Prince Harry and Meghan's trip to Canada was so secret that they didn't tell their nanny where they were going until the plane took off, a new book has claimed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the country for a six-week break in November 2019, shortly before announcing their move to the US in January of the following year.
At the time, Buckingham Palace wouldn't share details of their exact plans for security reasons, but said they would be spending time with Meghan's mum Doria Ragland.
A book written by The Times' royal correspondent Valentine Low now claims the plans were made with the "greatest secrecy" - so much so that Meghan wouldn't even inform their nanny, Lorren, where they were going, according to a source.
In an extract of 'Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown', Mr Low writes: "When Harry and Meghan went to Canada for their six-week break in November 2019, their escape plans were already laid, amid the greatest secrecy.
"Meghan would not even tell their nanny, Lorren, where they were going.
"According to one source, she did not know where they were going until the plane — a private jet — was in the air."
During their trip, the couple shared an Instagram post with the words: "Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours."
Alongside the caption was a maple leaf emoji, the symbol for Canada which also appears on its flag.
Meghan lived in Canada while filming her hit legal show Suits and has spoken about how much she enjoys spending time there.
Her best friend Jessica Mulroney and her children Ivy, Brian and John, who were in the bridal party at Meghan and Harry's wedding, live in the country.
The latest claims come as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex return to California following the Queen's funeral.
The rift between the Sussexes and other members of the Royal Family has been seen in headlines over the past couple of years where Harry and Meghan have been critical of their life in the UK when talking to American media since their move to California.
They moved to the sunshine state in March 2020 with their young son Archie, and have since added daughter Lilibet to their family.
When US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres previously asked her what Harry loves about California, the Duchess replied: "We're just happy."
She also said that Harry "loves" the weather and lifestyle in California.
Meghan further told the audience: "I love to cook, we'll be (at) home and just relax and sort of settle in. It's our second Thanksgiving (at) home (in) California, so it will be nice."
Courtiers: the Hidden Power Behind the Crown by Valentine Low will be published on October 6 by Headline Books (£20)
