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Surely the strife within the Royal Family is one of the worst things which has happened to this country in the last half century.

The monarchy has many functions and duties but the abdication of Edward VIII nearly 90 years ago reminded Britain that the Crown is represented, in the minds of many, by the actual family which surrounds the King and Queen.

The monarchy is one of very few institutions which stand for and honour the way of life so many of us aspire to – a strong united family, held together by love and loyalty, passing on good things from one generation to another. There is no point in an Englishman’s home being his castle if there is bitterness within its walls. A house divided against itself, as has so many times been said, will not stand.

Several modern monarchs have recognised this, and the British people clearly believe it too. George V lived more or less like a suburban person, as far as he could, with his ordinary tastes, his quiet evenings and his stamp collection. After the turmoil of Edward and Mrs Simpson, George VI and his Queen were – to many – a blessed relief from gossip and glamour.

Elizabeth II no doubt hoped to follow her parents’ example but the fury of the modern world came rushing into the heart of her household, beginning with her own sister’s complex life and then continuing with divorce among her children.

But most devastating of all was the tragedy of Princess Diana, a personal and public catastrophe which still splits the country and the Royal Family itself.

Who can deny that the estrangement of Harry and Meghan from the monarchy is an aftershock of Diana’s divorce and death, and its effect on her sons? The outcome is sad for all involved. It is also entirely avoidable.

These quarrels are not in some way fated or inescapable. Men and women do not run on tracks like trams. They are free to choose. And now, in the return of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to this country, we have an opportunity for a grand reconciliation. And not just an opportunity. There is also a pressing need. The disgrace of the former Duke of York has left the monarchy weaker than before. The King’s illness worries us all. Princes William and Harry have both had plenty of opportunities to vent their various discontents.

For the sake of the Monarchy, and their sick father, the Princes must now reconcile

The Sussexes have seen that even California offers no escape from real life. They have children, to whom they must set an example. The King, the head of the family, needs their support as never before. So why not make the rather minor effort needed to reconcile?

The Mail on Sunday’s poll today reveals a lot of public discontent with Harry and Meghan, and this is not surprising. But such things can be overcome.

It is hard to recall just how unpopular the Princess Royal once was. Yet now she is among the most respected and well-liked of all the Royals.

Who should take the first step? That is not for us to say but it is certain that somebody should do so, and soon, while the opportunity is still there.