Last year undoubtedly took its toll on the royal family. With the Covid pandemic in the background, Harry and Meghan unable to visit other relatives due to security concerns (and reported feuds between relatives), the Queen's health scare, Prince Philip's passing, and the continuing scandal over Prince Andreu's alleged sexual abuse, there was drama all around ...

Because of all these events and the platinum jubilee, Prince Harry decided the queen needed a little rest, royal expert Katie Nicole told Closer. She explained that Harry has a history of lashing out when he feels crushed by the pressures of being monarch, but this year he has consciously stayed out of the subject. "I don't know if Harry regrets it," she said. He has talked about "accidents of birth" and "the burden of the crown." He has said some critical things in the past, but then he has gone quiet. I think since last year he has stopped and reflected," he said. And I think he realizes how much last year has taken its toll on his grandmother, and he doesn't want to upset her any more, so he's quiet now."

This is consistent with what we know about Harry and his grandmother's close relationship. While tensions were growing between the young royal and Prince William and Prince Charles, Harry remained fond of the Queen. (Harry reportedly panicked after the Queen's overnight stay in the hospital, and was reportedly so snubbed that Harry was not mentioned in the Queen's Christmas greeting.)

The Queen's presence in the hospital was not the first time that Harry had been in the company of the Queen, but it was the first time that he had been in the company of the Queen.

Nichols also noted that there was a reunion of the brothers and their wives during the Platinum Jubilee, which Kate Middleton said may have been the main reason for it going so smoothly. She said, "There will no doubt be awkward conversations, briefings, and discussions about how to handle Harry and Meghan's return. Who knows if they will play a part in the Jubilee,' but I believe Kate will be a real key player in reconciliation with Harry and Meghan. Tensions are high, but Kate will do what she can to heal the rift.'

She also added, "This year Kate and William, and Harry and Meghan too, will want to make things as easy as possible for the Queen."

Of course, the plan leaves open the question of what Harry's supposedly intense memoir says about the family, especially Prince Charles. No one knows yet what its contents will be, but the royals are reportedly prepared for a very critical portrayal. Then again, maybe the rumor that Harry was going to delay the release was in line with his "calm down, Jubilee" plan. Only time will tell.