Harry Reportedly Once Recorded a Hilarious Voicemail for the Queen – She Laughed at Her Grandson's Antics
Everyone wants a good relationship with their grandmother, but not every grandmother is the Queen of England. However, irrespective of her role in the royal family, Queen Elizabeth reportedly proved to be the grandmother anyone would love. Here's a look inside her relationship with her grandson, Prince Harry.
To many, Queen Elizabeth II was the Queen of England, but to her grandson, Prince Harry, she was more than that.
Despite the monarch's formalities and titles, she and the Duke of Sussex had a close grandma and grandson relationship.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex speak, during the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 - One Year To Go events on September 06, 2022, in Dusseldorf, Germany. | Source: Getty Images
The pair's bond dates back to Harry's younger years when he and the Queen spent much time together. As Harry grew older, his relationship with his grandmother enabled him to learn much about leadership from the monarch, including the importance of putting the nation's needs before his.
Many could attest to the beautiful bond the Queen shared with her grandson, one of which was a close confidant of the Queen. The insider claimed that Queen Elizabeth and Harry had a very "warm and jokey grandmother grandson rapport" both in private and public.
Queen Elizabeth stands with Prince Harry, Prince William, and Prince Phillip (2nd R) following a Service of Prayer and Dedication for Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on April 9, 2005. | Source: Getty Images
According to the confidant, the Duke of Sussex once gifted his grandmother a shower cap for Christmas, with the inscription "Ain't life a [expletive]" written boldly on it. Surprisingly, Her Majesty loved the gift and found it funny.
On another occasion, when the late monarch first got her mobile phone, she asked Harry to record a voicemail message. The Duke of Sussex obliged his grandmother's request and reportedly recorded these words:
"Hey, wassup? This is Liz. Sorry, I'm away from the throne. Press one for Philip, two for Charles, and three for the Corgis!"
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks at the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup 2022 on August 25, 2022, in Aspen, Colorado. | Source: Getty Images
While Queen Elizabeth's Private Secretary, Robin Janvrin, was reportedly shocked after he heard it, the late monarch laughed about it. The alleged bond between the Queen and Prince Harry was quite enviable.
Queen Elizabeth and Harry's Relationship after He Left Royal Life
When news broke out that Prince Harry would tie the knot with Meghan Markle in 2018, many royal family members and stans were thrilled.
While the interview caused more problems between Harry and other royal family members, the Queen reportedly chose to ignore everything.
Queen Elizabeth II speaks with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, as they leave after the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor to Thomas Kingston at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 18, 2019, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
They cheered for the couple's romance, giving their blessings, and Queen Elizabeth was reportedly not an exception. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the time, royal expert Katie Nicholl claimed that Her Majesty was supportive of Harry and Megan's relationship.
According to Nicholl, Queen Elizabeth felt the former actress brought positivity into her grandson's life and made him happy, hence her consent. However, before the big royal day, Harry and his grandmother's relationship was reportedly strained. A source claimed:
"She was very upset by some of Harry's demands and the way he went about certain things."
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry attend the annual Chelsea Flower Show at Royal Hospital Chelsea on May 18, 2015, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The source further alleged that Harry and Meghan refused to use the Queen's staff. According to the source, the couple hired their florist and cake maker.
In addition, Harry reportedly asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to marry him and Meghan without informing the Queen. As a result, the monarch was allegedly displeased, causing a strain in their relationship.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry attend the annual Chelsea Flower Show at Royal Hospital Chelsea on May 18, 2015, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
About two years later, Harry and Meghan shocked the world by announcing that they were stepping back from their duties as senior members of the royal family.
While the news left many stunned, the Duke of Sussex would confirm that Queen Elizabeth was well aware. According to a report, Harry, his father, Prince Charles, his brother, Prince William, and the Queen met to discuss the former's decision before the announcement.
Following the big announcement, Harry and Meghan relocated to the United States. Nevertheless, a source explained that Queen Elizabeth made it clear that the couple would always be welcomed if they had a change of heart.
Prince Harry wearing his Sandhurst army uniform, Prince Andrew the Duke of York, and HM Queen Elizabeth ll watch the flypast over The Mall of British and US World War II aircraft from the Buckingham Palace balcony on National Commemoration Day, July 10, 2005, in London. | Source: Getty Images
However, despite her willingness to accept Harry and Meghan, the Queen still stripped the former of his royal patronages and honorary military rights. The Duke of Sussex said his grandmother's decision hurt him, but he completely understood and respected it.
Nevertheless, the Queen and Harry remained close despite all that had happened. During a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Duke of Sussex revealed that following his decision to step down, the Queen remained welcoming. Harry noted in March 2021:
"I have spoken more with my grandmother in the last year than I have done in many, many years."
Prince Harry chats with Queen Elizabeth II on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Colour Ceremony on June 15, 2013, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Despite moving to Los Angeles and being miles away from each other, Harry continued to see the Queen as his mentor. Even after the Oprah Winfrey bombshell interview, the grandmother and grandson remained close.
While the interview caused more problems between Harry and other royal family members, the Queen reportedly chose to ignore everything, though she was "pretty cheesed off" with the interview.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry looks at the Webb Ellis Cup on a plinth during a reception to mark the Rugby World Cup 2015 at Buckingham Palace on October 12, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images
Even while many thought the Queen would approve the removal of Harry and Meghan's Duke and Duchess title following the interview, a source claimed that Queen Elizabeth would never allow it. Harry would later reveal that he and his grandmother had a "really good relationship and a good understanding."
The monarch also extended her love for Harry to his kids. In a chat with James Corden, the Duke of Sussex revealed that the Queen and Archie had a playful relationship. According to Harry, the Queen saw Archie "running around" a few times via zoom.
Inside Queen Elizabeth's Last Days / Death
Moments before the Queen's tragic demise, Harry flew from London to Balmoral to be with his grandmother. Doctors had revealed they were concerned about Queen Elizabeth's health, and without hesitation, the Duke made his way to Scotland.
Queen Elizabeth II toured Queen Mother Square on October 27, 2016, in Poundbury, Dorset. | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, not long before his arrival, Her Majesty passed away at 96. It was heartbreaking news for Harry and other members of the Royal Family. Following the Queen's demise, Harry released a statement on the Archewell Foundation website.
In a part of the tribute, Harry thanked the Queen for her commitment to service, sound advice, and infectious smile. He noted that knowing that the late monarch and her husband were reunited in peace made him and his family smile.
Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she arrives before the Flanders' Fields Memorial Garden opening at Wellington Barracks on November 6, 2014, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Harry also described Queen Elizabeth as a guiding compass because of her commitment to service and duty. He cherished the times spent with the late monarch and remained grateful that she was able to meet his wife and hug his kids.
Ultimately, Harry said the royal family and the world would miss Queen Elizabeth. The late monarch's funeral is slated for September 19, 2022. May her soul rest in peace.