The couple attended the Commonwealth Day Service that year, but their last appearance alongside the royal family was reportedly far from warm or welcoming.
According to reports at the time, Prince Harry appeared emotional during the event and was said to have been fighting back tears.
A tense moment at the Commonwealth Day service
Harry and Meghan’s presence at the 2020 service came as a surprise. The order of service distributed before the ceremony had not listed them as attendees.
The Daily Mail reported that the couple were “quite sensitive and emotional about it.”
Despite not being mentioned in the program, Meghan arrived at the event wearing a striking emerald-green outfit, while Harry appeared noticeably reserved.
Royal author and historian Robert Lacey later reflected on the moment, describing the atmosphere surrounding the couple.
“Observers also noted that Harry’s face was ‘quite tense and unsmiling’ – and that when William sat down close to him, he barely greeted his brother. Throughout the service, Meghan megawatted away with her best TV smile but, as the ceremony progressed, Harry appeared to grow gloomier.
“According to one observer, ‘his accelerated blinking even suggested he might have been fighting back tears’.”
Not long after the event, Harry and Meghan officially stepped away from royal duties.
The couple now live in Montecito, California, with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
A representative for the Sussexes has been contacted for comment.
BBC cancels traditional live broadcast
In more recent developments, the royal family has faced its own unexpected setback.
The BBC has decided not to broadcast the annual Commonwealth Day Service live from Westminster Abbey this year.
The ceremony had been shown live by the broadcaster every year since 1989, but this time the channel chose to air Escape to the Country instead.
Explaining the decision, the BBC released a statement.
“Our decision not to broadcast the Commonwealth Day ceremony in the same way we’ve done in previous years reflects the difficult choices we have to make in light of our funding challenges.
“BBC News plans to cover the service across its platforms, including the BBC One bulletins and rolling news channel.”
Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment regarding the change.
Royal family gathers for this year’s service
Despite the change in broadcasting plans, the Commonwealth Day Service remains an important event on the royal calendar.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to attend the service, joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Other members of the family, including the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, are also expected to be present.
Speaking about the significance of the occasion, the King shared a message reflecting on the challenges facing the world today.
“We join together on this Commonwealth Day at a time of great challenge and great possibility. Across our world, communities and nations face the increasing pressures of conflict, climate change and rapid transformation. Yet it is often in such testing moments that the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth is most clearly revealed.”
