Prince Harry and Meghan Markle aren’t close with many royal family members, but the two always had a strong bond with Queen Elizabeth II — and one ‘big deal’ gift proves the connection.

Queen Elizabeth II was almost the only reason Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the United Kingdom together after leaving the royal family; they went back for her Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and again for her funeral later that year. Harry and Meghan always had good things to say about the queen, and the two even named their daughter, Princess Lilibet, in honor of the queen’s childhood nickname.

When Harry and Meghan wed, the queen handed them a substantial gift, which sources close to her say was a “big deal” for her to do.

Queen Elizabeth with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018Queen Elizabeth with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth gifting Frogmore Cottage was a major deal for 1 reason

When Harry and Meghan wed, they didn’t wait long to start a family. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in need of a bigger space, and Queen Elizabeth gifting them Frogmore Cottage might seem like just another home for another royal couple, but it was actually a much bigger deal than that.

Express reports that royal expert Katie Nicholl once spoke with Lady Elizabeth Anson, who was the queen’s cousin once removed. She explained what a big deal the gift actually was. “The cottage was a big deal. The Queen’s entrance into the gardens is right next to their cottage,” Lady Elizabeth said. “It is essentially her backyard, her solitude, and her privacy. She was giving that up in gifting Harry and Meghan Frogmore Cottage … We all thought it was very big of her. She said, ‘I hope they’ll respect it.’”

Harry and Meghan eventually moved out of Frogmore Cottage, and it still sits empty, but the gift of that particular home says something important about Harry’s relationship with his grandma: The bond was very strong.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle still have respect for the queen

When Harry and Meghan left the royal family, they took some time away from the spotlight. Then, in 2021, they sat down for a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they essentially spoke of their experience and, in turn, spoke badly of the royal family. However, the queen was one of the few people for whom Harry and Meghan oozed respect. Meghan was excited at recounting her first experience with the queen, when she offered a blanket to Meghan.

Meghan and Harry’s decision to name their daughter after the queen proves that they always had a strong connection to her, though the same can’t be said for their relationship with other members of the royal family. Harry and Meghan gave up Frogmore Cottage when they moved to the US, but it will always be symbolic of their closeness to Harry’s grandmother.