Harry and William's 'rift' began when Queen was 'betrayed by Megxit announcement'

The divide between Princes William and Harry started the moment the Duke of Sussex and wife Meghan Markle announced they were quitting the monarchy, it has been claimed.

Harry allegedly 'betrayed' the Queen with the handling of their Megxit announcement, an explosive new Royal book suggests.

Battle of Brothers claims their relationship was “utterly broken” by the sudden move at the start of 2020.

And it alleges that William and Harry have spoken only to say happy birthday because of the “disrespect”.

The author of the bombshell new book, Robert Lacey, says the Palace were left reeling by their departure.

He told The Sun : “Some say, ‘Oh, it doesn’t matter. It will blow over’.

The Queen felt 'betrayed' by Harry and Meghan's decision to step aside, it is claimed (PA)

“But that’s not what historians will be saying in ten years’ time.

“If this breach between the brothers is not healed in some way it will come to stand with the 1936 Abdication crisis and the 1997 death of Diana as one of the traumas that changed the monarchy.”

But the starting point for their apparent falling out was Megxit - and how it was handled.

“Harry hadn’t even had a meeting with the Queen to talk through their plans before announcing it to the world," a source claimed.

"What Harry did drove a horse and cart through royal protocol" sources say (Getty Images Europe)

If not fixed, the author fears Megxit will "go down as one of the traumas that changed the monarchy” (Getty Images)

"The monarchy is an institution based on hierarchy and respect, something drummed into those boys growing up.

“What Harry did drove a horse and cart through royal protocol - putting their plans on Instagram and their website first.

“There was a moment in January when it could have been sorted out amicably.

Battle of Brothers claims their relationship was “utterly broken” by the couple's exit (UK Press via Getty Images)

"But this was a betrayal of his grandmother that William has struggled to understand, and their relationship remains strained.

“William loves his brother deeply. This is why it is so hurtful to him.”

Harry and Meghan started dating in 2016 and married two years later in May 2018, welcoming their son Archie in 2019.

The Queen said on the day their departure was announced: “Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I’m pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family.

“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.”

Mirror Online has contacted the Palace for a comment.