Just after The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from senior royal duties, the palace releases a statement, saying, “discussions on the issue remained “at an early stage”.

It is understood that the Queen and the Prince of Wales were not aware of the content of Harry and Meghan’s bombshell personal statement before it was issued.

A spokesperson added: “We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.’’