Did Harry rush into marrying Meghan because they both felt her biological clock was ticking? The Prince brushed off his brother William's warning to take it slow

The concerns raised by Prince William and other members of the Royal Family highlight the delicate balance between personal happiness and the challenges of royal life, especially under intense public scrutiny. The parallels drawn between Prince Charles' rushed engagement to Princess Diana and Prince Harry's swift relationship with Meghan Markle are significant, as both reflect how quickly love can collide with royal expectations.

When Prince Harry started dating Meghan Markle in July 2016, rumours of an engagement started to swirl by 2017. Pictured: The couple for the first time at the Invictus Games in Toronto in September

William's reported anxieties—focusing on Harry's "mental fragility" and Meghan's ability to adapt—underscore a deep-rooted awareness of the pressures and pitfalls of marrying into the monarchy. As someone who took nearly a decade to propose to Catherine, William may have seen his deliberate approach as a blueprint for success, fostering a solid foundation before subjecting his partner to the relentless media spotlight.

Harry brushed off his brother's warning to take it slow, claiming that he had to marry Meghan quickly because her 'biological clock was ticking' as she was almost 35 years old, according to a book. Pictured: The couple with their son Prince Archie in 2019 

Harry's reported remark about Meghan's "biological clock ticking" adds another layer, illustrating his desire to prioritize building a family. While this reasoning reflects Harry's urgency and devotion, it perhaps clashed with William's cautionary mindset. In hindsight, William's fears were not unfounded—Meghan did face overwhelming media harassment and public criticism, which, coupled with family tensions, ultimately led to Harry and Meghan stepping back from royal duties.

It's claimed Prince William, who dated Kate for eight years before proposing, was 'nervous' about how quickly Harry and Meghan were moving. Pictured: Prince William and Prince Harry in April 2017

These concerns shed light on a broader theme: the monarchy's struggle to balance tradition with modern relationships. While Harry and Meghan chose to prioritize their love and family over royal expectations, their experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges newcomers face when navigating life in the royal spotlight.

This passage underscores Prince William's cautious approach to Harry's relationship with Meghan Markle, driven by his deep understanding of his brother's emotional tendencies and the challenges of royal life. William’s reported remark—“You do realise this is the fourth girl you’ve taken to Botswana”—reflects both his concern and his brotherly candor. It paints a picture of Harry as someone who had often thrown himself headlong into intense relationships, a pattern William seemed keen to address.

The brothers (pictured in 2021) fell out over Meghan's introduction to the family

William's decision to initially meet Meghan with warmth and politeness during their first tea at Kensington Palace shows his attempt to balance his worries with support for Harry's happiness. The comment about Meghan putting a "silly grin" on Harry's face suggests William's recognition of the joy she brought to his brother, even as his underlying reservations lingered.

 Meghan and Harry with Archie in 2019 on their royal tour of South Africa

This dynamic speaks to the contrasting personalities of the brothers: William as the measured, pragmatic elder sibling, and Harry as the passionate, impulsive younger brother. William's hesitation likely stemmed from witnessing the difficulties their mother Diana faced in a rushed royal marriage, as well as his own deliberate path with Catherine, which allowed time for a solid foundation to form.

The princes and their wives attend the 100th birthday of the Royal Air Force on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace in July 2018

In hindsight, William’s concerns about the speed of Harry and Meghan's relationship were not entirely misplaced. The intense media scrutiny, Meghan's challenges adjusting to royal expectations, and family tensions eventually culminated in their decision to step back from royal duties. However, Harry's response—choosing love and happiness over caution—reflects his determination to forge his own path, even in the face of his brother's warnings.

The Princess and Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex step out together to greet members of the public at Windsor Castle in Berkshire following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September  2022

The accounts from Tina Brown and Robert Lacey paint a vivid picture of Prince William's deep concern for Harry's whirlwind relationship with Meghan Markle. William's reservations stemmed from a place of both brotherly care and practical foresight, especially given the unique pressures and challenges of royal life.

William's unsaid biggest worry was for his younger brother's 'mental fragility' and that he wouldn't be able to cope with all the 'scorching scrutiny and harassment' that Meghan would come to endure, according to royal author Tina Brown (pictured)

The dialogue between the brothers—“Are you sure about her, Harold?” and Harry’s impassioned “What do you want me to do? Fall out of love with her?”—reveals the emotional tension at the heart of their disagreement. Harry’s love for Meghan was intense and immediate, while William, cautious and pragmatic, felt the need to slow things down. His worry that Meghan wouldn't have time to adjust, build her own support system in the UK, and prepare for the immense scrutiny she would face highlights his understanding of the challenges that come with joining the royal family.

The Royal Family on the steps of St George's Chapel in Windsor after Prince Harry married Meghan

The extraordinary step of involving Earl Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother, underscores just how seriously William viewed the situation. This intervention signals the depth of his fears that Harry was making a hasty decision—a decision that could have long-term implications for both Harry’s happiness and his role within the monarchy.

Princess Diana is pictured with both of her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, in London in 1995

While William's concerns proved prescient in some respects, Harry's insistence on following his heart speaks to his determination to live life on his own terms. This clash of perspectives—William's caution and Harry's passion—reflects the brothers' differing approaches to love, duty, and personal fulfillment. It also marked a pivotal moment in their relationship, as William's well-intentioned intervention ultimately deepened the growing rift between them.

Prince Harry and Prince William arrive at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018 

The tension surrounding Prince Harry's rapid courtship of Meghan Markle becomes even clearer with Robert Lacey's account of the Spencer intervention and the fallout with close friends like Tom 'Skippy' Inskip. These incidents reflect the mounting unease within Harry's inner circle, which contrasted sharply with his unwavering certainty about Meghan.

The 'once unbreakable' bond between Prince William and Prince Harry (pictured in 2005) has suffered a breakdown since Meghan's introduction to the family

William's decision to involve Earl Charles Spencer—a respected family figure tied deeply to Diana's memory—was a bold yet desperate move. While Harry reportedly understood his uncle's intentions, the intervention backfired, intensifying his anger toward William. The fact that William "dragged other family members into the row" underscores how fraught the situation had become. To Harry, it likely felt like an unnecessary escalation and an attack on his judgment, further straining his already fragile bond with his brother.

Charles posed with his sons Prince William (R) and Prince Harry (L) during the Royal Family's ski break at Klosters in 2005

The breakdown of Harry's friendship with Tom Inskip also reveals just how defensive Harry had become. Skippy, who had been a loyal companion for years, apparently advised Harry to slow down and perhaps live with Meghan before marrying—advice that came "from a good place," according to Finding Freedom. Yet Harry’s reaction was swift and unforgiving, reportedly perceiving this well-meaning counsel as disloyalty. The fallout highlights Harry's growing determination to shut out dissenting voices, even those closest to him, as he pushed forward with the relationship.

Prince William and Kate with Prince Harry and Meghan during the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March 2019

This period, marked by Harry's alienation from both family and friends, underscores how deeply his love for Meghan influenced his decisions. To many observers, Harry appeared increasingly isolated, rejecting the concerns of people who had long been his confidants. However, for Harry, it was about choosing loyalty to Meghan—defending her against what he perceived as undue skepticism and interference. Ultimately, this conflict laid the groundwork for the growing rift between Harry, his family, and his old circle of friends.

Princess Diana is pictured with her sons Prince William (left) and Prince Harry (right) during the summer holidays in Majorca in 1988

Harry's determination to move quickly with Meghan Markle, despite mounting concerns from his friends and family, underscores just how resolute he was in prioritizing his relationship. The tension with Tom "Skippy" Inskip—a longtime confidant—highlights the growing divide between Harry and his old circle. While Skippy's suggestion that Harry and Meghan live together before rushing into marriage was practical and well-intentioned, it struck a nerve with Harry, who interpreted it as a lack of support.

According to the biography, Finding Freedom, Skippy (pictured with his wife at Harry and Meghan's 2018 wedding) had a falling out with Prince Harry after he shared his 'doubts' about Meghan before they became engaged

Prince Harry and friends, including Tom 'Skippy' Inskip (centre right) attend the wedding of a mutual friend on September 14, 2013

The anecdote about friends labeling Meghan a "woke spoilsport" following her reprimand over inappropriate jokes at a shooting weekend in late 2016 further reveals a cultural and social clash. Meghan's progressive views on transgender issues and feminism were at odds with Harry's traditional social circles, adding another layer of friction. To Harry, however, Meghan's values were part of what he admired, and he seemed unwilling to compromise or tolerate disrespect toward her.

Relations were also said to be fraught between the princes' wives, Meghan and Kate. The book claims that one stand-offish episode at a charity polo match was a snapshot of the pair's 'cordial but distant rapport'

By proposing in November 2017 (just over a year after they began dating), Harry made a definitive statement. His explanation in Spare—that they both wanted to start a family "straightaway" despite their hectic schedules—reflects a sense of urgency and purpose in his decision. For Harry, the ticking clock, Meghan’s age, and his desire for stability and family life appeared to outweigh any concerns or warnings.

Thomas Markle has been a constant source of bad news for the princess since she became a royal in 2018

This period paints a picture of Harry as a man resolute in his convictions but also increasingly isolated. His willingness to dismiss close friends' advice and family reservations suggests he felt misunderstood and cornered—perhaps a recurring theme in his life post-Diana. Meghan’s arrival offered him not just love, but a sense of purpose and direction, even if it came at the cost of fracturing relationships with those who had supported him for years.

The media scrutiny that Meghan Markle faced in the lead-up to her engagement and marriage to Prince Harry was undeniably intense, and the incident with The Sun in November 2016 exemplifies the darker side of the British tabloid press. By sensationalizing Meghan's "Suits" scenes with the provocative headline "Harry's Girl on Pornhub," the coverage not only intruded on her professional work but also highlighted the brutal and often invasive tactics of the media.

This situation, as noted by Tina Brown, contrasts sharply with Meghan's previous experience in Hollywood, where controlled, publicist-managed narratives and positive press were the norm for celebrities. The British tabloids, however, thrive on controversy, with what Brown calls their “demonic creativity”—often twisting minor details into front-page scandals to entertain readers.

For Meghan, this marked a harsh introduction to the unrelenting scrutiny of royal life. Unlike a Hollywood PR crisis, where reputations can often be salvaged through carefully crafted media strategies, the British press's relentless coverage of the royals can feel merciless. This moment, compounded by other negative headlines and intrusions, set the tone for Meghan's complex relationship with the media and ultimately contributed to Harry's determination to protect her at all costs.

The backlash and misrepresentation in the press fueled their growing mistrust of the media and their decision to take control of their narrative through projects like Harry & Meghan on Netflix and Harry's memoir Spare. It also underscored Harry's longstanding grievances with the press, particularly after losing his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997, a tragedy he has often blamed on intrusive media coverage. This context makes Harry's protective stance toward Meghan deeply personal and rooted in a determination not to repeat the past.

Prince William’s concerns about Harry and Meghan’s whirlwind romance were not entirely unfounded, particularly given the intense media scrutiny and challenges Meghan faced after joining the royal family. His warnings to Harry about slowing down and fully preparing for the complexities of royal life reflect his own measured approach to his relationship with Kate Middleton, whom he dated for eight years before proposing.

In hindsight, William may well have wondered whether a slower courtship would have allowed Meghan more time to acclimate to the unique pressures of being a royal, particularly in navigating the relentless British press and the palace dynamics. Harry, however, driven by his deep connection to Meghan and his protective instincts, was resolute in his decision to marry her quickly—compounded by his desire to start a family as soon as possible.

The fallout, however, was immense. Meghan’s estranged relationship with her father and half-sister, combined with her “Duchess Difficult” reputation perpetuated by the press, added fuel to the fire. The royal family's adherence to the "Never Complain, Never Explain" mantra only exacerbated Harry’s frustrations, as he felt his wife was being left undefended in the face of intense criticism.

Stepping down as senior royals in January 2020 marked a breaking point—a decision that many argue might have been avoided had the couple been given more time, support, and preparation for their new roles. Yet despite the turbulence, Harry and Meghan’s union achieved their personal goals: building a family with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and establishing a life outside the constraints of royal duty.

Ultimately, while William’s advice to slow down may have been pragmatic, Harry's choice was led by emotion, love, and a fierce determination to protect Meghan. Their differing approaches underscore the contrasting paths the brothers have taken—paths that have reshaped the future of the monarchy and the public's perception of the royals. Whether slowing down would have prevented the Sussexes’ departure is impossible to know, but it remains a lingering “what if” in the complex story of Harry, Meghan, and the royal family.