And just like that, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially finished their final obligations as senior members of the royal family.
On Monday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined other members of the royal family, notably Kate Middleton and Prince William, for a Commonwealth Day ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Despite being seated almost directly behind the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the two couples barely said a word to each other, confirming just how icy things have gotten in the wake of Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from the family and split their time between the UK and Canada.
A video uploaded to Twitter appears to show Meghan and Harry smiling and waving to Kate and William as they arrive, who briefly acknowledge them before taking their seats in the next row.
The Duchess of Sussex waves to the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge as they arrive at the #CommonwealthDay Service pic.twitter.com/G5S4382d0w
— Royal Central (@RoyalCentral) March 9, 2020
Later, Meghan and Harry were seen in deep conversation with Prince Edward, as Kate turned to speak with Sophia, the Countess of Wessex, without sparing a glance toward Harry and Meghan.
The Duke & Duchess of Sussex in deep conversation with the Earl of Wessex at the #CommonwealthDay Service. pic.twitter.com/VvuPRXorqQ
— Royal Central (@RoyalCentral) March 9, 2020
Furthermore, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were taken directly to their seats and did not take part in the procession of senior royals with Queen Elizabeth II as they have done in previous years. After it was initially announced that Kate and William would take part in the proceedings, they ultimately did the same.
Harry confirmed there was tension with William in a documentary with London’s ITV last year, saying, “Part of this role and part of this job and this family being under the pressure that it’s under, stuff happens, but we’re brothers. We’ll always be brothers. We’re certainly on different paths at the moment, but I’ll always be there for him and as I know he’ll always be there for me.”
In January, the brothers released a joint statement after an article alleged bullying behavior by William that pushed Harry and Meghan away from the royal family. The pair called the story “offensive” and “false.”
