In March 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made their final official appearance as senior members of the British Royal Family.
This symbolic farewell took place at the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey, marking a pivotal moment in their departure from formal royal duties.
The event followed their January 2020 announcement that they would step back from their roles as working royals—a decision that stirred global interest and signaled a shift in the modern monarchy.
A Defining Public Appearance
The Commonwealth Day Service, an annual gathering of the Royal Family and leaders from the 56 Commonwealth nations, took on deeper meaning that year. It became the last time Harry and Meghan appeared in their official capacities, seated behind Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. The atmosphere was markedly formal, and many noted a visible shift in public dynamics compared to previous years, when the couples seemed more connected.
Behind the Scenes: Reflections from “Harry & Meghan”
In their 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, the couple opened up about the emotional weight of that final engagement. Prince Harry recalled the tension and artificiality of the experience:
“We were nervous seeing the family because of all the TV cameras, and everybody watching. It felt like being part of a performance, where you are perceived more as a character than as a person.”
Meghan added, “The first time we saw the other members of the family again was in public at Westminster Abbey.”
The series contrasted the rigid, ceremonial tone of royal life with the couple’s longing for a more genuine and emotionally honest path.
Media and Public Reactions
Media coverage of the event often emphasized subtle gestures, seating arrangements, and body language, fueling speculation about the state of royal relationships. Still, the couple carried out their duties with composure and dignity. The Palace made no official remarks regarding tensions or interpersonal dynamics observed during the event.
A Royal Response from Queen Elizabeth II
In response to their departure, Queen Elizabeth II issued a rare and heartfelt statement:
“My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family… we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life while remaining a valued part of my family.”
This message underlined the personal and institutional complexity of their decision.
Life Beyond the Crown
Relocating to California, Harry and Meghan have embraced a life focused on media, advocacy, and philanthropy. Their Archewell Foundation and partnerships with Netflix and Spotify reflect their independent pursuits. The couple has remained active in charitable work, with initiatives centered on mental health, gender equality, and digital safety.
Legacy and Connection
Even after stepping back, Harry and Meghan have maintained ties to royal traditions. Harry has returned for key events like the funerals of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II, and in 2023, he released his memoir Spare, offering deeper insights into his upbringing and royal life.
Conclusion
The 2020 Commonwealth Day Service remains a defining point in the Sussexes’ story—a graceful goodbye to royal formality and a public step toward a more autonomous future. Through their projects, statements, and reflections, Harry and Meghan continue to shape their own narrative, balancing legacy with personal freedom in the public eye.
