Prince Harry has revealed how he surprised two palace aides with unexpected Christmas presents before he quit life as a senior working royal, leaving them feeling “guilty”.

In his bombshell memoir, Spare, the Duke of Sussex shared how himself and his wife, Meghan Markle, were “hunkered down deep inside Buckingham Palace” on January 8, 2020, preparing a draft statement to release on Instagram, which stated they would both be stepping down as senior royals and working to become financially independent.

Despite being a few days past Christmas, Harry wanted to show his gratitude to those close to him when he stumbled across a Christmas tree near Buckingham Palace’s main state room.

Spotting two festive ornaments, Prince Harry removed them from the tree to bring back to staffers.

Harry wrote in Spare: “I went out into the hall. There was a tall, beautiful Christmas tree, still brightly lit. I stood before it, reminiscing. I removed two ornaments, soft little corgis, and brought them back to the staffers.”

Harry penned: “One each. ‘Souvenir of this strange mission,’ I said. They were touched. But a bit guilty. I assured them: ‘No one will miss ’em.’ Words that seemed double-edged.”

The Prince also noted the staff were also “anxious” about any repercussions surrounding their involvement in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s announcement, and what it could mean for their jobs.

Commenting on the thoughts of his Palace aides, he added: “But mostly they were excited. They felt that they were on the side of right; both had read every word of abuse in the press and on social media, going back months and months.”

Harry and Meghan’s statement released in January 2020, read: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.

We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family, and work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.”

They continued by announcing their plans to split their time between the UK and the US: “This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”

This year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released an official Christmas card to fans and admirers including a rare picture of their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

In one of the six photos, the family is shown outside with their three dogs and two children, who have been shielded from the public eye.

The card contains the message: “On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful New Year.”

It has been reported the seasonal greeting is for professional use and the couple will send a separate card to their close family and friends that won’t be shared publicly.

The family lives the US, after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to Montecito, California, shortly after stepping down as working royals.