UNRIVALLED REPORTS

Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family.

‘My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family.

‘Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.

‘Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives.

‘It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK.

‘These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.

■ The fact that the Queen issued the statement in her name and makes reference to ‘my family’ and ‘my grandson and his family’ is both deliberate and significant. The monarch has been deeply hurt by the events of the past week – but has also been taken aback by the backlash against Harry after he issued his statement without letting her know first. The Queen wants the world to know she’s not just boss of ‘The Firm’ but also a grandmother.

■ The Queen, as well as other senior members of the Royal Family, make clear their hurt at recent events. There’s also bewilderment that Harry, in particular, feels that he has been frozen out of plans for a future slimmeddown monarchy. At the time of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, when the Queen, Charles and his two sons stood on the balcony at Buckingham Palace, sources say it was made crystal clear to Harry that he was a ‘key component’ of any future royal line-up. Royal Family members believe Harry brings a welcome joiede

vivre, and without him and Meghan senior royals will be lacking. The Queen does, however, understand his desire to break away and his refusal to bow to convention.

■ The royal stop-gap. In moving their son, their dogs and their household over to Canada, Harry and Meghan have already signalled to the Queen that, for the immediate future at least, there is no intention of coming back. In this the Queen has had very little choice. She can’t order them to return, so she might as well capitulate in order to keep the peace while trying to formalise the new arrangements.

■ Referring to Harry and Meghan by their first names further personalises the statement, emphasising that this is a family trauma as well as a royal crisis. But it also gives rise to speculation that the couple may lose their titles and, potentially, their HRH (His or Her Royal Highness) status. Insiders point out they are also referred to as ‘the Sussexes’ later in the statement, but openly admit that ‘nothing can be ruled out’ at this stage.

■ The lack of detail on this speaks volumes: there is much to be sorted here. Harry and Meghan are predicted to make millions as a global ‘brand’. But it will not be cheap to maintain a transatlantic lifestyle for their family with at least two homes. The statement does not address whether Charles will continue to fund his son to the tune of £2million a year. It also avoids the issue of taxpayer-funded security and consular help. The royals fear any sense of ‘ cashing in’ could devalue their own brand.

■ Here the Queen admits that she’s in uncharted waters, but makes clear her determination that officials work around the clock to produce an elegant solution.