Harry's friends criticize Meghan for influencing his views

Friends of Prince Harry are reportedly attributing some of his changes in beliefs to his wife, Meghan Markle. According to royal author Tom Quinn, one of Harry's close friends expressed confusion over his relationship with Meghan, labeling her as “too woke” and a “tree hugger.” Quinn, who wrote “Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants,” claims that many of Harry's childhood friends shared similar views after he left royal duties in 2020. They felt he became a “tree-hugging lefty” while distancing himself from royal family traditions. He interviewed former palace staff for his insights. When Harry met Meghan in 2016, he quickly fell for her. Their relationship was public by October of that year. Some insiders noted that after marrying, Harry shifted towards social issues and environmental concerns, which weren't part of his earlier focus. Quinn mentions an incident where Meghan attended a pheasant shoot with Harry and his friends. She reportedly disliked the group's jokes, which mocked left-leaning views. Friends of Harry saw his new beliefs as a departure from their own, which they perceived as more traditional. Before Meghan, Harry was viewed as a friendly and easy-going royal. However, after their marriage, some staff felt he seemed distracted and more focused on Meghan's welfare than royal duties. Former aides expressed confusion about his shift in priorities and values. While Harry’s brother, Prince William, remained rooted in royal customs, Harry and Meghan appeared to reject many of those traditions. Their move to America and decisions to become financially independent brought more public attention to their views and grievances. Quinn's book reflects on how Harry’s friend group reacted to his changes, feeling as though he had allied himself with a different set of values after meeting Meghan. This shift has contributed to a noticeable split between Harry and his royal family connections.