For millions across Britain and the Commonwealth, the monarch's Christmas Day broadcast is a cornerstone of the festive season, a tradition begun by King George V on the radio in 1932. It is a moment for reflection and gratitude, often subtly acknowledging the year's events. In 2019, however, Queen Elizabeth II's pre-recorded message contained a silent but powerful signal that spoke volumes about a growing crisis within the House of Windsor.
The Desk That Told a Story
While the late Queen made no direct reference to the escalating tensions surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, royal experts and eagle-eyed viewers noted a telling omission. In a deliberate rearrangement of the personal photographs on her desk, the image of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their newborn son, Archie, had vanished. This stood in stark contrast to her 2018 broadcast, where a wedding photo of the couple had been prominently displayed.
According to royal author Tina Brown in her book 'The Palace Papers', every detail of the 3pm broadcast is meticulously planned. The curation of family photographs is never accidental. Brown described the move as the Sussexes being "skilfully excised" from the royal narrative. Christopher Anderson, another biographer, revealed the Queen herself examined the selected photos and pointed to the portrait of Harry, Meghan, and Archie, stating, "That one, I suppose we don't need that one."
The Brewing Storm and a 'Category 5 Tantrum'
This symbolic gesture did not go unnoticed within the family. Prince William, upon seeing the final broadcast, was reportedly appalled. He understood his brother, who was in Canada at the time, would interpret the missing photo as a clear demotion and react explosively. Tina Brown wrote that William predicted a "Category 5 tantrum" was brewing.
The context was a period of intense strain. Since their 2018 wedding, Harry and Meghan had been seeking a new, modernised role—a "half-in, half-out" arrangement—within the monarchy. In October 2019, they announced a break from royal duties. While publicly framed as "much-needed family time," this sabbatical at a $14 million Vancouver Island mansion was, according to Brown, used to refine their exit strategy, later dubbed 'Megxit'. They began laying groundwork for their 'Sussex Royal' foundation, even exploring trademarks for various products.
From Subtle Snub to Dramatic Exit
The Queen's 2019 broadcast, also set against the scandal of Prince Andrew's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, was her way of "taking control," according to royal expert Tom Bower. The photograph snub was a non-verbal assertion of authority. Just over two weeks later, on January 7, 2020, Harry and Meghan made their seismic announcement via Instagram, declaring their intent to "step back" as senior royals and become financially independent.
This forced the unprecedented "Sandringham Summit" on January 13, involving the Queen, Prince Charles, and Prince William. While an initial statement was supportive, the final outcome from Buckingham Palace dashed the couple's hopes for a hybrid role. They would step back from all royal duties, no longer formally represent the Queen, and would not use their HRH titles as working royals.
The carefully arranged photographs on a desk in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace proved to be a prophetic visual. What began as a subtle omission in the Queen's 2019 Christmas message culminated in the most significant royal departure in decades, permanently altering the landscape of the modern monarchy.
