By Sammie Jones-
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their final public appearance as working members of the Royal Family.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle joined the Queen and other senior royals at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on Monday afternoon. It was a moving occasion ,especially because of the highly sensitive issue surrounding the departure of the Dutchess Of Sussex from royal family. The departure occurs within the history of tension, strife and despair in the royal family.
Prince Harry is believed to have settled his differences with his brother Prince William before he left for Canada, but the whole affair has left a bitter taste in the mouths of most royals. Meghan Markles believes speech at a Dagenham school today in which she implored pupils there to fight for their right was largely seen as a hint of past feuds in the palace that moved the couple out of the palace. Other commentators say Prince Harry was always inclined towards independence away from the royal family .
The reality is that prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step away from royal duties was influenced by immense pressures they felt was threatening their joy .The role they may have played in the whole situation is open to analysis and public debate.
The pair have three weeks, until 31 March, they will stop using their HRH titles and receiving public money. They have expressed readiness for the transition which they felt necessary, and it has left many in pain.
The duke and duchess joined the Queen – who is head of the Commonwealth – the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the special occasion. Other distinguished guests included Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his pregnant fiancée Carrie Symonds, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and her daughter Bluebell, 13.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his wife Laura Alvarez also arrived, along with Home Secretary Priti Patel, Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg and US Ambassador Woody Johnson, who gave another guest an elbow bump in the wake of the coronavirus. Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and her daughter Bluebell, 13. Star artists Alexandra Burke and Craig David, both of whom performed were also present. Meghan who looked dazzling in a green Emilia Wickstead dress with asymmetrical cape and hat by William Chambers.
Meghan was seen to mouth ‘hi’ and give a small wave to William and Kate, followed by a ‘hello’, as the Cambridges took their seat in the High Altar in the row in front of the Sussexes. Harry also said ‘hello’ and smiled at his brother, and there must have been deep emotions in their bellies because of all that had gone on. Kate Middleton looked gorgeous in red, wearing a coat by Catherine Walker and a hat by Sally-Ann Provan. Prince William and Kate Middleton have been accused of being cold towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the event, but the history and circumstances behind their departure is so personal an emotional to all involved, those on the outside can hardly fully understand how deep the emotion may run even if things have superficially been addressed.