Harry and Meghan’s farewell tour

Farewell tours tend to be the preserve of ageing rock stars. Royals, cut from the cloth of Elizabeth Windsor, are meant to keep going until they are six feet under.

Harry and Meghan have torn up the script that he received at birth and she on her wedding day. In under two years, they’ve gone from offering the royals a tantalising refresh to departing these shores by the end of this month.

Their voluntary extraction has been painful for them and the family they are leaving behind. Both sides have made mistakes. The Queen and others will surely reflect on what more they should have done to keep Meghan on the inside; they don’t have a good track record when it comes to women staying put in the Firm.

And Harry now knows his grandmother’s — at times — gloved hand conceals an iron fist.