What the Queen said in response to Harry & Meghan's interview and what she REALY meant

Royal experts have dissected the Queen's official response to Harry and Meghan's bombshell interview line by line.

What Her Majesty said:

'The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.'

What royal experts say she means: 

Former Press Secretary to Her Majesty Charles Anson said her message was 'edged with sadness'.

He told Sky News: 'I think these developments are difficult to deal with and and she wants to do it in a fair way but in the family circle rather than by public diplomacy.'

He added: 'I think the main point there has always been that the Queen has said whatever decision Prince Harry and Meghan take... Her Majesty and the Family wish them well.'

Royal author Phil Dampier said: 'I'm sure the Queen is desperate to heal the wounds and deal with this in private.'

What Her Majesty said:

'The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.'

What royal experts say she means:

Royal author Phil Dampier said: 'The phrase ''recollections vary'' is telling.

'The Queen is really saying that Harry and Meghan might be giving their version of events or their interpretation of a conversation a couple of years ago, without going so for as to say they are lying, which they might not be.

'Clearly she has spoken to the person who allegedly made the remark about Archie and they have given her their version of events.'

He added: 'Above all she wants to keep the identity of the senior royal who made the alleged remark about Archie's skin colour a secret.

'She knows that if it comes out that person will never be allowed to forget it, rightly or wrongly.' 

Royal biography Tom Bower went a step further than Mr Dampier, saying: '''While recollections may vary...'' is an exquisite phrase to accuse the Sussexes of Disney style fantasy.

'They need to name names and give dates and circumstances to justify their accusations.

What Her Majesty said:

'Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.'

What royal experts say she means: 

Royal author Phil Dampier said: 'By saying Harry and Meghan are "much loved family members," she is throwing out an olive branch and pleading with them not to say anymore and to calm down and start to build bridges.'

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'The reference to Harry, Meghan and Archie as ''loved family members'' is therefore highly appropriate.

'They are assured that their concerns are taken very seriously and that the way to handle the issues they have raised is to do so privately, as a family.'

Former Press Secretary to Her Majesty Charles Anson said her message was 'edged with sadness'.