Inside Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Awkward Reunion With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince William and Kate Middleton recently experienced an awkward reunion with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge briefly interacted with Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at the Commonwealth Day service, an event that will be the couple’s last as active members of the royal family. With Harry and Meghan set to leave the royal family, here’s an inside look at their reunion with the Cambridges.
The royal family unites for Commonwealth Day
Most of the senior members of the royal family were on hand for the Commonwealth Day service. Although Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles joined Queen Elizabeth for the procession, Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, backed out of the march at the last minute.
Harry and Meghan were also not part of the procession and were seated ahead of William and Kate inside Westminster Abbey.
The former actress donned a green gown for the event, matching her dress with a hat from designer William Chambers. Meghan and Harry were seated one row behind Prince William and Kate, with Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, beside them.
The event is the last time Meghan and Harry will appear beside other senior members of the royal family. While the reunion went off without any major missteps, the interactions between the Cambridges and the Sussexes were a bit awkward.
Inside Prince William and Kate Middleton’s awkward reunion
Despite being within a row of each other, Prince William and Kate hardly interacted with Harry and Meghan. According to Express, the couples briefly said hello when they first arrived but barely said anything after that.
In fact, Harry and Meghan were far more interested in Edward and Sophie than anyone else. Shortly after the event, Patricia Treble, an expert on the royals, highlighted how uncomfortable the Sussexes and Cambridges appeared.
“AWKWARD: Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex are in the second row of royal seats,” Treble wrote on social media. “Prince Edward makes a point of chatting with them while Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge appear to have no interaction with Harry and Meghan.”
At one point during the service, Harry was so deep in conversation with Edward that he had his arm wrapped around Meghan’s chair so that he could get a better view. All the while Prince William and Kate kept to themselves in the row directly in front of the Sussexes.
Harry and Meghan, of course, are due to leave the royal family starting March 31. The two are expected to return to Canada soon to reunite with their son, Archie Harrison, who was left in the care of a nanny.
Did Queen Elizabeth send a hidden message to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?
During Queen Elizabeth’s Commonwealth speech, Her Majesty emphasized the importance of unity, despite the diversity they share. According to Express, she also seemingly added a secret message to Harry and Meghan.
When she mentioned all of the “connectivity” that the Commonwealth nations share, Queen Elizabeth explained how all of the decisions they make have consequences.
“Looking to the future, this connectivity means we are also aware, perhaps as never before, that wherever we live, our choices and actions affect the well-being of people and communities living far away, and in very different circumstances,” she stated.
While Queen Elizabeth did not mention Harry and Meghan by name, she could have been subtly referring to their move to North America. The two are currently staying in a home in Canada, a Commonwealth nation, and are expected to spend the majority of their time somewhere in North America.
Harry and Meghan’s exit, meanwhile, will be re-examined in 12 months. At that time, Queen Elizabeth no doubt hopes that the pair will reconsider leaving the royal family.
Prince Charles avoids physical contact at Commonwealth Day service
While many royal watchers are sad to see the couple go, Prince William and Kate will be increasing their royal workload in the months to come. Their busy schedules, however, may be hampered by the coronavirus, something that was a topic of interest during the Commonwealth Day service.
During the process, fans noticed that Charles was refusing to shake hands with people in the audience. Instead, he was spotted giving everyone a namaste greeting to avoid physical contact.
The coronavirus scare comes amid concerns about Prince William and Kate’s upcoming visit to Australia. The two are scheduled to tour the country to raise awareness about the bush fires that have been devastating the area.
But with Australia dealing with an increase in coronavirus cases, it is possible that William and Kate postpone their trip until a later date.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have not commented on the reports surrounding their recent reunion with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
