Harry and Meghan's exit from the royal family could take 'up to six months'

The Queen's aides have reportedly been finalising the terms in Harry and Meghan's 'exit deal'.

The Sussex's official statement is expected 'imminently', with the Queen reportedly demanding that 'business return to usual' and wanting the royal family out of the spotlight.

Although the official statement is under way, according royal sources negotiations with the Duke and Duchess officially leaving is expected to take up to six months.

Once the royal couple break away officially from the royal family they are free to sign deals with global organisations, which the Queen's advisers have been told to examine in detail.

A government insider said: "There are legal issues to contend with, how future deals will be presented and of course who will be working with them."

The insider also said that people are 'working around the clock' on finalising the deal for the couple, which requires working out 'tax, copyright, intellectual property' and also a legal agreement about using the royal brand in the private sector. Their future titles, security and finances are also currently unknown.

"So many questions need addressing, all of which will take up to six months to get over the line" the insider said.

Meghan Markle is currently in Vancouver, Canada with their son, Archie. Prince Harry is still in the UK, having attended the Sandringham summit with the the rest of the royal family, including the Queen, Charles and William. He is due to stay there for the rest of the week with several meetings planned before he joins his wife in Canada.

Harry and Meghan have said they intend to split their time between Britain and Canada as they step back from royal duties, but the exact terms of their departure will be unknown until an official statement is released.