The late Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly “confused” after finding out the couple had left for America.

The late Queen loved her grandchildren and wanted to spend more time with them (Image: Getty Images)

At the time of Princess Lilibet’s first birthday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were in the UK celebrating the special occasion.

The late Queen hoped to be part of the celebrations but Prince Harry and Meghan had other plans and after holding a picnic at Frogmore Cottage, they left for America.

Emotional at their decision, the late Queen was reportedly “confused” and “offended” after the couple did not say goodbye.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was overjoyed when Prince Harry and Meghan said they had honoured her by naming their daughter Lilibet.

This name is a reminder of the Queen’s own childhood when she couldn’t pronounce Elizabeth so she began saying ‘Lilibet’ instead.

Following Prince Harry and Meghan’s relocation, it has been reported that being away from her great-granddaughter, Lilibet, was a source of sadness in the Queen’s later years.

Prince Harry and Meghan named their daughter after the late Queen (Image: Getty Images)

She was keen to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and recognised the importance of her family.

One of the Queen’s former footmen, Paul Burrell, said: “On Lilibet’s first birthday the Queen didn’t see her – she saw her the day before. But on her birthday, the Queen had a birthday cake made with one candle in it. And they never turned up. That candle was never lit.”

Instead, Lilibet’s first birthday was celebrated with a picnic at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. Paul also recounted how the Queen had hoped they would like to come for tea the next day but was informed that they had already left for America. The Queen replied: “What do you mean they’ve gone?”

The couple do not visit the UK very often since their move (Image: Getty Images)

He explained that the Queen was confused by the sudden departure and said he felt disappointed for her.

He said: “Well, I don’t understand anyone that could do that. Not her family, why would you want to? She was devoid of jealousy, anger, envy, all those traits that we associate with other people she didn’t have. She was just a very simple soul. I wish the world could have known her the way I knew her.”