The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their final royal appearance at the Commonwealth Day service on March 9, 2020. The couple, who have now lived in California ever since, announced their plans to step down from royal duties just two months prior.
According to a royal book, Harry seemed to be “fighting back the tears” following what was perceived as a “snub”. Prior to the ceremony, 2,000 orders of service had been distributed detailing that the now-Prince and Princess of Wales would enter into Westminster Abbey with the main royals – however, there were no mention of Meghan and Harry and the Daily Mail reported that the couple were “quite sensitive and emotional about it.
Royal author and historian Robert Lacey wrote: “Observers also noted that Harry’s face was ‘quite tense and unsmiling’ – and that when William sat down close to him, he barely greeted his brother.
“Throughout the service, Meghan megawatted away with her best TV smile but, as the ceremony progressed, Harry appeared to grow gloomier. According to one observer, ‘his accelerated blinking even suggested he might have been fighting back tears’.”
Since stepping down from royal duites, the pair have settled in Montecito with their two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.
At today’s service, which took place at Westminster Abbey, King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined a total of 2,000 guests from all over the Commonwealth to hear music and poetry.
In his Commonwealth Day message, which was printed in the programme, the King paid tribute to the “untold sacrifice and selflessness” of Commonwealth forces who answered the call to fight with Britain and its allies in the Second World War.
The King, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, were joined by fellow royals such as the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The service is set to focus on the theme of ‘Together We Thrive’ – which celebrates the spirit of the Commonwealth- and wil be made up of readings and performances. These will all highlight the importance of fostering strong and connected communities that support and empower their members.