Commonwealth Day: Reflection on Royal Relationships and Departures
Kate Middleton’s Return to Commonwealth Day
On March 8, 2023, Kate Middleton marked her return to the annual Commonwealth Day service, her first appearance at this event in two years. This occasion serves as a poignant reminder, as it coincides with significant moments in royal history, notably the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from their roles as working members of the royal family.
The Royal Exit Announcement
The relationship between Harry and Meghan and the royal family began to shift dramatically on January 8, 2020. The couple announced their intention to step back as active royals, just months after welcoming their son, Prince Archie, in May 2019. By March of that year, they had relocated to the United States, where their daughter, Princess Lilibet, was born in 2021.
Final Royal Engagements
Before officially stepping away, Harry and Meghan participated in several final royal engagements in early March 2020. This included appearances at the Endeavour Fund Awards and the Mountbatten Festival of Music. Their final royal event together occurred during the Commonwealth Day service on March 9, 2020, which saw the couple navigating a challenging family dynamic amid public scrutiny.
Tensions Exposed at the Commonwealth Day Service
During the 2020 Commonwealth Day service, Harry and Meghan were seated near Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, directly behind Prince William and Kate Middleton. Meghan acknowledged William and Kate with a wave, and both couples exchanged smiles. However, there was a palpable tension, as Harry later described feeling distant from his family. “I felt really distant from the rest of my family,” he recalled, pointing out the contrast between outward appearances and internal feelings.
The Decision to Depart
Following their royal exit, a one-year transition period was established to evaluate the circumstances surrounding their decision. Ultimately, on February 18, 2021, the couple’s decision to reside permanently in the U.S. was confirmed, shortly before their widely publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey.
A source indicated that their move represented a long-held desire, stating, “This is what Meghan and Harry have always wanted—to create their own life.” The source emphasized that relocating from the U.K. provided a significant sense of relief for the couple.
