In what would be their final formal appearance as working royals, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined their family for an eventful day.
Relations between Prince Harry and Prince William have been reportedly strained, and their last official encounter reflects this tension.
Five years back, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a remarkable final visit as senior royals during the Commonwealth Day Service.
In early 2020, they announced their intention to step back from royal duties, but pledged to fulfill their commitments for a little while longer.
The couple appeared alongside Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prince William, Kate, and other members, where everything seemed perfectly harmonious.
However, observations suggest the underlying atmosphere was far from this appearance, as demonstrated in footage from the event.
As they settled for the service at the church, Meghan greeted William and Kate warmly with a smile and wave.
Seated behind the couple, Harry reportedly leaned toward Meghan and muttered a comment.
A lip reader, Jeremy Freeman, interpreted this moment, claiming Harry remarked about William and Kate acknowledging them, unlike an earlier occasion.
This faint remark seems to allude to the growing rift between the brothers.
Freeman also analysed William’s conversation with Kate, which implied satisfaction with their interaction and his intention to address issues with Harry later.
He supposedly mentioned that communication was better than their usual reticence.
Meghan later reflected on this final appearance in their 2022 Netflix series, describing their initial reunion with the royal family as publicly awkward.
Harry candidly shared the nerve-wracking experience of facing family and cameras simultaneously, likening it to a public spectacle.
Although appearances suggested closeness with William and Kate, Harry conveyed a sense of detachment.
The Duke confessed the disparity between external appearances and personal feelings, describing the day as emotionally cold.
When Harry and Meghan decided to (transition into a new chapter) outside royal life, the Queen offered a rare, heartfelt statement.
She expressed complete support for their decision to seek a new way forward, despite preferring their active royal roles continue.
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members,” she affirmed.
