WHEN Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they were quitting royal life, the Queen insisted on reviewing the bombshell decision after 12 months.
It would allow the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a grace period to change their minds – just in case they were having second thoughts.
But according to reports, it would seem the Queen was never expecting them to back down – as the pair gave away one very big clue.
Asked by a visitor if she expected them to resume royal life, the Daily Mail reports the Queen replied: “Of course not. They took the dogs.”
Harry and Meghan’s decision to quit royal life sent shockwaves across the globe when they announced the news in 2020.
It came in the form of an Instagram post, with reports at the time suggesting the Royal Family had no notice of the bombshell move.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they intended to “step back as senior members of the Royal Family” while “continuing to fully support Her Majesty the Queen”.
They added they would continue to “honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages”.
But the Queen responded in stark contrast.
She gave the Sussexes only an ‘in’ or ‘out’ option, and the former royals opted out.
By the end of the week, Her Majesty’s press office had issued a statement laying out terms for the couple – including losing their patronages and military roles, the use of their HRH style and no more public funds.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family.
“Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.
“The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.
“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
Sensationally, the Sussexes were quick to hit back, insisting “service is universal”
A spokesperson for the couple said at the time: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.
“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
