It’s official, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have undertaken their final engagement as senior royals.
Stepping out on Monday, March 9 for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, it’s a moment many people have been waiting for in anticipation and curiosity; the Sussexes’ and the Cambridges’ first public appearance since Harry and Meghan made the bombshell decision they would be stepping back as senior royals.
Prince Harry and Meghan have undertaken their final engagement as senior royals. (Image: Getty)
Meghan and Harry arrived ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Meghan looking resplendent in an emerald gown by New Zealand-born designer Emilia Wickstead, a go-to for many royals including Duchess Catherine and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Meghan and Harry were all smiles as they greeted the crowd and guests as they made their way into the Abbey and took their seats next to Prince Edward and his wife Countess Sophie before Prince William and Duchess Catherine arrived, taking their seats in the row in front of the Sussexes and Wessexes.
Duchess Catherine looked chic in a burgundy Catherine Walker coat dress worn with a matching hat and heels.
Duchess Catherine looked glamorous in a burgundy coat dress by Catherine Walker while Prince William wore a matching tie. (Image: Getty)
The interaction between the two couples was brief.
The Sussexes can both be seen saying ‘hi’ and Meghan gives a small wave while Prince William gives the couple a nod and a smile before taking his seat.
WATCH: See the Sussexes’ and Cambridges’ awkward interaction at the Commonwealth Day service. Story continues below…
It’s a stark contrast to previous years during the same ceremony when in 2019 and 2018 the Cambridges and Sussexes, affectionately dubbed the ‘Fab Four’ stood side-by-side as they chatted and greeted guests together.
More poignantly, the day marks the end of an era for the two royal brothers, who, despite their differences were once joined at the hip.
Monday’s service was a stark contrast to previous years. (Image: Getty)
As President and Vice-President of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, the engagement was an incredibly fitting final event for the Sussexes.
The theme of this year’s service, which was also attended by the Queen and Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla was ‘Delivering A Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming,’ placing emphasis on youth, the environment, trade, governance and ICT.
Meghan chats with Prince Edward before the service. (Image: Getty)
Harry and Meghan will formally step back from their roles as senior royals on March 31 following the announcement of their shock decision in January and have settled on a review of the agreement of their new roles in 12 months.
Following their royal exit, Harry and Meghan will no longer be able to actively use their ‘HRH’ titles and will no longer receive funding from the Sovereign Grant. They will also no longer represent the Queen or Commonwealth and plan to launch a non-profit organisation that will also introduce their new ‘brand’ no longer being allowed to use their well-known Sussex Royal label due to issues with the use of the word ‘royal’.
Meghan and Harry at the Endeavour Fund Awards last week. (Image: Getty)
While the final agreement is a far cry from the half-in half-out approach the couple had initially hoped for, Prince Harry has said he does not regret the decision to step back saying he felt he had “no option but to leave” when it came to protecting his family.
However, if one thing is clear from their final week of engagements as senior royals, it’s that no matter whether they’re working royals or not or where they are in the world, they will still continue to champion the causes they believe in, so watch this space.
