Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s last royal engagement as senior working royals didn’t go as planned despite Kate, the Princess of Wales’s attempts to “defuse” the situation, a royal author has claimed.
The 2020 Commonwealth Day service marked the final event the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would attend as working royals but they were told they would not join the Royal Family during the procession.
The pair was surprised by the decision and Kate and Prince William allegedly offered to wait with them, so they didn’t feel isolated.
However, their attempt to show solidarity was thwarted as the orders of service had already been printed showing Kate and William would walk right behind late Queen Elizabeth II and the then-Prince Charles.
According to author Tom Bower: ”Harry was told that having stepped down from royal duties, he and Meghan would sit and wait with the congregation. The prospect of the televised image of their isolation in the Abbey appalled them.
READ MORE: Harry and Meghan urged to ‘garner public support’ and stop ‘ruffling feathers’
“Eventually, to end the dispute, William and Kate agreed they too would wait with Harry and Meghan.”
Mr Bower claimed the Princess of Wales tried to find a solution but ultimately the two couples entered Westminster Abbey separately.
He noted the tension appeared evident, adding: “Kate had blanked the Sussexes and William’s greeting was cold. Harry looked strained. Meghan’s face showed bemusement.”
Only a year earlier, Kate and Meghan appeared to have a much warmer relationship, greeting each other with a kiss on the cheek as they chatted while waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Four years later, the annual Commonwealth Service took place today, with Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince William, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent representing the monarchy.
DON’T MISS:
Prince George poised to follow Prince William in centuries-old royal tradition [LATEST]
The reason for the British monarchy’s success – how the Firm survives change [INSiGHT]
Meghan Markle and Queen Camilla were close until ‘broken promise’, insiders say [ANALYSIS]
King Charles and Princess Kate were not in attendance as they remain on medical leave, but Charles did sent a video message.
In the video, he says: “In recent weeks, I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth.”
He added: “My belief in our shared endeavours and in the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been.
“I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey.”
