the Firm – and that included Queen Camilla.

In recent years, Meghan and Prince Harry have become all but estranged from his family. The couple have been open in their criticisms of the monarchy, and Harry in particular has taken aim at Camilla, having called her both “dangerous” and a “villain” in his memoir, Spare. But back in 2017, relations were very different. In November of that year, Harry and Meghan announced their engagement – and just one day later, Camilla told news cameras that she was “absolutely thrilled” by the news.

“It’s brilliant, and as I said, America’s loss is our gain,” she said. “We’re all absolutely delighted. As you can see, they’re so happy, and sometimes, you know, in a climate where we’re surrounded by a lot of bad news, it’s a real joy to have a bit of good news for once. And, as I’ve said before, we’re delighted.”

Harry’s father, King Charles, also expressed his happiness, saying at the time: “We’re thrilled, thank you very much, for both of them. “I hope they’ll be very happy, indeed, is all I can say. It’s marvellous.” Prince William and Princess Kate, meanwhile, said in a statement: “We are very excited for Harry and Meghan. It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together.”

Much has changed since then. Harry’s attacks on Camilla are said to be a major contributor to the breakdown of his relationship with his father. A source recently told US Weekly, “Camilla is still wary of Harry which has left Charles in a difficult position. “They added that Charles continues to hope for a reconciliation between the pair, but is “hugely conflicted” over the situation as “Harry has hurt William and Camilla so much”.

William, meanwhile, has completely ‘cut ties’ with his younger brother. Royal expert Ingrid Seward told the Mirror : “William is sensitive, he likes structure and has perseverance. He does not give up easily. His relationship with brother Harry upset him more than he would care to admit. But he found it easier to cut ties rather than allow himself to be continually annoyed.”

And, according to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond: “William has always been a strong character. I think his broken childhood made him tough and resolute. He now has the reputation of being stubborn and, once his mind is made up, he sticks to his decision. Obviously, as heir to the throne, his word carries a lot of weight in the family and I think it’s true that he has been prepared to take a tough stand on a number of issues, including Andrew and Harry,” she told OK! . “Whether he is the ‘new enforcer’ I am not so sure. But he is definitely someone who commands respect within the family and whose views hold considerable sway.”