During the vital Windsor trip, Princess Eugenie is said to have played a key part in reuniting the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.

Richard Kay, a royal specialist, says that Meghan and Harry’s recent Windsor visit was essential for the couple’s ‘longterm position’ in the family.

Princess Eugenie, Prince Andrew’s daughter and Harry’s best friend, was one of the members inside who helped encourage and support the Sussex return.

Eugenie.

“This was no last minute visit and had to take account of the Queen’s recent bout of ill-health, which included contracting Covid in February,” Richard begins.

“It was also the first time Meghan had seen any of her royal in-laws since March 2020. Intriguingly it involved a fifth member of the Royal Family who was not present at either meeting – Princess Eugenie,” he notes.

Princess Eugenie is presently residing in Frogmore Cottage, Harry and Meghan’s former residence. This suggests that the couple stayed the night before meeting the Queen with their relative.

“The princess who is temporarily living in her cousin’s Frogmore Cottage with her husband Jack Brooksbank and their son August, is thought to have played an ‘encouraging’ role behind the scenes.

“She is Harry’s closest royal ally – she and Jack visited the Sussexes in California earlier this year – and is also close to the Queen,” concluded Richard.