Prince Harry, 35, is traditionally thought of as the Royal Family’s cheekiest member and is well-known for his playful character and sense of humour. But it seems his brother Prince William could rival his brother’s skills in the humour department after it has been revealed he had a rather witty response up his sleeve when he was first introduced to Harry’s then-girlfriend Meghan Markle.
The beginning of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s whirlwind romance is chartered in a new unofficial biography about the couple’s royal step-down.
Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand is said to be written with input from those closest to the couple and sheds new light on their unprecedented step down as senior royals.
While the book lays bare the alleged rift between Prince Harry and his older brother, it also describes them during happier times.
While Prince William is said to have been wary about the speed with which Harry’s and Meghan’s relationship moved, he was nothing but charming to the former actress when they first met.
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According to the authors, Harry first introduced Meghan to his brother in November 2016.
And William’s first words to Meghan will have immediately put her at ease – despite the future King enjoying an opportunity to make a cheeky dig at his brother.
The authors write: “Meghan first met William at Kensington Palace in early November 2016.
“As she walked up the seven freshly jet-washed concrete steps to Apartment 1A with Harry, she wasn’t thinking about the future king of England but her boyfriend’s older brother, and one famously protective of his younger one, who had experienced more than his fair share of emotional wounds.”
William immediately welcomed Meghan, making a jokey dig at his younger brother’s expense.
The authors write in Finding Freedom: “As soon as William opened the black double doors to welcome Meghan into his home, he said, ‘I was looking forward to meeting the girl who has put that silly grin on my brother’s face.’”
According to the book, the rest of the “no-fuss” first meeting was a breeze and the three of them drank tea together in “the heart of the Cambridge family home: the kitchen.”
The only thing missing was William’s wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, who was at Anmer Hall in Norfolk with the children.
While Meghan was “disappointed she didn’t get to meet Kate” she was reassured by meeting William.
They write: “William made his feelings known to his brother when he shared how happy he was to see Harry smiling.”
The book also details how William at one point shared his concerns with Harry about how quickly things with Meghan were moving.
Mr Scobie and Ms Durand write: “Both William’s and Harry’s friends were concerned with the pace of his relationship.
“In a way, Meghan wasn’t being treated differently to anyone else- male or female – who entered their orbit.
“Since Diana’s death, the princes had been extremely cautious of anyone who might try to take advantage.”
“Around the same time Skippy took Harry aside, Prince William decided to confront his brother over his concerns.”
