Phil Dampier alleges Prince William saw through Meghan’s motives, believing she never intended to stay in the royal family and simply wanted fame and wealth.

William’s Early Doubts

July 11, 2025: According to royal biographer Phil Dampier, Prince William was suspicious from the start of Meghan Markle’s intentions in marrying his younger brother. He claims William believed Meghan saw the marriage as a fast track to fame, fortune, and celebrity status rather than a long-term commitment to royal life. The source of Dampier’s view: Lady Elizabeth Anson, a close confidante of Queen Elizabeth II.

“No Intention of Staying”

Dampier doubled down, stating that Meghan “never really had any intention of staying in the royal family”. He says her wedding was seen not as a union based on love, but as a strategic move—and Prince William reportedly recognized it immediately.

Palace Tensions and a Royal Rift

He believes William and Harry eventually fell out over these suspicions, and that a lasting rift formed between the brothers as a result. The tension deepened after Meghan and Harry’s exit from royal duties in 2020 and subsequent public revelations.

Critics Push Back

Despite Dampier’s claims, those close to Meghan have pushed back, calling his assertions unsubstantiated opinion with no basis in verified fact. They argue that no one outside Meghan herself—and even she—can truly know her original intentions.

Beyond Megxit: The Fallout

The conflict intensified through interviews, Meghan and Harry’s Netflix docuseries, and Harry’s memoir, Spare, which included allegations of a physical altercation between the brothers. More recently, Harry has expressed interest in reconciliation—but noted the “security” issue remains a major stumbling block. Final Take

If Dampier’s claims are accurate, Prince William may have seen Meghan’s motives more clearly than most—interpreting her royal marriage as a step toward wealth and fame rather than duty. But without concrete evidence, these remain speculative insights in an ongoing saga. The question lingers: Was Meghan ever planning to stay—or was her time in the royal family always meant to be temporary?