Summary
Overview
This episode explores the introduction of Meghan Markle into the Royal Family and the subsequent deterioration of the relationship between Princes William and Harry. Beginning with their romance in 2016, it chronicles the initial warmth from the 'Fab Four,' the increasing media scrutiny and racist press coverage of Meghan, mounting tensions between the two couples, and culminates in a physical altercation between the brothers in 2019 that fundamentally fractures their bond.
Wedding Day Breakdown: Meghan's Crisis
In a flashback to May 15, 2018, just five days before her wedding, Meghan learns from palace communications that TMZ has reported her father had a heart attack and won't attend the wedding. She's blindsided as he hasn't told her directly. Kate arrives but instead of offering support about Meghan's father, she's curt and focused on Charlotte's bridesmaid dress being too loose and arrangements for the page boys' party. When Meghan tries to explain her struggle with her father's situation, Kate appears angry rather than sympathetic, leaving Meghan in tears wondering if she's making the worst mistake of her life.
- Meghan is being fitted for her wedding gown when palace communications calls about TMZ reporting her father had a heart attack
- Meghan tries calling her father but gets only his voicemail, increasing her panic
- Kate arrives and immediately complains about Charlotte's bridesmaid dress instead of addressing Meghan's father crisis
- When Meghan says she has bigger things to deal with, Kate responds by insisting on protocols
" I have bigger things to deal with right now. My dad's... I'm struggling here. "
" She's dressed as the perfect bride. But this is no fairy tale. It's more like a horror movie. "
Harry Meets Meghan: A Sign on Mummy's Birthday
On what would have been Diana's birthday in July 2016, a lonely Harry discovers Meghan Markle on Instagram through a mutual friend. Feeling disconnected from William, who seems to have forgotten the significance of the date, Harry impulsively agrees to meet this American actress. Their first date at Dean Street Townhouse runs until midnight, and despite the whirlwind nature of it all, Harry invites Meghan to Botswana on their second date—his signature romantic move and a place deeply connected to his mother's memory.
- Harry arrives at William's home with groceries to mark Diana's birthday, only to find William has forgotten and is occupied with the Queen and his children
- Feeling isolated, Harry scrolls Instagram and spots Meghan Markle, an actress he's never seen before, and asks to be set up
- Their first date at Dean Street Townhouse lasts until midnight, with Harry arriving late but quickly charming Meghan
- Harry invites Meghan to Botswana for their second date, revealing it's where he went after Diana's death—making Meghan the fourth woman he's taken there
" I'm coming up 30 years behind him, but the stops are all the same. Bittertown, Aloneville, Hermit Junction. "
" I first came here a few weeks after my mum died. It felt, I don't know, like here I had so much to look at. It got me out of my head. "
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