Prince Harry’s decision to quit the royal family in January reportedly broke Queen Elizabeth’s heart.

While speaking with Woman UK, royal expert Ingrid Seward said that the queen is not known for showing her emotions, especially in public. As such, she would never publicly admit how sad she was over Prince Harry’s decision to relocate to the United States.

But as the Duke of Sussex’s grandmother, the queen is also happy to know that Prince Harry is enjoying his new life in Los Angeles. However, the queen is still hopeful that Prince Harry would return home one day.

According to Seward, the queen and Prince Harry have always been very close. This is why it’s no surprise that the monarch is saddened by her grandson’s sudden departure.

“She would keep her feelings very much to herself,” Seward said.

Following the death of Princess Diana in 1997, Prince William and Prince Harry said that their grandmother has been a strong female influence for them. The Duke of Cambridge also said that it was important that they had someone to look up to growing up.

As such, Seward said that she thinks there’s a possibility for Prince Harry to eventually return to the United Kingdom.

“I think she’s [the queen] looking at Harry like the prodigal son – that he will come home and she will welcome him with open arms,” Seward said.

And despite the reports that Prince Harry and Markle are struggling in LA, Seward said that the queen believes otherwise.

“She knows that, contrary to the reports, he is happy in his new life. It may not be perfect for him and she knows that, but it was his choice and his choice alone. She has left the door open if he wants to change anything,” the royal expert said.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Markle also made headlines this week amid reports that their two-month stay in Canada cost taxpayers more than $40,000.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, a citizens advocacy group aimed at lowering the taxes, claimed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) spent CA $56,834 on security costs for Prince Harry and Markle from November 18 to January 19.

Aaron Wudrick, the federal director of the group, said that the figures would have easily become millions if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex didn’t leave Canada in March.