Ingrid Seward, a royal specialist, noted that expectations that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s presence would dominate the ceremony were unfounded.

“There has been a lot of backlash over Prince Harry’s absence from his grandfather’s burial ceremony. However, no explanation was provided by Harry as to why he opted not to attend.

“He told his spokeswoman a few weeks ago that he wouldn’t be travelling. That was the final straw.

“Harry had to have realised it would come out as petulant and unpleasant. Meghan would have done it if he hadn’t.

“If that was an insult to the whole royal family and it backfired.

“Of course, the Queen would have been informed ahead of time. Harry communicates with his grandma on a regular basis for a variety of reasons. I’m sure he talked to his father as well. Even if Meghan and the kids stayed away, his absence is not excused.

“He will never have another chance to publicly honour his grandfather, who has always been there for him.

“He has irritated far too many powerful individuals. It’s a mistake he’ll live to regret.”