Queen’s speech ‘unlikely’ to mention Prince Harry says expert

American historian Sally Bedell Smith said Her Majesty responded to the challenges of 2020 with “dexterity and confidence”. Speaking to Vanity Fair, the expert said that despite the difficulties the Royal Family faced this year, the Queen efficiently adapted to changes.

She praised Her Majesty for her firm but fair handling of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s exit from royal duties.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior members of the Royal Family earlier this year.

Ms Bedell Smith also praised the Queen for her rapid response to adapting royal engagements online.

She told Vanity Fair: “The Queen has managed the myriad challenges of 2020 with admirable dexterity and thoughtfulness.

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“She has always been adept at moving imperceptibly with the times, following the ‘Marmite Theory’ of Monarchy.

“But this year she has not only been measured but swift.”

The expert added: “When Covid hit, she seemed to recognise the wartime analogy and positioned herself as the ‘sheet anchor in the middle for people to hang on to in times of trouble,’ as David Airlie, her former Lord Chamberlain, once described her to me.”

When the Sussexes stepped down from royal duties, the Queen agreed to a 12-month trial period.

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The couple were told to drop their “Sussex Royal” label after Her Majesty and senior officials were thought to have agreed that it was not justifiable for them to keep the word “royal” in their “branding”.

Prince Harry remains six in line to the throne.

He also got to keep his military ranks of major, lieutenant commander and squadron leader.

However, he was not allowed to carry on using his honorary military positions.

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The Sussexes are currently living in the US with their baby son Archie.

Since moving to the US, the couple have signed lucrative deals with both streaming giants Spotify and Netflix.

Ms Bedell Smith said that when the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK, Her Majesty saw herself as a source of stability for the country.

She added how much of the Queen’s work goes on behind the scene unnoticed.

The expert also predicted that the monarch’s Christmas speech will be dominated by the coronavirus pandemic.

This year for the first time the Queen’s speech will be available through Amazon Alexa smart devices.

The Queen will address the nations and the people of the Commonwealth on Christmas Day from Windsor Castle.

Her Majesty and Prince Philip are spending the festive holidays at their Windsor residence for the first time in decades.

The couple traditionally spend Christmas at their Sandringham estate with other members of the Royal Family.

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