Queen Elizabeth maintains a relationship with Meghan Markle even though she’s no longer a senior working member of the royal family.

But decades ago, it seems that the queen cut ties from Princess Diana even before the latter announced her divorce from Prince Charles. In fact, there were claims that the queen and Princess Diana were never close.

While speaking with She Knows, royal author Robert Lacey said that there are two reasons why the queen hasn’t cut ties with Markle. One of the reasons is personal, while the other is professional.

The personal reason has to do with the fact that the queen is a loving grandmother to Prince William and Prince Harry. As such, it’s automatic for the monarch to also love and respect her grandchildren’s spouses.

Lacey said that the queen is closer to her grandchildren than her own children. And this may be one reason why she cannot just cut ties with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The more professional reason, on the other hand, has to do with Markle’s race. The queen welcomed Markle, who happens to be a biracial Hollywood actress, into the royal family two years ago after her royal wedding to Prince Harry.

And to cut ties with her is to show the public that she doesn’t support issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement and more. Since this isn’t exactly the case, the queen is careful to make the public think that she’s this way.

Before Prince Harry and Markle announced their Megxit earlier this year, it seemed as though the queen shared a special bond with the Suits alum. Shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry, Markle and the queen attended their first royal engagement together.

On the other hand, Kate Middleton waited years before she and the queen attended their first solo engagement.

But after the Sussexes’ Megxit, Prince Harry and Markle were, reportedly, reminded that they couldn’t have it both ways. While speaking with Express, Republic CEO Graham Smith said that the Sussexes exploit their status and titles for their own personal gain even though they’ve decided to quit The Firm.

Smith urged Prince Harry and Markle to make a decision if they want to break away from the royal family completely or stay with them long-term.