The Queen's tragic reaction to the news of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leaving the Royal Family has been revealed, according to a new book.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed they would stepping down as senior, working royals in early 2020 - with a source close to the late monarch now revealing she was heartbroken by the decision.
The couple were allowed to leave the institution, but were forbidden from using their HRH titles in their quest to become financially independent, the Mirror reports.
At the time, the Queen thanked the couple for their "dedicated" work, adding: "It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”
However, Her Majesty's alleged true feelings have been uncovered in a new book called The Royals by Katie Nicholl. An excerpt published in Vanity Fair claims the late Queen Elizabeth II confided to a close friend that she was exhausted by the decision.
The source said: “She was very hurt and told me, ‘I don’t know, I don’t care, and I don’t want to think about it anymore.”
It goes on to claim that the 96-year-old monarch saw very little of her great-grandchildren Archie and Lilibet. It comes after Prince Harry and Meghan were by the family's side during the Queen's funeral.
The source added that King Charles III is "hurt and disappointed but he has always said his love for Harry is unconditional."
They go on to say that His Majesty wants to have an active role as a grandparent to Archie and Lilibet. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to fly back to the US soon.
They were on a charity tour of the UK and Europe when the Queen passed away. Prince Harry dashed to Balmoral was arrived after she had died.
They extended their stay in the UK for the funeral and were seen side-by-side with the Prince and Princess of Wales as they greeted mourners outside Windsor Castle.
Harry was given permission to wear his military uniform for a special tribute to his grandmother over the weekend but wore a regular mourning suit for both services on Monday.
He walked behind the Queen's coffin on Monday alongside his brother and father. During the emotional service at Westminster Abbey, Meghan was seen shedding a tear.
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