This marked Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s final official royal appearance.
Tensions between Prince Harry and Prince William had been building for some time, and one of their final official appearances together seemed to reflect that.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their last engagement as working royals five years ago during the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration.
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step down as senior members of the royal family, but it wasn’t until two months later that they made their final public appearance.
They joined Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prince William, Kate, and other family members at the event. Although everything appeared polished and orderly, many have speculated that the atmosphere behind the scenes was far from harmonious.
In footage from the service, Harry and Meghan can be seen seated behind William and Kate. As the couple took their places in the front row, Meghan smiled warmly, waved, and even greeted them — a moment that, while courteous, did little to mask the underlying tension.
As William and Kate took their seats, Harry appeared to lean toward Meghan and say something quietly.
Lip reader Jeremy Freeman later analyzed the exchange and shared with the Daily Mail what he believes Harry said. According to Freeman, Harry remarked to Meghan: “At least they acknowledged, unlike last time.”
The pointed nature of Harry’s comment seemed to hint at the growing tension between the two brothers.
Freeman also observed William’s words to Kate as he settled beside her following the brief interaction. The now-Prince of Wales reportedly said: “That was executed well. It’s quite good to connect instead of holding things back like always.”
He then allegedly added: “I know it’s bad. I ought to have words with him. He’ll shout and God knows what, but things will change, won’t they?”
Meghan has previously spoken about their final royal appearance. During the couple’s 2022 Netflix documentary series, she recalled: “The first time that we saw the other members of the family was in public at Westminster Abbey.”
Harry also reflected on the moment, saying: “We were nervous seeing the family because of all the TV cameras and everyone watching at home and in the audience. It felt like living through a soap opera where everyone else sees you as entertainment.”
Although Harry and Meghan maintained the appearance of being close to the royal family — including William and Kate — Harry later revealed that behind the scenes, it felt very different.
The Duke of Sussex reflected: “I felt really distant from the rest of my family, which was interesting because so much of how they operate is about appearances rather than emotions. It looked cold. But it also felt cold.”
Following their decision to step down as senior working royals, Queen Elizabeth issued a rare and heartfelt statement about her grandson and Meghan.
She said: “My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family. 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.”
