A “TIRED, grieving” Queen has gone to Balmoral in a bid to rise above the scandal caused by Prince Harry’s book revelation.
The monarch, 95, made her first trip away from Windsor since Prince Philip’s death.
Meanwhile, it was claimed yesterday that Harry struck a four-book deal, with one to be released after the Queen’s death.
We can also reveal insiders fear he has been making his own recordings and keeping documents to back-up any claims.
The Queen went to Scotland after telling aides she wants to avoid London as it holds painful memories of Philip, who died in April.
Our source said: “She could not wait to get away.
“She is still grieving very deeply and wanted to head to Balmoral to escape from things. She is also incredibly tired.
“The announcement of Harry’s book, and the new claims that he could release four books, are the last thing she needed.
“It is only just over three months since Philip was buried, so the book announcement is incredibly insensitive and seems another two fingers to the monarchy.
“But Her Majesty has told her family and staff that the only way to deal with it is to rise above it.
“She has actually surprised some staff with her restrained reaction to the book — although the suggestion another could be released after she dies has not helped.”
Harry’s memoir — set to examine the “highs and lows” of his royal life — will hit shelves next year, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Pals of Harry and wife Meghan say they are keeping “receipts” and documents to back up any claims that are published.
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It comes after private conversations with Princes William and Charles were leaked earlier this year to CBS host Gayle King — a friend of the Sussexes.
Harry and William have texted but barely spoken in 18 months.
Charles refused to speak to Harry on the phone during the “Megxit” talks last year — sending letters instead.
An insider said: “There have been worries for some time that the Sussexes could keep records of what would usually be expected to be private family conversations. There are concerns they could go straight into the memoirs.”
But despite reports of a four-book deal, a spokesman for the Sussexes said Harry was writing only one memoir, to be published next year.
Buckingham Palace did not want to comment.
