The Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave the rest of the royal family just ten minutes’ notice before their message was sent outSteve Back

What ended with a devastating statement from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex began in a civilised enough manner, with emails between Prince Harry and his father as they conducted negotiations thousands of miles apart. In between there were misunderstandings, pleas for peace, family politics and explosive displays of anger.

At the centre of it all was a couple so determined to get their way that they were prepared to ignore the advice of their senior aides. And now, despite hurt feelings all round, the royal family is trying to repair the damage by getting together to ensure Harry and Meghan a swift departure from their roles as senior members of “the Firm”.

The duke and duchess have been building up to this for a…