Her Royal Happiness: Meghan Markle beams as she takes her dogs for a walk with Archie in a baby carrier - as Prince Harry finally arrives in Canada to start their new life after his last royal engagement
- Grinning Meghan Markle took son Archie for a walk in the woods Monday morning in Vancouver, Canada
- The Duchess of Sussex smiled as she held her eight-month-old son on her chest in a baby carrier
- Prince Harry is in Vancouver to be reunited with Archie and Meghan, who he has not seen for a fortnight
- He raced through one of his last-ever royal duties and skipped his brother's first Buckingham Palace reception
- Boarded BA flight to Vancouver Int. and caught smaller plane to Victoria Airport near couple's £10m mansion
A smiling Meghan Markle has taken Archie and her two dogs for a walk in Vancouver hours before a beaming Harry landed in Canada last night after racing through one of his final royal engagements in London.
The Duchess of Sussex was followed by two royal protection officers as she strolled through the Horth Hill Regional Park near the opulent £10million [$14million] Vancouver Island mansion they have used since Thanksgiving last year.
Meghan was wrangling her black Labrador Oz and beagle Guy while appearing to struggle to keep eight-month-old Archie in her baby carrier with one of the straps slipping off her shoulder.
The former Suits star was followed by two bodyguards, who she smiled and talked to, as the row over whether British or Canadian taxpayers will pay the Sussexes' £3million-a-year personal protection bill rumbles on.
Harry is today at the oceanfront mansion where Meghan and Archie have spent most of the past two months. Yesterday he rushed through morning meetings with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and several heads of state at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in Greenwich, arriving at around 11am and leaving by 1pm UK time.
He then held a meeting with his Kensington Palace team about managing his and Meghan's affairs because they will now be in Canada for the foreseeable future.
The Duke even dodged his brother William's first solo reception at Buckingham Palace and rushed to Heathrow to catch a 5.30pm British Airways flight to Vancouver International - before catching a smaller WestJet plane to Victoria Airport on Vancouver Island, arriving at 9.45pm local time.
The father-of-one, who was grinning as he got off the plane with his security team having completed his 5,000-mile journey, wore a padded coat, blue jeans and a beanie hat while carrying a green bag as he walked across the Tarmac.
Meghan Markle took son Archie and her dogs Oz and Guy for a walk in the woods in Vancouver yesterday as her husband Harry flew in from the UK
Hours later Harry landed on a BA flight to Vancouver Int (left). Harry flew on to Victoria airport on a smaller plane and smiled as he arrived having been away from his wife and son for almost two weeks
Hours earlier Meghan smiled while strolling through Horth Hill Regional Park holding her two dogs, black lab Oz and beagle Guy on leashes
Two Royal Protection Officers strolled behind her at a discreet distance for the morning outing - it is not known if they are British or Canadian
The Duchess of Sussex held her eight-month-old son on her chest in a baby carrier as she waited for husband Prince Harry to arrive hours later
Archie was dressed in a white onesie and bootees. Harry recently revealed his son, who is in Canada with Meghan, recently saw snow for the first time
It was one of the warmest mornings for days on Canada's Vancouver Island, where it has been freezing, raining or snowing
As Meghan and Harry were reunited in Canada for the first time since quitting as royals, it has emerged:
- The Queen’s grandson Peter Phillips is using his royal connections to sell milk on Chinese TV - as the row over Harry and Meghan's Sussex Royal brand continues;
- Palace officials admitted they had made a blunder by announcing Meghan would take the title of a divorced woman;
- William and Kate hosted their first joint reception at Buckingham Palace in a glimpse of life post-Megxit as they welcomed African heads of state at the event that Harry would have been certain to have attended in happier times;
- Prince Charles has promised to help fund the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after they step away from royal duties - but may have to use his inheritance from King George VI to pay for it;
Harry, who is still sixth in line to the throne, flew to Vancouver last night and has been reunited with eight-month-old Archie after more than two weeks apart and looked happy and excited to be in Canada.
The prince was spotted landing in the country on British Airways flight 85 from London’s Heathrow and he left the Boeing 747 by the back staircase.
At the end of the near-10-hour Boeing 747 flight he was whisked away in a black minivan to continue his journey with a short 25-minute hop over to Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Harry flew on to Vancouver Island via WestJet, the same carrier that Meghan is said to have taken, landing at Victoria Airport around 9.45pm local time. Officials at the airport closed the third-floor public viewing area shortly before he landed.
The Duke was then driven the last couple of miles in a Silver SUV to the £10million [$14million] oceanfront mansion where Harry and Meghan stayed for six weeks at the end of last year and where she has been with eight-month-old Archie for the past 10 days.
Before the 5,000-mile journey, he was uncharacteristically relegated to a ‘walk-on’ role at the high-profile UK-Africa Investment Summit in London as his brother and sister-in-law, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, held a glittering reception at Buckingham Palace. It was a sign of his new rank in the royal hierarchy. The event at the Intercontinental Hotel in Greenwich will be one of his last as a senior royal.
Harry sat in the front sears of the small plane from Vancouver International to Victoria Airport on Vancouver Island before being rushed off by his state-funded bodyguards
The Duke, pictured getting off the plane, is expected to be in Canada for the foreseeable future although will have a few more engagements in the UK before the end of the spring
Harry landed at Victoria Airport around 9.45pm local time. Officials at the airport closed the third-floor public viewing area shortly before he landed
The duke was then driven the last couple of miles in a Silver SUV to $14million oceanfront mansion Mille Fleurs
Harry is pictured getting a transfer direct from the tarmac. The prince is seen surrounded by security Monday night
Harry couldn't help but smile as he made his way closer to his wife and child on Monday night following the second flight
Hours earlier Prince Harry was whisked off a BA flight at Vancouver Int. The transatlantic flight — which arrived six minutes late — was Harry’s goodbye to the royal life that he has lived since his birth
Harry carried a green duffel bag and wore blue jeans as he made his way to a black minivan
The prince was spotted landing in the country on British Airways flight 85 from London’s Heathrow and he left the Boeing 747 by the back staircase
Meghan, 38, had not been seen since last Thursday when she drove a Range Rover to pick up her pilates instructor Heather Dorak at Victoria Airport.
The Duchess was visibly enjoying walking in picturesque Horth Hill Park during her stay on Vancouver Island. She and Harry took a hike there on New Year's Day, before he flew back to London to sort out the details of their split from the Royal Family.
But it is expected they will spend most of their time in North America, meaning Archie will have little contact with his cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis or his aunt and uncle, Kate and William.
Horth Hill Regional Park is just a couple of miles from Mille Fleurs.
On the previous visit, Harry and Meghan shocked local couple Iliya Pavlovic and Asymina Kantorowicz who were taking selfies when the soon-to-be-ex-royals walked past and offered to snap pictures of the couple, according to CTV News.
'I froze up, I actually couldn't believe who it was,' Kantorowicz said. 'I kept looking back and forth like, 'Is this actually happening?'
Kantorowicz, who lives some 15 miles away in Victoria, British Columbia, said Meghan handed her phone back and wished her a Happy New Year and the two couples went on their way. Harry and Meghan were with their dogs and her Suits co-star Abigail Spencer.
Harry and Meghan now have to decide in which part of Canada they are to make their future. It is understood he would like to stay on the west coast around Vancouver while she would prefer Toronto where she lived while she was filming Suits.
She wrapped up in layers under a green beanie hat, wearing black leggings and her favorite Kamick ankle-high brown hiking boots
Two Royal Protection Officers strolled behind her at a discreet distance. Harry and Meghan will repay the British taxpayer 2.4 million pounds ($3.1 million) for extensive renovations to Frogmore House in Windsor, which they will continue to use as their base when in Britain
It is at least the second time the duchess has gone walking in picturesque Horth Hill Park during her stay on Vancouver Island
Meghan was seen lovingly gazing at Archie as she waited for Harry to jet in from the UK on Monday
Her dog Guy (right) was also sporting a red sweater during the casual stroll on a the warmest day yet this winter
Under the terms of Megxit, Harry and Meghan will keep their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the courtesy HRH — but they will not use the initials
Meghan Markle is the picture of a happy mom as she enjoys a casual stroll through a neighborhood park this morning
The former Duchess of Sussex couldn't look more relaxed or happy as she carried baby Archie in a sling while holding her two dogs Guy and Oz
Meghan smiles at onlookers as she places a protective hand over baby Archie on Monday in Canada
The couple would have been expected to attend the Buckingham Palace bash but William and Kate were joined by the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Princess Anne, in what has been described as the ‘new royal order’ – those who will support the Queen from now on.
It is another stepping stone for William in the long preparation for him becoming king. The Queen and Prince Charles were not in attendance at the reception to mark the UK-Africa Investment Summit and Prince Harry was in the air and on his way to Vancouver, in order not to overshadow his brother's big night.
‘Someone show Meghan how to use a baby carrier before Archie drops out', Twitter users urge
Holding her two dogs, there was no sign of the drama of Megxit on her smiling face, as she took Archie for a stroll through the woods with Guy the Beagle and their black Labrador
Social media users have urged Meghan Markle to get advice from the nanny on how to use a baby carrier after pictures showed her awkwardly handling Archie while walking with her two dogs yesterday.
The Duchess of Sussex looked in good spirits as she strolled through the woods just a couple of miles from the oceanfront home on Canada's Vancouver Island where she has spent most of the past two months.
Smiling to herself, there was no sign of the drama of Megxit on her face as she took Archie out for some fresh air with Guy the beagle and the black Labrador she shares with Prince Harry.
However some eagle-eyed Twitter users were distracted by baby Archie and claimed the eight-month-old looked a little uncomfortable against his mother's chest in a sporty $180 (£154) Ergo 360 Omni Baby Carrier.
Some went so far as to say she was using the baby carrier incorrectly and said she looked like she might need 'help'
One user said: 'Archie looks uncomfortable - maybe one of Meghan's armed guards could give her a hand with the pup...just say'in.
Twitter user Tina Richards said: 'Please someone show Meghan how a baby carrier is used correctly before poor little Archie drops out.'
Harry’s walk-on appearance in Greenwich yesterday came as sources said that the prince, who looked tired at the event, is determined to prove wrong those who say his plan to earn a living commercially is incompatible with his position. Royal aides are concerned the couple’s desire to exploit their commercial earning potential could embarrass the monarchy, but have agreed to let them give it a go, with a review in a year.
One source said: ‘Harry and Meghan just wanted more flexibility in their lives. They felt constrained by the institution and their place in the hierarchy. They were wheeled out when they were needed, otherwise their wings were clipped.
‘Now it is up to them to prove that this new model can be successful. Harry wants to be able to go back to the Queen in a year’s time and say, “Granny, this can work”.’
The UK-Africa Investment Summit brought together heads of state and government and senior representatives from African countries, agencies and businesses to promote investment across Africa.
But although Harry met the prime minister of Morocco and the presidents of Malawi and Mozambique, his was very much a bit-part role.
It comes after the prince told on Monday night of his disappointment at not being able to continue performing duties on behalf of his grandmother. He said: ‘What I want to make clear is we’re not walking away, and we certainly aren’t walking away from you.
‘Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.
‘I’ve accepted this, knowing that it doesn’t change who I am or how committed I am. But I hope that helps you understand what it had to come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life.’
It has been reported Prince Harry's rift with William has been repaired but he is still at odds with Charles following the Duke of Sussex's dramatic exit from royal life.
The two-year quarrel stopped after they realized it was 'now or never', with Harry flying to Canada.
A source told the Sun: 'William and Harry have spent time together privately away from the official Sandringham Summit working on their relationship and discussing their future.
Secret peace talks, helped by the Duchess of Sussex and Duchess of Cambridge, were separate from conversations involving the Queen over Harry's future role.
'It has been ground-breaking in terms of saving their bond as brothers and has been totally driven by them.
'But Kate and Meghan, who was in Canada, did join in with some of the talks on more than one occasion — which is another sign of a real thaw in their relationship. Things are better.'
They added: 'Given Harry is now permanently moving away, there was a realization if they didn't sort things out now, they never would.'
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex talks with Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a bilateral meeting at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London on Monday
Despite the drama of the past fortnight, William and Kate appeared without a care in the world as they received a line of visiting African heads of state at Buckingham Palace last night in an event Harry and Meghan would once have been expected to attend
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Princess Royal and the Earl and Countess of Wessex join Heads of Government, Ministers and members of NGOs attending the UK-Africa Investment Summit for a group photograph at London's Buckingham Palace. Prince Harry, the Queen and Prince Charles were missing from the picture
Palace officials were last night forced to admit they had made a blunder by announcing Meghan would take the title of a divorced woman.
After confirming that she and Harry will give up their HRH – His and Her Royal Highness – titles, aides said the couple would instead be known as Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
The Queen and Prince Charles decided not to strip Prince Harry of their HRH titles and Duke and Duchess of Sussex rank to avoid looking 'petty'.
Her Majesty is said to have considered denying the couple of their most prized titles and instead referring to them as the Earl and Countess of Dumbarton – putting them at the same level as Edward and Sophie, Earl and Countess of Wessex.
However, the Queen and Prince Charles are believed to have felt preventing the couple from using 'HRH' in public and for commercial use - while still officially retaining the title - was a sufficient enough change.
A source told the Evening Standard: 'The Sussex title is one of the ancient royal dukedoms given to him ahead of his wedding to Meghan, along with other titles. Removing it was seriously considered and discussed at the highest level.'
Under the terms of Megxit, Harry and Meghan will keep their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the courtesy HRH — but they will not use the initials.
It is not known when Harry will return to the UK but a Sussex source told MailOnline there is 'more to come' in Britain for the prince before the spring.
During a visit to Prospect House in Wroughton, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall broke her silence on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping down as royals, pausing before saying the couple would be missed.
Camilla, 72, was asked for her thought on Megxit during a visit to the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton, as she helped to celebrate the facility's 40th anniversary year.
While meeting hospice staff, the wife of Prince Charles was asked by a reporter: 'Will you miss Harry and Meghan?'. Camilla smiled and replied: 'Of course'.
Her Majesty is said to have considered stripping the couple of their most prized titles and instead referring to them as the Earl and Countess of Dumbarton
Typically only the divorced wives or widows of hereditary peers are referred to by their Christian name, followed by a comma, then their title
Camilla, 72, was asked for her thought on Megxit during a visit to the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton, as she helped to celebrate the facility's 40th anniversary year. While meeting hospice staff, the wife of Prince Charles was asked by a reporter: 'Will you miss Harry and Meghan?'. Camilla smiled and replied: 'Of course'
Prince Harry is still at odds with Prince Charles following the Duke of Sussex's dramatic exit from royal life (pictured February 14, 2018)
Harry spoke on Sunday night of his 'great sadness' at leaving the royals and claimed he and Meghan were 'not just walking away.'
'Once Meghan and I were married, we were excited. We were hopeful and we were here to serve. For those reasons it brings me great sadness that it has come to this,' he said in London at a meeting of Sentebale, an AIDS and HIV charity he founded in 2006.
'The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly. It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges and I know I haven't always gotten it right but as far as this goes there really was no other option.'
Harry said he wanted his audience to hear 'the truth' from him 'not as a Prince or a Duke, but as Harry, the same person that many of you have watched grow up over the last 35 years — but with a clearer perspective.'
He added: 'We both do everything we can to fly the flag and carry out our roles for this country with pride.
'I will continue to be the same man who holds his country dear,' he said, 'and dedicates his life to supporting the causes, charities and military communities that are so important to me…the UK is my home and a place that I love. That will never change.'
Harry has defiantly backed an Army charity amid claims he is grieving after the Queen and Prince Charles' insisted he is stripped of his official military roles for quitting.
He used the Sussex Royal Instagram account to celebrate the 10th birthday of the Walking With The Wounded charity and shared a series of photographs of him supporting them around the world.
Harry must step away from his three official military roles but has vowed to always maintain his links with his fellow soldiers and today praised 'the resilience and strength' of those 'injured in service to their country'.
The emotive Instagram post said: 'The Duke has worked hard to raise awareness over the years, including an expedition to the North Pole in 2011, trekking across the South Pole with 12 injured servicemen from the UK, the US and the Commonwealth in 2013, and joining wounded veterans for their incredible 1,000-mile walk of Britain in 2015!'
They will also repay the British taxpayer 2.4 million pounds ($3.1 million) for extensive renovations to Frogmore House in Windsor, which they will continue to use as their base when in Britain.
'Royal Peter' for hire in China: As Prince Harry flies to Canada to earn millions, the Queen's eldest grandson Peter Phillips is revealed to be trading on his royal status by advertising milk on TV
The Queen's grandson is using his royal connections to sell milk on Chinese TV.
In a fresh twist to the row over Harry and Meghan seeking 'financial independence', Peter Phillips appears in two adverts for a state-owned dairy firm.
The 42-year-old son of Princess Anne is seen holding a glass of milk in front of a stately home, with the caption: 'British Royal Family member Peter Phillips.'
'British royal family member Peter Phillips' — how Anne's son is presented on the ad he signs off
Thirsty work: Phillips takes a swig of milk
Drink, sir: A 'Palace' footman serves Phillips his drink on a silver salver
Mr Phillips, who grew up on his mother's estate in Gloucestershire, boasts in the advert of being brought up on Jersey milk from the herd at Windsor.
A spokesman for Longleat House, the Wiltshire property used in the commercial, said permission had not been granted.
The revelation will intensify the row about 'royals for rent', as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embark on their new lives.
Harry and Meghan have had to promise not to use their HRH titles to cash in as they set about becoming 'financially independent'.
Mr Phillips and his sister Zara have never had HRH status, and both have come under scrutiny in the past for the way they make money.
Stately home: The massive country pile seen in the advert appears to be Longleat House in Wiltshire, complete with a royal carriage (circled)
He and his Canadian wife Autumn Kelly sold their 2008 wedding to Hello! magazine.
And last year he held meetings with colourful Chinese entrepreneur Dr Johnny Hon over a possible launch of a horse-racing private members' club in Hong Kong.
Yesterday it emerged that the latest scheme for Mr Phillips – a first cousin of William and Harry – has been to promote 'Jersey Fresh Milk' in advertisements shown on television in Shanghai.
The potentially lucrative promotion could be worth tens of thousands of pounds. Mr Phillips did not respond to questions last night, including as to whether he was paid.
Two videos have been shown on Dragon TV. Filming appears to have been last year. The makers have spliced together footage of Longleat House with a replica of the state coach used by the Queen on state occasions, giving the film a regal feel.
Nagging doubts: A behind-the-scenes video reveals the advert was in fact filmed using green-screen trickery – but the horse is real, at least
The Jersey milk is sold by a multinational corporation called Bright Dairies, which is ultimately owned by the Shanghai municipal government.
In his advert, Mr Phillips gushes: 'Bright Dairies has got a fantastic reputation all over China and outside of China as well, for producing high quality dairy products.'
The 30-second advert in Chinese opens with a set of intricate wrought-iron gates opening to a sweeping drive up to a palatial English country house.
A moment later, viewers see Peter Phillips, dressed in a black bow tie and dinner jacket, peering out of a high window.
Then the camera switches to an outside view again, showing a horse-drawn landau resembling the state coach drawing up to the grand set of stone steps.
Memories: Phillips – presented here with a milk churn – tells how 'there was a herd of Jersey cattle at Windsor... we were brought up on it'
The gilded scene suggests Mr Phillips is watching the arrival of the monarch at a royal palace.
The next clip shows an opulent drawing room with a butler approaching Mr Phillips bearing a bottle of milk and glass on a silver platter.
A Chinese voice, apparently dubbing Mr Phillips, says: 'I love to drink Jersey Milk.' As the butler nods Mr Phillips takes a long gulp of milk from a glass.
With classical music playing, the scene turns to an aerial view of green rolling hills, with the caption in Chinese: 'The royal estate of Britain – Jersey Island'.
Although the Channel Island of Jersey is a Crown dependency, it is not usually described as part of the royal 'estate'.
Idyllic: The advert cuts to a grazing herd of cattle
Then follows a tranquil scene of five Jersey cows munching on grass in what appears to be a mountainous terrain with snowy peaks, with the Chinese voice saying: 'For centuries, the Jersey cows are protected by British law.'
The advert introduces the Chinese version of Jersey milk, named Guangming Zhiyou. It appears this is produced from a herd of 'pure breed' Jersey cows in China.
Mr Phillips next appears, in an expensive-looking three-piece suit, opening the door of a fridge filled with bottles of 'Jersey Cattle' milk. 'Fresh is what I want,' says the voice. 'Indulge in freshness and richness.'
The Chinese captions on the screen translate as: 'Quality British product' and 'This is the fresh milk I love to drink.'
Accompanying the advert is a one-and-a-half-minute video in English, which appears to show Mr Phillips making the ad and explaining his role.
'Hello, my name is Peter Phillips,' he begins. If Chinese viewers do not recognise him, the next scene shows the Queen's golden landau trundling into view.
Mr Phillips waxes lyrical about his love of 'sampling other cultures', before telling viewers: 'As children, we used to spend a lot of time down at the dairy. There was a herd of Jersey cattle at Windsor and we were brought up on it.
'And it was always much fuller of flavour, much creamier, than other milks that we had growing up. That has something to do with the way the cows are bred.'
He says the 'well looked after' cows 'do produce fantastic milk', as the camera shows him taking appreciative sips from a glass and nodding contentedly.
Mr Phillips says: 'It's a privilege for me to be able to represent Bright Dairies in this exciting new project to bring jersey milk to China. Hopefully it will be a huge success.' There is a huge market for quality milk in China and Bright Dairy & Food Co Ltd is one of the leading companies there.
Taking a break: Phillips enjoys a drink while looking out at the Shanghai skyline
Last night Buckingham Palace declined to comment. A source said the royal landau in the film was a 'replica' of the Queen's coach and pointed out that Mr Phillips had never held a royal title nor been a working member of the royal family.
The source said he was a private individual, and suggested it would not be for the palace to comment on his private business.
Sources insisted Mr Phillips was not trading on his royal connections, saying the word 'royal' was not used.
However the Chinese advert prominently describes him as 'British royal family member Peter Phillips'.
Mr Phillips did not respond to requests for comment.
For the Queen's sake, when WILL Harry start to think before he acts? The Duke of Sussex brusquely rips up royal unity again by saying deal is NOT what he wanted, writes RICHARD KAY
Were these the first cracks in the highly polished exterior, an unmistakably emotional outburst ripping up the carefully choreographed royal script and, for the first time, appearing to directly question the agreement struck with his grandmother the Queen?
Privately, friends insisted he was doing no more than clarifying his position when he forthrightly spoke out about his future at a dinner in a fashionable restaurant.
But others around Prince Harry fear it was a sign of something more fragile, something that has echoes of his late mother Princess Diana.
With the ink barely dry on the deal that allows him to escape the straitjacket of being a working royal, Harry's sudden decision to use a private event to pass a very public judgement on it was not just discourteous to the Royal Family, but also dramatically undermined the harmonious accord it had been presented as hours earlier.
Above all Harry's speech demonstrated how raw and how unpredictable the drama over his and Meghan's split from the royals really is
No wonder there was consternation at the Palace yesterday.
Above all Harry's speech demonstrated how raw and how unpredictable the drama over his and Meghan's split from the royals really is.
Harry's intervention has been likened to that of a merger between two companies when, after it has been successfully concluded, the chief executive of one of the firms suddenly announces 'this isn't what I wanted', blindsiding directors, shareholders and workers.
His remarks – included in a speech he delivered on Sunday evening at a glossy event at Chelsea's Ivy Garden in aid of the charity Sentebale, which he founded to honour his mother's legacy supporting those affected by Aids and HIV in the African kingdom of Lesotho – addressed the crisis over his future head on.
The Harry I know will be desperately torn over the repercussions of his decision to walk away
Coming just 24 hours after he had apparently signed off on the agreement struck between him, the Queen and his father Prince Charles, Harry's anguish couldn't be clearer: he was telling the world that this was not what he wanted.
He had, he said, hoped to continue to serve the Queen and Commonwealth and, crucially, retain his military associations.
'Unfortunately that wasn't possible,' he declared.
For all his optimism about leaps into the future, it was a speech tinged with regret. 'It brings me great sadness that it has come to this,' he said at one point.
Something, surely, with which the Queen would heartily agree.
Her Majesty may be less pleased, however, that her grandson decided to speak out at all. In her own measured and generous statement the previous evening, the Queen deliberately spoke warmly of Meghan, describing her pride at how quickly the 38-year old duchess has become 'one of the family'.
And in promising that Harry, Meghan and their son Archie would always be 'much-loved' members of the Royal Family, she was mapping out a future in which they would not be exiled. These words were intended to be conciliatory, a peace-making gesture.
Did Harry wilfully misinterpret this kindness or was he simply hell-bent on showing that his exclusion from those aspects of his royal life which mean the most to him was not his doing?
As someone who has followed the fortunes of Prince Harry for this newspaper since his first day at nursery school, I would like to think that it is the latter.
Less charitable voices within the Queen's household are not so sure. One figure suggested that at the very least Harry had demonstrated an act of incivility to both his father and his grandmother.
This was hardly the first time Harry has so brusquely intervened as the crisis unfolded in ways not to his liking.
This was hardly the first time Harry has so brusquely intervened as the crisis unfolded in ways not to his liking
It is almost two weeks ago that he sensationally announced that he and Meghan were quitting their frontline royal roles – without forewarning the Queen, Prince Charles or Prince William. Indeed, the first the Queen learned of it was from an evening television news bulletin.
The reaction of the Queen – and Charles – since has been informed by their desire to avoid repeating the mistakes that occurred with Harry's mother over her split from the Prince of Wales.
Almost exactly 24 years ago the long-term discussions about Diana's future also erupted into the public consciousness with the princess accusing the Palace of playing 'ping-pong' with her.
It concerned her status as a divorced woman outside the Royal Family and also pivoted on a title, in her case the style Her Royal Highness. Like Harry, she viewed the handling of her issue quite differently from the Palace.
Royal officials claimed she had offered to surrender the HRH title without duress. Diana angrily disagreed insisting it had been a 'pre-condition to any divorce negotiation'.
The Palace hit back with a chastening statement oozing with disdain, which spelt out that it did not 'say something specific on a point like this unless we are absolutely sure of our facts'.
Shattered by the ferocity of the negotiations, Diana did not fight the title issue and in the end it helped secure her £17.5million divorce settlement, a sum that Charles's then financial adviser said had 'taken him to the cleaners', forcing him to sell his entire investment portfolio. But Diana bitterly regretted losing the HRH style and pointedly quit as patron of 100 charities as a result.
She felt passionately that organisations like Help the Aged and British Red Cross Youth deserved a royal patron and that the loss in her standing as result of her title being forfeited would be to diminish them.
The reaction of the Queen – and Charles – since has been informed by their desire to avoid repeating the mistakes that occurred with Harry's mother over her split from the Prince of Wales
Her only consolation was the promise from the then 14-year old Prince William that he would restore it when he became King.
There are other parallels with the Sussex crisis, too. Diana was constantly linked with commercial deals, from a fragrance named after her by a French perfume house to being the face of a high street fashion brand.
They offered her mega-bucks but she turned them all down – just as she did Kevin Costner who wanted her to star with him in a remake of The Bodyguard. She could have made millions but didn't.
Significantly, she also resisted the constant blandishments of money-rich US TV networks. In her case she was pursued by the veteran Barbara Walters.
Did all this turbulence in his mother's life resonate with Prince Harry at the Ivy on Sunday evening?
Certainly, he made no fewer than four references to his mother during his brief speech, including one poignant reference to her death. 'When I lost my mum 23 years ago, you took me under your wing,' he said.
And to be fair there was humility in his words too as he spoke of his 'utmost respect for my grandmother, my commander in chief'.
He also acknowledged how grateful he was to the Queen and 'the rest of my family' for the support they have shown Meghan.
But that gratitude is somewhat tested by remarks made as he attempted to put his side of the story.
'What I want to make clear is we're not walking away,' he said. 'Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately that wasn't possible.'
As an ex-soldier, with distinguished service in Afghanistan, quite apart from his work with veterans and the Invictus Games he founded for wounded, injured and disabled veterans, losing those Army links clearly hurts.
Elsewhere in the speech, if it wasn't his mother's influence it was his wife's, who he was proud to say 'upholds the same values as I do'.
Elsewhere in the speech, if it wasn't his mother's influence it was his wife's, who he was proud to say 'upholds the same values as I do'
He insisted the decision to 'step back' was not one he had made lightly. And using an Americanism he added: 'I know I haven't always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.'
Really? Some might say that after less than two years as a working royal couple, Harry and Meghan had barely got started.
After all he stresses his commitment to duty and service. You can almost hear the anguish in his voice when he says at one point: 'We were here to serve.'
So why aren't they? And what went wrong in his mind that stopped them doing just that?
When royal couples in the past have struggled matrimonially or with the burden of their role, the Queen has always been a sympathetic ear.
But she also has the 'five-year test'. Don't do anything hasty, let's see how things work out over five years, is her measured response. In recent years both the Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Wessex have been challenged by searching public criticism and they have emerged as two of the most reliable and popular members of the Royal Family.
And what about Camilla, Harry's stepmother? No royal figure has taken more knocks in public life but she has been quietly transformed as Duchess of Cornwall performing a vital role as Prince Charles's consort.
Even Charles and Diana delayed their separation at her request to try to make the marriage work.
The more one looks at the whole sorry situation it does seem the Sussexes decision to walk away is one made in haste. But then everything about them has happened at speed.
From that first meeting – a blind date in a London restaurant – to Harry almost immediately whisking Meghan away to camp out in the Botswana bush to her settling in to cosy Nottingham Cottage, his London home at Kensington Palace, everything has been at pace. Everything conducted like a holiday romance – him in Canada, both going to Africa, she visiting England – but with drama at every turn. And in the flash of an eye they were engaged, married and undertaking big overseas tours.
Was it any wonder that after that breathless trip to Africa – its brilliance overshadowed by the spectacularly misjudged decision to complain about their life in the spotlight in a television interview – they needed a break.
Seven weeks of introspection later they appeared to make their announcement without any real thought about its impact and now find themselves fire-fighting public anger and disappointment at their treatment of the 93-year-old Queen.
Perhaps this was really why Harry spoke as he did.
The Harry I know will be desperately torn over the repercussions of his decision to walk away. One thing he could do which would assuage public criticism concerns his promise to repay the £2.4million of taxpayers' money spent on Frogmore Cottage.
Rather than have it transferred into an anonymous fund where it will be used to the repair costs of royal properties, a friend of the prince has suggested he earmark it for a specific project such as a school or a hospice.
Diana would certainly have approved. When she learned of the money being used to build the Millennium Dome in 1997, she pleaded with ministers to spend the estimated £750million on a new regional hospital instead. Her wishes, alas, were ignored.
How WILL Prince Harry and Meghan Markle fund their new life? Couple will rake in cash from Diana's inheritance and mega-million-dollar deals with Netflix and Apple... but taxpayers could STILL have to pick up £3m security bill
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to amass a billion dollar fortune from Diana's inheritance, eight-figure deals with TV giants and their Sussex Royal brand following their departure from official royal duties - but taxpayers could still be picking up the couple's £3million bodyguard bill because of fears they won't be kept safe in Canada.
The abdication agreement with Her Majesty has cost the Sussexes their HRH titles - but it will allow them 'complete and absolute' freedom to secure tie-ups with Silicon Valley giants such as Apple and Netflix or US TV networks while avoiding 'dodgy' commercial deals that would upset the Queen.
Experts have claimed that US TV networks could be willing to pay the couple £38million [$50million] book deals, £20million for US TV interviews and £470,000 [$600,000] based on the amounts secured by the Obamas since they left the White House.
And Prince Charles is expected to pay his £2.3million annual payment to his son for at least another year while they set up in Canada, despite the couple having an estimated joint net worth of £34million [$44million].
Harry has his own wealth, including an estimated £20million inheritance from Princess Diana and £7million from the Queen Mother. Meghan is thought to be worth £4million, accumulated mainly from her seven years on Suits.
The couple are predicted to have such incredible earning power they could build a $1billion brand having spent part of 2019 secretly trademarking the Sussex brand on items such as pyjamas, hats and hoodies - but this is expected to be impossible without angering Harry's grandmother and father.
But despite the Megxit deal being hammered out at the Sandringham summit hosted by the Queen this month, there are still a number of unanswered questions about who will fund the couple once they settle abroad - and how they will make money.
There is a row brewing because the British taxpayer could pick up the couple's estimated £3million security bill because an American private firm would be 'woefully ill-equipped' to protect the high profile couple.
Harry and Meghan have significant personal wealth but their decision to quit as frontline royals and move to Canada will increase the earning potential for them and their charities. But it is inevitable they will become richer themselves
Dai Davies, who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, said: 'Ultimately I think the British public will still be paying for it.
'The private security firms simply cannot cope with the professional demands that protecting Harry and Meghan would put on them.
'By moving abroad they are making it harder to set up adequate protection.'
Buckingham Palace has delayed the final decision over whether to ban the couple's use of the 'Sussex Royal' brand on Instagram and on their personal website until later in the year - but the Queen has warned them not to use it as a trade name in business deals.
A final ruling on what is allowed will be made after further negotiations, but the brand would refer to the couple's soon-to-be announced charitable foundation and not commercial activities, an insider has said, adding: 'They have promised they will not bring the Royal Family into disrepute through any dodgy deals’.
Harry and Meghan want to use their Sussex brand to make huge amounts of money for the charities and good causes they support in the UK and around the world - but is inevitable they will become richer themselves.
Aides are said to have warned the couple they could be forced to change the name of their charitable foundation and social media profile if it damages the Royal Family.
But sources have suggested something this 'extreme' is unlikely with the couple losing the HRH title, perks and having top pay back the £2.4million of taxpayers' money spent on Frogmore Cottage.
And with Harry set to fly out to Canada imminently after completing some of his final royal duties, the couple are able to continue building their brand and business opportunities with their Sussex Royal brand intact.
Talent manager Jonathan Shalit, who has struck commercial deals with a host of stars, tweeted last night: 'Meghan and Harry will become a billion dollar brand', adding cash would roll in from 'Fashion and consumer product ranges, endorsements and advertising. Books, TV and film, paid public appearances, company directorships in return for shares.'
He added in an interview with LBC: 'The Duchess of Sussex is one of the most famous people in the world. The phone is going to be off the hook. Never before has someone that close to the queen been available for commercial opportunity.
'My guess is [an Oprah Winfrey interview would pay] around $25 million. Imagine how many people are going to watch that. Let's say it goes out on Apple or Amazon, imagine the advertising around that. The commercial opportunity is extraordinary.
'The Obamas book deal in the US was around $50m. The real value when it comes to fashion is Meghan. She's been on the front cover of glossy magazines all over the world. Any brand in the world. It would be phenomenal in terms of her income.
'You mention wellness, there's a TV actress in America… Jessica Alba had a company called The Honest Company that's worth over a billion dollars. [Meghan] could in theory make billions of dollars if she got involved with the right company in terms of being a shareholder.'
Netflix's chief content officer Ted Sarandos said at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in LA yesterday the streaming giant would like to work with Harry and Meghan, adding: 'Who wouldn't be interested?'
Harry has also worked with Apple - and US TV networks are ready to work with the Sussexes, who are close to Oprah Winfrey.
Harry and Meghan need an income to replace the estimated £2million a year from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant, which supports most senior royals.
It is understood that Charles will pay either via the Duchy of Cornwall, the estate which provides him with private funding, or more likely from his own personal investments from income such as his bequest from the late Queen Mother. Palace sources insist no public funds will be used.
Although an abdication deal was announced on Saturday following days of discussions at Sandringham, the question of who will pay for Harry and Meghan's security once they split their time between the UK and Canada has yet to be answered.
Currently their bodyguards cost around £1million-a-year - but experts claim this could reach £3million if they spend most of their time in Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had intimated that his country would pick up some of the expense - but a poll of 1,154 Canadian adults found last week that 73 per cent do not want their government to pay for the couple's security costs.
The Queen and Prince Charles decided not to strip Prince Harry of their HRH titles and Duke and Duchess of Sussex rank to avoid looking 'petty', it was claimed today.
Her Majesty is said to have considered stripping the couple of their most prized titles and instead referring to them as the Earl and Countess of Dumbarton – putting them at the same level as Edward and Sophie, Earl and Countess of Wessex.
However, the Queen and Prince Charles are believed to have felt preventing the couple from using 'HRH' in public and for commercial use - while still officially retaining the title - was a sufficient enough change.
A source told the Evening Standard: 'The Sussex title is one of the ancient royal dukedoms given to him ahead of his wedding to Meghan, along with other titles. Removing it was seriously considered and discussed at the highest level.'
Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos, pictured at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in LA yesterday said the streaming giant would like to work with Harry and Meghan
As part of their independence deal agreed by the Queen, they will keep their HRH titles but will not use them once they cease to be working royals.
They will not be addressed as His or Her Royal Highness, but will be Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Their decision to step back from royal duties had led to speculation they could be stripped of their HRH titles, and may no longer be able to use Sussex Royal.
But a source said such a move was considered too extreme, and could have been problematic for the Royal Family in the future.
Had Harry and Meghan been stripped of their titles completely, they would have been considered junior to other members of the family, such as Prince Andrew's daughters Beatrice and Eugenie. That could have led to the embarrassing prospect of Meghan having to curtsey to the princesses.
The HRH title was taken from Harry's mother Diana and his aunt Sarah Ferguson after they divorced, but he was born a royal, so the Queen would have had to issue a Letters Patent to remove it.
Applications have already been made to trademark the Sussex Royal brand, which is at the centre of the couple's social media presence, including their website and Twitter and Instagram accounts. They will be free to make commercial deals without the involvement of Buckingham Palace, but aides have insisted such arrangements will be 'respectful' of the Queen.
The source close to the couple said: 'There are still a lot of details to be worked out, but if it's the use of the word 'royal' in a charitable sense, then what is the problem?'
They have not yet signed any contracts and have agreed not to become brand ambassadors for any big companies. Instead, they are expected to seek commercial deals that complement causes close to their charitable interests.
Harry has signed up as co-creator and executive producer on an Apple TV documentary on mental health with US broadcaster Oprah Winfrey, due to be screened this year. He is understood to have asked for his fee to be donated to mental health organisations.
Harry (left today) says he and Meghan (right in Vancouver last week) feel they have no choice but quit for Canada
Meghan has also agreed to provide a voiceover for a Disney film in exchange for a donation to a conservation charity.
In future, they could be paid for such agreements, although they will inevitably face accusations that they are cashing in on Harry's royal background. Meghan's father Thomas Markle has already voiced concerns that they will 'cheapen' the Royal Family.
In a documentary for Channel 5, Mr Markle will say his daughter had lived every girl's princess dream when she married Harry.
But he added: 'Now... it looks like she's tossing that away for money. Apparently $3million and a 26-bedroom home isn't enough for them. It's kind of embarrassing to me. This is like one of the greatest long-living institutions ever. They are destroying it... cheapening it, making it shabby... turning it into a Walmart with a crown on it.'
Harry and Meghan need an income to replace the estimated £2million a year from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant, which supports the most senior royals.
Prince Charles is expected to support Harry financially for at least a year. Harry also has his own wealth, including an estimated £20million inheritance from Princess Diana and £7million from the Queen Mother. Meghan is thought to be worth £4million.
Megxit: The unanswered questions about Harry and Meghan's personal and financial future
With the Duke and Duchess of Sussex quitting royal life completely, there are many issues that remain unanswered or that are still to be decided upon.
– When will the changes take place?
There is no exact date for Megxit yet.
Buckingham Palace said it will be in the spring of 2020, following a period of transition, so Harry and Meghan’s final days as working royals could be in March, April or as late as May.
The couple, who will in the future be known as Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are, as such, still using their HRH styles and the titles the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
– Who will pay for their security?
This is one of the most problematic areas. Buckingham Palace is not commenting on the couple’s security arrangements.
But it has said: “There are well-established independent processes to determine the need for publicly-funded security.”
The Duchess of Sussex is escorted through a market in Suva, Fiji, during an official tour (Ian Vogler/PA)
It is not known whether taxpayers will continue to fund Harry and Meghan’s personal protection officers, or whether the couple will eventually finance their own security and what Canada will have to pay.
– Where will they live in Canada?
Meghan has been staying on Vancouver Island, but the family will be looking for a permanent home.
They could remain in British Colombia or head to Toronto where Meghan lived while filming Suits, but their exit plan means they have the freedom to live wherever they want.
– What about Meghan’s citizenship?
This is still unclear. At the time of their engagement, Kensington Palace said Meghan would be applying for British citizenship.
At the time of their engagement, it was announced that Meghan would be applying for British citizenship (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
But it was not specified whether she would hold dual American citizenship.
It is not known what stage the process was at or what will happen now.
– How will they make money?
Quitting royal life means the couple are free to seek employment.
No commercial deals have been signed so far, but their financial independence means they could seek out fashion lines, sponsorship, become involved with Netflix or Disney, write books, or Meghan could resurrect her lifestyle blog or acting career.
But the Palace said the couple have vowed that “everything they do will continue to uphold the values” of the Queen.
The Sussexes have pledged to uphold the Queen´s values in their new life (Joe Giddens/PA)
– What about the Sussex Royal Foundation and can they still use the Sussex Royal name?
This has not been decided yet. It is difficult to see how Harry and Meghan could continue to use the word Royal after their departure from royal life.
A date for the Foundation’s launch is still to be confirmed.
– How much will they pay back for Frogmore Cottage?
The total amount of taxpayers’ money Harry and Meghan will pay back for the renovation of their Windsor home is not yet known.
Harry and Meghan´s UK home, Frogmore Cottage (Steve Parsons/PA)
It will include the £2.4 million of Sovereign Grant money spent on Frogmore Cottage listed in the 2018-2019 royal accounts.
But this did not include the cost of exterior painting and landscaping which will appear in this year’s accounts, so the final amount will be higher.
– When will we next see Harry and Meghan together at an official royal engagement in the UK before the changes take place?
Who knows? No engagements have been announced so far.
The royals at the Commonwealth Day service in Westminster Abbey in 2019 (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA)
The Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 10 is a big royal event so royal watchers will be waiting to see if Harry and Meghan attend this alongside the Windsors.
– Where will Archie go to school?
The family will be spending most of their time in North America.
If this continues, it is more than likely that Archie Mountbatten-Windsor will not have a British education, but nothing has been confirmed.
– How much will the Prince of Wales give Harry and Meghan?
This is unlikely ever to be revealed. Charles will continue to offer private financial support to his youngest son and Meghan.
It could come from his £21 million-a-year private income from the Duchy of Cornwall landed estate, or from his own private investments.
The Prince of Wales with his youngest son, Harry (Paul Edwards/The Sun)
– What will happen in 12 months’ time?
Impossible to tell. There is scope for the Queen, Charles, Harry and the Duke of Cambridge to review the arrangements in a year.
But they might decide there is no need for a meeting if all is going well.
Topics up for discussions might range from security and whether Charles’s financial help will continue, to whether Harry and Meghan still retain Frogmore Cottage as a UK base or whether they make a complete move to North America.
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