The Queen has “brought down the iron fist” after making a “seismic” decision over the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle crisis, it has been claimed.

The monarch dropped a bombshell last night by announcing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use their HRH titles.

In a statement, Her Majesty also said the couple will repay £2.4million in taxpayer’s cash used to renovate their home, Frogmore Cottage.

And they will also be deprived of public funds from the spring.

Buckingham Palace revealed how the decision had been made “following many months of conversations and more recent discussions”.

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She added: “I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family.”

But Sky News royal commentator Alistair Bruce revealed how, although the statement was “warm”, it represents a “final line” being drawn under the drama – sparked by Harry and Meghan’s surprise announcement to step back as senior royals.

Alistair said: "This was turning into an enormous distraction and this is a seismic announcement from the Queen.

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"It's still very warm on the pastoral side of affection from a grandmother to her grandson and her great-grandson and granddaughter-in-law.

“But at the same time she has brought down the iron fist of monarchical leadership on a problem that needed to be solved.”

The statement makes very clear that Harry’s “princely” status should be “dissolved”, Alistair said, adding: "We now know that it will be Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

“There'll be no more Royal Highness, no more representing the Queen or being part of the ceremonial part of the Royal Family; no more military involvement, no more public money."

“This is an abdication, in a sense, from the Royal Family," Alistair said.

"He and his wife are now free, to a certain extent, to go and follow the dreams that they have to pursue very good works.

“But no longer part of the royal business.”

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In an emotional statement the Queen added: “It is my whole family's hope that today's agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life."

It comes as a friend of Harry’s late mum, Princess Diana, claimed she would be “furious” him and Meghan quitting the Royals.

And her estranged dad, Thomas, also waded in on the row, revealing how he is “disappointed” by their decision.

The Queen is said to have been left “deeply upset” while brother Prince William and dad Prince Charles were “incandescent with rage”, it has been claimed.

The couple plan to spend more time in North America and become “financially independent”.

It is the latest blow for the beleaguered Royals after Prince Andrew 's "car crash" Newsnight interview saw him step back from public duties over his links with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

• Royal Family
• Meghan Markle
• Prince Harry
• Queen
• Princess Diana

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