Prince Harry and Meghan secretly visit the Queen to extend 'olive branch'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a Christmas lunch on December 20, 2017 in London. Photo / Getty Images

Harry and Meghan visited Queen Elizabeth yesterday in a secret face-to-face meeting, The Sun has reported.

The couple stopped off in the UK on their way to the Invictus Games in the Netherlands and took the opportunity to visit the Queen and also Prince Charles, during a stop at Windsor Castle.

It was Harry and Meghan's first visit to the UK since quitting their royal duties in March 2020.

People who happened to be visiting Windsor Castle yesterday were stunned to spot the Sussexes, The Sun reports, although there are no images.

Queen Elizabeth, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex pictured on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, on July 10, 2018 in London. Photo / Getty Images

"I couldn't believe it when I saw who it was. We waved and they waved back," one visitor told The Sun.

"They looked happy and relaxed and waved to everyone on the bus. Charles and the Queen were at Windsor Castle at the same time so they must have met them both.

"It was quite the sight. We knew we might see Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at the ceremony but never believed we would bump in to Harry and Meghan."

Harry has recently made headlines for suing the UK government for taking away his armed bodyguards.

Prince Harry's suit alleges he "does not feel safe in the UK".

Yesterday's visit has been described as an attempt by the Sussexes at extending the olive branch.

"It is a wonderful opportunity to clear the air and offer an olive branch. After everything that has gone on it must have taken a lot for Harry and Meghan to go to Windsor," Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said about the surprise visit.

"Also Maundy Thursday is a very special day for the Queen as it is about forgiveness. She is not one to hold grudges and I think she would have happily welcomed them with open arms," she added.

It is not known whether Archie, 2, and Lilibet, who the Queen is yet to meet, joined the couple on the trip.