Even as the figurehead of one of the world’s most opulent institutions, Queen Elizabeth II was famously careful with money.
Her wartime childhood instilled a habit of making do and mending—collecting ration coupons for her wedding dress, recycling garments, and even passing hand-me-downs to senior staff.
These small acts of thriftiness were a hallmark of her character, shaping how she approached life within the gilded walls of the palace.
Meghan Markle’s Expensive Dior Gown Sparks Royal Disapproval
Not everyone in the Royal Family shared the Queen’s sensibilities about spending.
When Meghan Markle, then the new Duchess of Sussex, wore a £60,000 Christian Dior gown to an official engagement at the British ambassador’s residence in Rabat, Morocco, the outfit reportedly drew the Queen’s ire.
Royal biographer Robert Jobson revealed that Elizabeth considered it “an ill-judged choice” and later made her feelings known to Meghan.
Despite the rebuke, Meghan continued to appear in high-end, custom designer pieces during her tenure as a working royal, signaling a clash of values between her and the monarch.
The Naming of Lilibet and Palace Frustrations
The tension didn’t end with fashion. When Harry and Meghan named their second child Lilibet, after the Queen’s childhood nickname, the news reportedly unsettled Her Majesty.
Two months after Prince Philip’s death, the Queen allegedly “threw the paper to the floor, startling the staff,” according to Jobson.
While the Sussexes maintained that Harry had sought his grandmother’s approval before the announcement, the palace reaction was reportedly far less enthusiastic.
The Queen was said to have lamented, “I don’t own the palaces, I don’t own the paintings, the only thing I own is my name.
And now they’ve taken that,” as reported by royal author Valentine Low.
Missed Tea and Growing Isolation
Adding to the Queen’s frustrations, Harry and Meghan reportedly skipped a scheduled afternoon tea with her.
Jobson described this ritual as the monarch’s most “precious” daily tradition.
A special cake had even been prepared for the occasion, yet the pair did not attend, leaving Elizabeth to quietly ask that everything be cleared away.
After the loss of Prince Philip, Elizabeth spent most of her remaining time at Windsor Castle, experiencing dwindling health and frequent loneliness.
These quiet days highlighted both her vulnerability and her dedication to maintaining dignity despite personal grief.
The Final Chapter of a Beloved Monarch
Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, leaving the nation in mourning.
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch was remembered for her unwavering sense of duty, her quiet frugality, and the complex relationships that marked her life behind palace doors.
Her passing closed a chapter on a royal era that balanced tradition, family, and the pressures of public scrutiny.
What’s Next
As the royal family continues to navigate public and private tensions, Elizabeth’s legacy—her thriftiness, her devotion to duty, and her expectations for respect within the palace—remains a touchstone for understanding both the monarchy and the challenges faced by those who enter it.
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