Queen Elizabeth II has reportedly told her grandson, Prince Harry, he would always be welcomed back into the royal life, as he prepared to step down as a senior member of the royal family.
The 35-year-old royal and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are set to step back from royal life at the end of this month in favour of a new life in Canada with their nine-month-old son Archie.
And on Sunday, Harry held a four-hour meeting with his grandmother, during which she reportedly told him the door was always open if he and his spouse changed their minds.
The 93-year-old monarch is believed to have ended the talk by saying: “You are much loved and will always be welcomed back.”
Harry’s talk with his grandmother took place in Windsor Castle, where he joined the Queen for a light lunch and tea as they discussed his future.
A royal source told The Sun newspaper: “The Queen had a lot to talk to Harry about and this was the ideal time for them to both say their piece. When Harry and Meghan announced they wanted to quit, it all happened very quickly and it was very stressful for all concerned. Sunday was the first time the Queen has had the chance to talk to Harry on his own and really find out what his plans are. It was a much more relaxed environment and they were both able to speak their mind.”
The Queen is believed to be very upset by Harry and Meghan’s decision to leave, but talks over the weekend are said to have cleared the air between them.
The insider added: “It’s fair to say she is very upset about him and Meghan leaving and she would love to see more of Archie, as would Prince Charles and the rest of the family. She made it very clear to him that he and Meghan are always able to come back if they change their minds and she will welcome them with open arms. Hopefully, the chat cleared the air and the way forward is looking more positive.”
Harry and Meghan, 38, will officially step down as senior royals on 31 March.