Queen spotted at Sandringham as aides finalise Megxit deal with announcement on Meghan and Harry’s future ‘imminent’
THE Queen has been spotted for the first time since the historic summit to discuss the future of Prince Harry’s role in the Royal family.
Her Majesty's aides were today finalising the terms of Harry and Meghan's 'exit deal', with an official statement expected "imminently".
She has not been seen since Monday’s meeting with Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry to find a solution to the Sussex crisis.
She was seen driving herself home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk after attending a nearby shoot this afternoon.
After Monday's meeting the Queen released a statement saying they had agreed on a “period of transition” for Harry and Meghan.
The Queen then demanded a return to royal "business as usual" as she doesn't want speculation over the family's future to continue to dominate headlines.
Although an announcement is expected "imminently", source told the Mirror that it would be "halfway house, enough to suggest an agreement has been made... but in reality the exact details will take months to sort out."
The source said talks had hit a "deadlock" and that there was "huge pressure" to produce something by the end of this week but that it "couldn't be done."
She usually stays at the Royal Estate until February 6, which is the anniversary of her father King George VI’s death.
Sources claim Her Majesty is furious at the amount spent, which cost the taxpayer £2.4million, now that the couple intend to start a new life in Canada.
'PRIVATELY UNHAPPY'
The Daily Mail reports that although the Queen has accepted Harry and Meghan won't live in Britain full-time, insiders have indicated she isn't happy.
The Sun Online has approached Buckingham Palace for comment.
Earlier today, Meghan was spotted picking up her pilates instructor pal Heather Dorak from Victoria International Airport as she looks set on permanently living in Canada.
And Prince Harry dodged questions over his future amid the royal crisis as he appeared at the Rugby League World Cup draw yesterday.
He delayed a reunion with Meghan and baby Archie in Canada and will be staying in the UK until next week to sort the couple's royal exit fallout.
Meanwhile Meghan paid a women's refuge a visit, Charity Downtown Eastside Women's Centre shared a photo of the duchess, writing on social media: "Look who we had tea with today! The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, visited us today to discuss issues affecting women in the community."
Meghan was not involved in Monday's summit at Sandringham - having flown back to North America last week after returning to Britain for just three days.
She had been expected to phone in for the crunch talks but the palace later confirmed it "wasn't necessary" for her to join.
And the duchess was then spotted - dressed in a large parka coat as she boarded a seaplane from Vancouver Island to Vancouver.
There has still been no sign of nine-month-old son Archie, who is believed to be with a nanny.
She was escorted to the plane by a bodyguard. An airport source said: “She didn’t have to sit and wait with other passengers inside the terminal.”
The pair spent six weeks on holiday in Canada at the end of last year and want to be based there permanently after securing 'Megxit'.
The 35-year-old is expected to fly to be with her and baby Archie next week after appearing at the Rugby League World Cup draw yesterday.
CRISIS TALKS
On Monday, Harry met the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William for crunch talks at Sandringham about the couple's exit from the Royal Family.
During Meghan's brief stint back in Britain, she and Prince Harry had dropped a bombshell statement announcing they would be quitting full-time royal duties.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex got their way at the Royal Family’s crisis summit — but the Queen made it plain she is deeply upset they are quitting.
After the Sandringham talks, Her Majesty released a statement saying the couple will be allowed to step down from their duties and spend time in Canada.
But she said: “Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life.”
Harry flew back to the UK for the crisis summit while Meghan waited at the couple's £14m Vancouver mansion during the talks.
They spent their extended Christmas break at the plush Canadian pad - although a riddle over who actually owns it has deepened as a controversial mining tycoon denied it was his.
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The news came as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his support to the Sussexes and said most Canadians would welcome the couple making the country their home.
Mr Trudeau said: “I think most Canadians are very supportive of having royals be here, but how that looks and what kind of costs are involved, there are still lots of discussions to have.
“There are still a lot of decisions to be taken by the royal family, by the Sussexes themselves, as to what level of engagement they choose to have."
