The Queen 'dreaded Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's departure' for precedent it sets

The Queen 'dreaded' Prince Harry and his wife Meghan's departure from the royal family in case it set a precedent for other members to leave, according to a royal expert.

• The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the United Kingdom for Canada in 2020, before settling in California.
• According to royal expert, Valentine Low, said that Harry and Meghan leaving the institution was a 'different kettle of fish.'
• This follows royal news that Kate Middleton has been compared to Princess Diana ahead of her 40th birthday.

Valentine Low told the BBC’s new Harry, Meghan and the Media podcast that the Sussexes departure was a 'significant' moment for The Queen.

He said, “Megxit comes along and that is an entirely different kettle of fish."

“Because it is the first time, since the abdication [of Edward VIII], that a member of the royal Family said actually, I don’t want this anymore."

“I want out of the whole institution.”

He added how Harry and Meghan's choice to step down as senior members of the Royal Family and relocate abroad “could have opened up” the possibility that, in the future, other members of The Firm opt to do the same.

This was the Queen's main concern, according to the royal expert.

He also added how “scrutiny” from the press and British public could also be a driver in sparking an exodus from the Monarchy, inspired by Prince Harry and wife Meghan.

Harry and Meghan now live in a nine-bedroom, 16-bathroom mansion worth £11million which they share with their two children, Archie, two, and Lilibet, seven months.

This comes after Harry and Meghan have reportedly kept their diaries open for the Queen's platinum jubilee this year.

Monarchy insider Neil Sean says that Harry and Meghan's "diaries are remaining free" for the big weekend in June.