The Queen had several private conversations with Harry in the preceding weeks in which she explained it would be impossible for him and Meghan to keep their patronages if they confirmed they were staying away from official duties.

But the statement announcing the move, released by Buckingham Palace on February 19, was potentially explosive from the Royal Family’s perspective – and risked the sort of on-screen reaction that US viewers are likely to see tonight.

References to ‘a life of public service’ were a particular bone of contention for Harry who served on two tours of Afghanistan with the British Army.

The couple are also thought to have been upset that the Queen chose to sign off her announcement by saying ‘we are all saddened by their decision’ rather than wishing them well for the future.

The timing also caused anger, given that a review of the couple’s decision to step back from Royal duties wasn’t due until later this month.

Well, we already knew that. They were hoping to do the interview and when subsequently it was announced that they would be losing the patronages and military titles, they could claim they were being punished for doing the interview.