Queen Elizabeth II is reportedly so hurt by the drama surrounding her grandson Harry and Meghan that she hates it being brought up.

“She generally doesn’t want to talk about it,” says one insider to Vanity Fair.

“The Queen has been keen to get this resolved because she sees it is damaging to the monarchy and on a personal level, I think this has been rather hurtful for her.

“She has got to the point where she doesn’t want to think about it anymore, she just wants it over and done with.”

The Queen has had to walk the thin line between duty and family, and while she’s kept the door open for the Sussexes’ return, the Queen had no choice but to ban the couple from potentially exploiting their connection to the monarchy.

“The Queen’s disciplinary power within her family is seldom mentioned and seldom used. The mere threat of her displeasure is enough to keep the troops in line most of the time,” explained former courtier Patrick Jephson.

“When something more emphatic is required in defense of the dynasty, she does what’s necessary. People are reassured when she acts to protect the monarchy. It’s an institution that occasionally has to demonstrate robust self-belief to remain credible as a focus of national unity.

“Perhaps it’s her longevity but the Queen has a gift for keeping problems in perspective. Her instincts are humane, cautious and pragmatic.”

Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith said that the decisions the Queen has already made this year shows she is fully engaged in her role”.

“For all the travails of last year and the early months of 2020, she continues to maintain her enviable serenity and carries out her duties in her unflappable fashion,” Smith said.

“Of course these family crises have been challenging, vexing, and sad. But in removing Andrew from his public duties and negotiating the tricky departure of Harry and Meghan from royal life, the Queen was decisive and sure-footed.”

However, insiders close to Harry have said that he is disappointed to completely give up his royal duties, including his role with the military, but his independence is more important.

He went into this knowing that he could lose his title, but his freedom is more important than any of that,” said a friend. “He and Meghan have a back-up plan in place.”