Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shared details about their dramatic final appearance as working members of the royal family, which took place two months after their announcement to step back from their official roles.
In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the public decision to step down as senior members of the royal family. Their last official engagement followed soon after at the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration held at Westminster Abbey, marking the end of their royal duties.
The Final Royal Engagement
The couple, joined by Queen Elizabeth II, then-Prince Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and other members of the royal family, attended the service, which was broadcast globally. This event marked their final official appearance before stepping back from royal responsibilities.
Behind the Scenes: Harry & Meghan’s Documentary
In their 2022 Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, the couple opened up about their experiences leading up to their decision to step down, offering insights into the emotional atmosphere during their final engagement.
Meghan recalled the moment: “The first time that we saw the other members of the family was in public at Westminster Abbey.” Harry explained that there were nerves surrounding the encounter, saying, “We were nervous seeing the family because of all the TV cameras and everybody watching at home and in the audience.”
He continued, “It’s like living through a soap opera where everybody else views you as entertainment.” Despite being seated behind Prince William and Kate Middleton during the service, Meghan greeted them with a smile and a wave. However, Harry described the interaction as more distant than it appeared.
The Tension Felt in the Royal Family
Harry shared his feelings about the event, saying: “I felt really distant from the rest of my family, which was interesting because so much of how they operate is about what it looks like, rather than what it feels like.” He added, “And it looked cold. But it also felt cold.”
Queen Elizabeth’s Rare Personal Statement
Following the couple’s decision to step back from their royal duties, Queen Elizabeth II issued a personal statement expressing her support for their decision. The Queen said, “My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family.”
She continued, “Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.”
Moving Forward: New Ventures for Meghan
Since stepping down, Meghan Markle has launched another Netflix series titled With Love, Meghan, where she teams up with celebrity guests to share cooking tips and offer entertaining advice.
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