Prince Harry’s visible distress at being excluded from the main procession during the Commonwealth Day Service in 2020 highlights tensions within the royal family, preceding his and Meghan’s departure from royal duties.
During the Commonwealth Day Service in 2020, Prince Harry experienced significant emotional distress after being excluded from the main procession, as described by royal expert Robert Lacey. This event occurred shortly before Harry and his wife, Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, officially stepped back from their roles within the British royal family. In contrast to previous years, where the couple had participated in the official procession alongside the Queen, they were this time directed to their seats in a less prominent manner, signaling a visible reduction in their royal status.
Harry’s emotional reaction to this treatment was later revealed through a Netflix series, where he opened up about the disappointment and hurt felt during the ceremony. The incident, as reported by the Daily Mail, also prompted Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to show solidarity by choosing not to walk in the main procession with the other senior royals.
This event marked a significant moment in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s rocky relationship with the royal family, culminating in their decision to resign from royal duties and pursue a more independent path.
