Harry did not expect the Queen's reaction.

"I think Harry and Meghan may have been shocked to see the Queen handle the issue in such a tough way," said Penny Junor, a researcher on the British royal family for more than 35 years.

On January 9, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan unexpectedly announced their retirement from their senior royal roles and the creation of a new charity. After a family meeting four days later, Queen Elizabeth agreed to let Harry and his wife leave the royal family.

Buckingham Palace announced that Harry and Meghan will no longer carry their royal titles or participate in British royal activities, and will no longer represent Queen Elizabeth II at events. Prince Harry must step down from all military roles. Although they will still retain the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, it is not known whether Harry and Meghan can continue to operate as Sussex Royal. Some experts say the brand could earn them millions of dollars.

Richard Fitzwilliams, a British royal commentator, described losing his military connections as "difficult" for Harry, who served twice in Afghanistan.

Harry and his wife must repay the renovation of Frogmore Cottage, worth more than 3.1 million USD. They also have to pay rent to the Royal Family when they move in in the future.

"This is a form of exile, Harry has expressed his sadness but things will be reviewed after a year," Fitzwilliams said.

On January 19, Harry said he and his wife hoped to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and military organizations without public support. However, that was not possible.

Fitzwilliams said Harry and Meghan's announcement of their withdrawal from the British Royal Family without informing senior members, including the Queen, showed "irresponsibility".

Both Fitzwilliams and Junor said Harry and Meghan's desire for a "part-time royal" life was unrealistic.

Junor believes that Harry and Meghan's departure will have a big impact on the British Royal Family. The two are considered "valuable assets" of the Royal Family, the golden couple. Harry was "the most beloved member" for a long time, after the Queen. Prince Charles, Harry's father, is planning to shrink the monarchy in the future, in which his two sons and their families are a large part of that model.

When Harry and Meghan step down from the Royal Family, the remaining members (Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla, Prince William and Duchess Kate) will have to take on more responsibilities. Fewer Royals will be fundraising for charities under the Royal patronage. Therefore, charities will be left out.

Analyst Fitzwilliams expressed regret. He said that the monarchy needs someone who can bring innovation like Meghan, a dynamic social activist. Harry and Meghan's departure will temporarily lose the Royal Family's popularity but will hardly cause long-term damage.

The monarchy is an important part of British life. The remaining core group of the monarchy includes the Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William, his wife and their children. "They should maintain the support of the people, as a united bloc of the nation, in a country that is divided by Brexit," Fitzwilliams suggested, referring to Britain's impending departure from the European Union (EU).

Junor said that when the Queen allowed Harry and Meghan to keep their royal titles, the door was open. They could return in the future. If Harry and his wife left feeling hurt or angry, they would cause damage to the royal family.

“Whether they lose more than they gain is debatable,” Junor said.