Prince Harry's "Wild Lad" Persona "Died" When He Met Meghan Markle, Claims Royal Author
Well, he was 32...


Prince Harry was known for getting into trouble in his youth.
It's difficult to forget the time he decided to dress as a Nazi for a costume party, but there was also the time he went to rehab for weed (??), the time he got naked in Vegas, the handful of times he got into arguments with paparazzi, and the time he allegedly snorted vodka (??????). You can read more about his antics here if you so wish.
According to Valentine Low in his new book Courtiers, Harry and William's former private secretary at the time, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, was tasked with making sure Harry was doing OK and on the right track, so to speak, but it wasn't until the young royal met his now-wife Meghan Markle that Harry actually gave up on the party boy life. Which is... fair enough? He was 32 and ready to try something else, which sounds about right to me.
"The younger prince was a dashing figure, flying an Apache helicopter, and was heavily committed in the area of children’s health, with charities like WellChild. But he also used to be quite a wild lad," Low writes in Courtiers (via OK!).
"When Harry was young, it was easy to forgive him, his transgressions. But at what point does a wild lad become a seedy old roué? At the time, it was nothing to worry about: just something to keep an eye on."
Here's how things changed: "Eventually, of course, the problem would resolve itself, but not in a way that Lowther-Pinkerton or anyone else imagined," Low writes. "The wild lad died the day Harry met Meghan Markle."
The rest is history.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Will Prince Louis be Granted a Title from Dad Prince William That's "Tainted With Sadness?"
Royal historian Jessica Storoschuk tells 'Marie Claire' what Prince Louis and Prince George's future titles could look like.
By Kristin Contino
-
Sofia Richie Grainge's Chanel Collection Just Gained a Luxe New Bag
She styled it in rich-mom fashion.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
Sza Has a Beauty Brand Now—And Her Signature Lip Combo Is the Star
Her iconic gloss that kept the world guessing is set to be the first drop.
By Ariel Baker
-
This Royal Couple Has the Most Pinned Celebrity Wedding of All Time—And a Surprising Royal Wedding Didn't Even Make The List
A new study found this ceremony gave Pinterest users the most inspiration.
By Kristin Contino
-
Royal Sources Give Update on "Distant" Relationship With Prince Harry and King Charles
Insiders close to the Duke of Sussex have revealed whether there is a chance at reconciliation in the near future.
By Kristin Contino
-
The Alleged "Olive Branch" Prince Harry Offered to Kate Middleton and Prince William During U.K. Visit
The Duke of Sussex's decision was reportedly an effort "to make peace."
By Amy Mackelden
-
We Taste-Tested Meghan Markle’s As Ever Jam, Honey and Flower Sprinkles—One Word Kept Coming Up
Women across America gave 'Marie Claire' their thoughts on the Duchess of Sussex's first seasonal drop of products.
By Kristin Contino
-
The Special Gift Princess Lilibet Received From "Papa" Prince Harry in Meghan Markle's Latest Instagram Post
"Made with love."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Royal Expert Shares Why King Charles Had to Be "Very Careful" and "Couldn't" Meet Prince Harry During U.K. Visit
"It could actually bring down a court case."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Harry’s Lawyer Claims His "Life Is at Stake" When It Comes to Court Ruling
The Duke of Sussex is waiting on a decision that will impact his family's future plans.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Thoughts on Trump's Tariffs as She Launches As Ever
The Duchess of Sussex opened up about how her new business could be impacted in a new interview with 'Fortune.'
By Kristin Contino