In March 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—attended their final official engagement as senior members of the British Royal Family. The event, known as the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration, took place at Westminster Abbey and marked a symbolic conclusion to their formal royal duties.
This significant moment came shortly after their January 2020 announcement that they would step back from their roles as working royals—a move that garnered global attention and marked a major transition within the modern British monarchy.
The Final Appearance: A Turning Point
The Commonwealth Day Service is an annual event attended by members of the Royal Family and leaders from the 56 member states of the Commonwealth. In 2020, the service had particular resonance as it became the last formal appearance of Harry and Meghan in their official royal capacities.
During the service, Harry and Meghan were seated behind Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales (then Duchess of Cambridge), as well as other senior royals. Observers noted the formal atmosphere and the evident change in public dynamics, especially in comparison to previous years when the couples appeared more unified.
Prince Harry’s Reflections in the Netflix Docuseries
In 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan shared their personal experiences from that time in the Netflix documentary series “Harry & Meghan”. The six-part series, produced by Archewell Productions and released on Netflix, offers a behind-the-scenes look at their lives before and after leaving royal duties.
Recalling their final engagement, Harry commented on the intense media focus and emotional distance he felt. He said:
“We were nervous seeing the family because of all the TV cameras, and everybody watching. It felt like being part of a performance, where you are perceived more as a character than as a person.”
Meghan echoed these sentiments, recalling the moment they entered Westminster Abbey:
“The first time we saw the other members of the family again was in public at Westminster Abbey.”
The documentary emphasized the sense of formality and protocol during the event, contrasting it with the couple’s desire for a more personal and emotionally honest way of living.
Public and Media Reactions
While media coverage of the Commonwealth Day service focused on ceremonial aspects, much attention was also paid to body language and seating arrangements—highlighting perceived tensions within the royal family. However, such interpretations are speculative in nature, and no official statements from the royal family were issued regarding the event dynamics.
What is clear from the public record is that Harry and Meghan maintained their composure and fulfilled their ceremonial duties with grace and respect during the event.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Statement on Their Departure
Following the couple’s decision to step back from royal life, Queen Elizabeth II released a public statement in January 2020 expressing support for their decision, while also acknowledging the changes this would bring to the institution.
“My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family,” the Queen stated. “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 while remaining a valued part of my family.”
This rare and personal message from the monarch emphasized mutual understanding, despite the institutional shift.
Life After Royal Duties
Since stepping back from royal life, Prince Harry and Meghan have relocated to California and pursued independent ventures in media, advocacy, and philanthropy. In addition to their documentary series, the couple signed multi-year deals with Netflix and Spotify, and launched their nonprofit foundation Archewell.
Broader Context: Transition Within the Royal Family
The departure of Harry and Meghan from active royal duties was one of the most significant transitions in the British Royal Family in recent decades. It prompted broader conversations about mental health, media scrutiny, institutional structure, and family roles within the monarchy.
In interviews—including a widely viewed discussion with Oprah Winfrey in 2021—Harry and Meghan highlighted the personal pressures and challenges they faced. These interviews and their Netflix series offered public insight into why the couple chose to prioritize their family’s well-being and seek a more autonomous path.
While perspectives differ regarding the couple’s decisions and public commentary, their actions have sparked meaningful discussions about personal agency, duty, and modern identity within historic institutions.
A Continued Connection to Royal Heritage
Despite stepping back from royal duties, Harry and Meghan continue to express their respect for the monarchy and maintain familial ties. Prince Harry has participated in royal ceremonies, including the funerals of Prince Philip in 2021 and Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. He also released his memoir “Spare” in 2023, offering further personal reflections on his upbringing, military service, and family life.
Both Harry and Meghan remain involved in charitable work, with initiatives focusing on youth empowerment, digital safety, mental health, and gender equality.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment of Reflection and Transition
The Commonwealth Day Service in March 2020 stands as a defining moment in the journey of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. While no dramatic incident occurred during the ceremony itself, its symbolism is undeniable. It marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another—a movement from tradition to transformation.
Through official statements, documented interviews, and carefully curated media projects, Harry and Meghan have shared their narrative with the world. As public figures navigating the intersection of heritage and personal freedom, their journey continues to captivate and inspire audiences globally.
Sources and References:
- Royal.uk – Queen Elizabeth II’s Statement, January 2020
- Netflix – Harry & Meghan Series, 2022
- The Commonwealth Day Service – Westminster Abbey Official Site
- BBC News – Coverage of Commonwealth Day Service 2020
- Archewell Foundation
- Spotify – Archetypes Podcast by Meghan Markle
