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Prince Harry's Race to the Altar: Meghan Markle's 'Ticking Clock' and Other Royal Pressures Behind Their Whirlwind Wedding

In a fear that Meghan Markle was "damaged goods and too old," Prince Harry may have felt pressured to marry the supporting actress "quickly" in 2017, a source spilled.

In her 2022 book The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor — the Truth and Turmoil royal biographer Tina Brown also suggested that the prince felt an urgency to propose, given Meghan's age and their mutual desire to start a family.

Brown, known for her insightful takes on royal affairs, commented, "He knew she was the one. And he also knew that she was 36, and he wanted children." This sense of urgency led to a courtship that defied traditional royal timelines, culminating in a fairy-tale wedding in May 2018.

The couple's relationship, which began in 2016, quickly became the subject of intense media scrutiny along the lines of what Kate Middleton, Sarah Ferguson and Lady Diana Spencer also endured. Despite the pressures, Harry was determined to protect Meghan and their future together.

Brown noted, "He was determined to protect her from the press intrusion that had haunted his previous relationships." This protective instinct, combined with their shared desire for a family, propelled the relationship forward at a remarkable pace.

However, not everyone in the royal circle was convinced of the haste. Prince William, Harry's elder brother, reportedly advised caution.

A royal expert observed, "William was correct to guide or warn Harry, 'Are you sure you're not going a bit fast in this relationship with Meghan?'" This counsel, though well-intentioned, was reportedly perceived by Harry as unwarranted interference.

The couple's swift progression from dating to engagement to marriage was not as quick as then-Prince Charles and Diana in 1980/1981 but placed right behind that ill-fated union in terms of timing.

The Sussex partnership "brought a breath of fresh air to the monarchy, with Meghan's American roots and acting career adding a modern twist to royal traditions," a Hollywood source explained. "Yet, this rapid integration also posed challenges, as Meghan had limited time to acclimate to the stringent expectations of royal life."

In the years following their marriage, Harry and Meghan have welcomed two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, fulfilling their dream of starting a family. Their journey, marked by both joy and adversity, continues to captivate the public's imagination.

Reflecting on their relationship, Brown asserted, "Their love story is one of the most compelling narratives of the modern monarchy."

Today, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have enjoyed nearly seven years of marriage, but their public lives have been anything but blissful. The couple is "professionally separated," according to reports, and are estranged from senior members of the royal family thanks to their "tell-alls."

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Mint reported on Brown's book.