Harry Opens Up About Meghan’s Joke That Didn’t Land Well With Kate

Family relationships, especially in high-profile families, are rarely simple. When you add tradition, public pressure, and decades of history, things can become even more complicated.

The British royal family is no exception. Over the years, tensions have bubbled beneath the surface, and the split between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on one side and other family members on the other has been widely reported.

Behind the headlines and public appearances, some moments reveal just how tricky things have become. One such moment involves Meghan Markle’s first major royal event after marrying Prince Harry—the Trooping the Colour ceremony in 2018.

This is one of the key events on the royal calendar, full of tradition and strict rules. For Meghan, who had only recently joined the family and admitted she wasn’t familiar with all the royal protocols, it was a nerve-wracking experience.

In his 2023 memoir, Spare, Prince Harry shared a story about an awkward joke Meghan made during that event, which didn’t go over well with her new sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. Harry recalls that shortly after their honeymoon, at Meghan’s first Trooping the Colour, Kate asked her how she found the event.

Meghan tried to break the ice with a bit of humor and responded simply with “Colourful.” It was meant as a lighthearted comment, but the room fell into a deep silence, “a yawning silence that threatened to swallow us all whole,” as Harry put it. You can almost picture the tension in that moment.

Prince Harry said Meghan’s joke didn’t land well.

Harry, still newly married, kept an eye on Meghan throughout the day, checking to see if she was okay. According to a lip reader report from Hello!, Harry leaned over at one point and quietly asked Meghan, “OK?” She replied, “Yeah, are you?” That brief exchange hints at just how overwhelming it must have been for her, thrown into such a formal setting with all eyes on her.

Despite the rocky start, Meghan and Harry appeared again at Trooping the Colour the following year, and they were even invited back in 2022 for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations—one of the last major royal events Queen Elizabeth II attended before she passed away. These appearances showed a willingness, at least publicly, to maintain some family unity during important moments.

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But behind the scenes, the relationship between Harry and the rest of the family has been far from smooth. Earlier this week, Prince William made some candid remarks about family dynamics during a visit to the Army Air Corps in Suffolk.

He described family as “a mixed bag,” a phrase many interpreted as a subtle nod to the ongoing tensions between him and his younger brother. William said,

“Some of them might not want to see you that much. It's a mixed bag sometimes.”

That comment, while brief, carries a lot of weight considering the strained relations that have been widely covered in the media.

Navigating Family Dynamics

Family dynamics, particularly in high-profile settings like the British royal family, can be incredibly complex. Esther Perel, a renowned couples therapist, emphasizes that emotional intelligence is crucial in navigating family relationships. Misunderstandings, like the one that occurred with Meghan Markle's joke, can be exacerbated by public scrutiny and individual insecurities.

To improve communication, Perel advocates for fostering a culture of openness and understanding. Encouraging family members to express feelings without fear of judgment can significantly reduce tension and promote healthier interactions.

Prince Harry shared the joke in his memoir.

Looking back a few years, Harry himself opened up about their relationship in a 2019 interview with ABC. He acknowledged that, like any brothers, they had their ups and downs.

“Inevitably stuff happens,” he said. “But we're brothers; we'll always be brothers.” Harry also pointed out that their busy lives mean they don’t see each other as much as they used to. “We're on different paths at the moment, but I will always be there for him, and he'll always be there for me.”

Since then, however, things seem to have changed, with more distance and public disagreement making headlines. The once-close bond between the brothers now appears fragile, with moments like Meghan’s early royal experiences highlighting how the family’s pressures and expectations can affect personal relationships.

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Life in the royal family is anything but simple. Balancing centuries-old traditions, constant media attention, and personal struggles makes it tough to keep things on track. For Harry and Meghan, this world has brought plenty of awkward situations, mistakes, and tough conversations.

These moments show a more relatable, human side of a family usually viewed through formal events and royal ceremonies, reminding us that behind the public image, real people face real challenges.

Conflict in family settings often stems from unspoken expectations and past grievances. Dr. Terri Orbuch, a relationship researcher, notes that addressing these issues openly can prevent misunderstandings. She suggests family meetings where each member can voice their feelings in a safe environment.

Implementing structured conversations can also help clarify intentions behind comments or jokes that might not land well, like Meghan's. This proactive approach fosters emotional safety and helps rebuild trust within the family, paving the way for healthier relationships in the future.

Understanding the Deeper Patterns

In high-pressure family situations, especially those involving public figures, the need for empathy and communication cannot be overstated. Experts like Dr. Sue Johnson stress that understanding each other's perspectives can lead to more harmonious relationships. Active listening and validating feelings can mitigate misunderstandings that arise from cultural differences or personal insecurities.

Ultimately, employing strategies such as regular family check-ins or professional mediation can foster deeper connections and resolve conflicts effectively. These methods not only enhance emotional bonds but also create a supportive environment for all family members.