For the Queen to back the BBC over her grandson is not just awkward, it marks a turning point

Oh Harry! How could it have come to this? That rather touching, if a little cynical, choice of baby name has led to yet another PR catastrophe. Is it fair? No. But this is the real world. The one beyond the Palace gates.

To recap, Harry and Meghan thought it would be a lovely tribute to name their daughter Lilibet – the Queen’s family nickname. They rang the Queen. But did they ask her permission, or did they merely inform her? They say the former, but the BBC, citing Palace sources, say the latter. And now the Palace (i.e. the Queen) has confirmed, or at least refused to deny, the BBC’s version.

Yes, this is the same BBC that Prince William demolished in a powerful statement just two weeks ago. He told us, with some justification, that the broadcaster, with its Panorama interview, played a big part in the emotional disintegration and eventual death of his mother. Yes, it’s that BBC that the Queen is backing over Harry.

This marks a new low in relations between the Sussexes and the wider Royals. If there’s one thing The Firm does well, it’s stick together. But no more. For the Queen to back the BBC over her grandson is jaw-dropping.

How could Harry and Meghan have got themselves into this mess? For decades, the Royals have prospered by following the mantra ‘Never complain, never explain’. It’s served them well. We can only assume that Harry, liberated from the Royal straitjacket in LA, thought to himself ‘well, that’s a load of old cobblers’. Because since he got to America, and with the help of Oprah, James Corden and others, he appears to have spent his whole time doing nothing but complain and explain to anyone who’ll listen – particularly if a TV camera is plonked in front of him.

And what’s it done for him? Plummeting public respect and an ever-widening gulf with his own family.

This is what happens when the Royals start believing their own publicity. This is the result of thinking they’re special not because of the institution of the monarchy but because of who they are individuals.

Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised. If you spend your life surrounded by people who bow, scrape and fawn, then you get to LA and find that the world’s most famous TV personality wants to do a blockbuster interview with you – because what you have to say is so insightful – you might indeed believe you’re worthy of public esteem. Even though you’ve abandoned the very ship that keeps you afloat.

One thing we’ve learned over the last few months is that both Harry and Meghan have experienced significant blows to their mental health. In Meghan’s case, suicide has even been mentioned. And regardless of how privileged and wealthy they may be, they have my complete sympathy. But instead of concentrating on getting the help they so obviously need, they appear to be spending their energies on waging an unwinnable PR battle.

The Windsors versus the Sussexes? For God’s sake, it’s Real Madrid versus Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

I’ve no doubt that as soon as he landed in LA, Harry found all sorts of smiling faces with perfect teeth and impressive-sounding credentials eager to convince him he deserves so much more. That he’s a victim. That if only people heard his ‘truth’ they’d love him. Oh, and if you would, sir, please just sign on the dotted line.

Yeah, right. They’re leading him down a garden path.

Here’s my advice, and it won’t cost him a dime. Just stop digging. Jettison all these advisors in their LA suits. Sort out your health challenges away from the celebs and the cameras. Be humble. Even normal.

And, above all, recognise that time, not PR gimmicks, heals wounds.