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'TOWER OF STRENGTH'

Prince Harry ‘relying on Megxit advice from Meghan Markle’s mum’ in absence of his own mother

PRINCE Harry is relying on advice from Meghan Markle's mum in the absence of his own mother after his shock decision to leave the Royal Family, it has been claimed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have come to rely on Doria Ragland for advice - depending on the American yoga instructor's "calmness", a source said.

 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are relying on Doria's advice during Megxit
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are relying on Doria's advice during MegxitCredit: AP:Associated Press

Speaking to The Sun Online, the source revealed both Harry and Meghan have kept in constant touch with Doria - who has offered her steadfast support during so-called "Megxit".

She is believed to have told the pair she would back whatever decision they made but urged them to “think carefully” before deciding what to do.

Her advice is at odds with Meghan’s father, Thomas, who gave an explosive TV interview in which he accused the pair of effectively betraying the Queen.

The source said: “Doria has been an absolute tower of strength in recent months - not just for Meghan but for Harry too.

"He obviously doesn’t have a mum whom he can turn to for advice but he has always been incredibly close to Doria and never more so than now.

"Harry has a huge amount of respect for her and for her judgement which is why he and Meghan have both spoken to her throughout about what they planned to do.

"Doria is the polar opposite to her ex-husband. She’s been the epitome of calmness throughout and both Meghan and Harry trust her and her judgement 100 per cent.

"Doria simply made it clear to them that whichever path they decided to go down she would support them. But she also warned that they needed to be mindful whatever decision they did make as it was unlikely they could ever change their mind.

"Like any mother, Doria just wants her daughter to be happy.

"And that’s Harry’s number one priority too which Doria can see. That's why his relationship with his mother in law has never been stronger."

HE'S OFF

Prince Harry last night jetted to Canada to be with Meghan and Archie after sitting down in crunch talks with his grandmother the Queen over his future role as a royal.

But just before he left, the 35-year-old said he was quitting with "great sadness", adding: "It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges.

"And I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.”

After the Sandringham summit, the Queen revealed Prince Harry and Meghan would be paying back the £2.4m spent refurbishing their Frogmore Cottage home.

They will also no longer use their HRH titles.

Doria also warned that they needed to be mindful whatever decision they did make as it was unlikely they could ever change their mind

But it is believed Harry was particularly keen to keep his Royal links to the various military charities he supports.

Harry, who passed through Sandhurst and served in Afghanistan will lose all honorary military titles.

Yet he has told those working with the organisations he supports he has no intention of stepping away.

A source said: "The causes that Harry believes in, around raising awareness of Aids, poverty, environmental damage and the support those injured fighting for our country need to receive are still his focus.

"Just because he is stepping away from the Royal family he is not stepping away from the things that he is passionate about. Harry is excited about the opportunities more freedom might give him - particularly when it comes to campaigning for better services for injured veterans.

"For years Harry has had to toe the line and follow a certain narrative.

"Now he can be more forthright in what he wants to say."

Questions remained on exactly how their £1 million-a-year Canadian security costs will be met and whether Prince Charles should get tax breaks on the huge sums he is still paying his son.

Harry and Meghan - whose loathing of “soul-crushing” royal protocols helped spark the crisis - must now decide where to relocate to when they begin reshaping their lives.

But they are expected to take their time mulling over their plans while lapping up the luxury of their six-bedroomed dream home.

 Harry jokes with Doria during the Invictus Games closing ceremony in Toronto in 2017
Harry jokes with Doria during the Invictus Games closing ceremony in Toronto in 2017Credit: James Whatling
 Doria was pictured with the Queen as they met baby Archie in a heartwarming picture released by the palace
Doria was pictured with the Queen as they met baby Archie in a heartwarming picture released by the palaceCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Now it seems history is repeating itself as her youngest son breaks the rules laid down by other people
1
Now it seems history is repeating itself as her youngest son breaks the rules laid down by other peopleCredit: Getty
 Doria was by Meghan's side for her wedding day to Prince Harry
Doria was by Meghan's side for her wedding day to Prince HarryCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Meghan has come to rely on her mother during the turmoil
Meghan has come to rely on her mother during the turmoilCredit: Rex Features
Prince Harry arrives in Canada to start new life with Meghan Markle and baby Archie
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