Prince William was right to advise his brother Prince Harry not to rush into marriage with Meghan Markle, a royal expert has said. William, now 44, reportedly warned Harry in 2017 after he proposed to Meghan, less than two years into their relationship. William had dated Catherine for nearly a decade before marrying her, and believed that joining the royal family required time to adjust.
William's Warning Ignored
Despite the advice, Harry married Meghan in 2018. The couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and now live in Montecito, California, with their children Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.
Historian's Perspective
Royal historian Marlene Koenig said Meghan was uncomfortable with royal rules, validating William's concerns. She told the Mirror: "Meghan was not comfortable with all the rules. William was right to advise Harry to take his time and not rush into marriage."
Koenig added: "The family learned valuable lessons from the marital failures (Charles & Diana and Andrew & Sarah). Neither couple got to know each other well before the marriage. No real courtships."
Living Together as Preparation
She noted that Edward and Sophie, as well as William and Catherine, lived together before marriage, giving them time to understand royal life. "Meghan was not afforded that time – and perhaps if they lived together for a few years, Meghan would have had more time to observe," Koenig said.
