Queen Elizabeth II made frantic attempts to prevent “Megxit” – even telling Meghan Markle: “You can go back to acting if you want to”.
However, the 10-word proposal proved insufficient to stop Prince Harry and Meghan from abandoning Royal duties for their fresh start in California in 2020.
Harry, 40, now holds American residency and has cut ties with the Royal family, the crown and the nation.
His grandmother, with whom he enjoyed a tight relationship, was determined to keep Harry and Meghan from departing, according to Paul Burrell, a former Royal household member.
He revealed: “There is no doubt in my mind that she didn’t want Harry and Meghan to leave. She did not want ‘Megxit’ as it was dubbed, as she knew they would be estranged from her world.”, reports The Mirror.
“The Queen even said to Meghan: ‘You can go back to acting if you want to.’ She was willing to bend the rules for Meghan, and offered to talk to her whenever she had any problems.”
Meghan, 44, had pursued an acting career, featuring in television series including Suits, Fringe and Castle throughout her career.
She also secured parts in cinema productions such as Horrible Bosses, prior to joining The Firm.
Despite the Queen taking Meghan on her maiden official engagement to guide her through Royal protocols and ensure her smooth transition into Royal life, matters failed to progress as anticipated and she and Harry chose to depart. Mr Burrell commented: “She (the Queen) wanted them to stay but she was born into an Edwardian court and was nearly 60 years older than Harry. Her Majesty had lived in a different world from her grandson. How could the Queen understand all of Harry’s problems? She couldn’t.
“They did, however, have a special relationship – particularly because Harry was something of a joker. He didn’t always adhere to protocol. Everyone was very stiff and starchy around the Queen, which she disliked, but he was relaxed and funny.”
Prince Harry is due to return to the UK for the first time in almost half a year this week, as he has an awards ceremony scheduled. Rumours of a reunion with his father, King Charles – and thus a potential return to Royal life – are on the rise.
However, in a column for the Daily Mail today, Mr Burrell suggests the outlook appears grim. He penned: “Harry is now in an exile of his own making… It is such a shame because William and Harry with their wives were the ‘Fab Four’ and certainly for a time Harry and Meghan were ‘the golden couple’. They had everything.”