The intrigue at Buckingham Palace is thickening. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's decision to step down as senior royals (opens in new tab) has caused a lot of drama, as the two reportedly failed to inform members of the royal family (opens in new tab) and Prince Charles learned of their bombshell news only 10 minutes before it was announced (open in new tab). However, it turns out that there is more to this story than meets the eye. According to the Evening Standard (opens in new tab), the sequence of events leading up to Meghan and Harry's announcement involved Harry actually trying to meet the Queen and being repelled by her courtiers.

According to the magazine, Harry "originally contacted Prince Charles just before Christmas to ask for more time to spend in Canada and the United States. At this time he was told to come up with a well-thought-out plan, which he did! This proposal was reportedly sent to Prince Charles in the New Year, but Harry was told he needed more time to discuss everything.

At this point, Harry reportedly asked for a "summit with the Queen at Sandringham" and was told that his grandmother would be happy to meet but would not discuss the plan until she spoke with Prince Charles. Fair enough. But then the meeting was disrupted by the palace courtiers (!!!) ), the Queen reportedly told Harry not to go public. Harry apparently did not listen: "Harry and Meghan will be punished for this."

I... I don't follow.

Meanwhile, royal reporter Rebecca English said that "the Queen has called a meeting of all four royal houses" and "tasked" them to come up with a "viable" future role for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex "within days, not weeks."

What will happen?

For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

Click here to register (opens in new tab)