Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently surprised their fans with their first joint appearance in more than three months, sharing a virtual video message for the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on violence against children in Colombia. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared on screen wearing poppy pins, a symbol of remembrance for military service members, as they discussed topics close to their hearts.
The appearance came shortly before Remembrance Sunday in the United Kingdom, where Kate Middleton attended commemorative events along with other royals. Reflecting on the couple’s appearance, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams shared his perspective on Harry’s absence from the UK commemorations.
In an interview, Fitzwilliams speculated“Honestly, I think it’s unlikely we’ll see him (Prince Harry) again at The Cenotaph.” He added, however, that “the Sussexes are unpredictable and so is life, so who knows?” Fitzwilliams noted that since Harry and Meghan stepped down as royals and moved to California, Harry has faced restrictions on participating in certain royal traditions.
“When they stepped down as royals, that was their decision to go to California, and that means he can’t wear a uniform and it means he has no military sponsorship.” Fitzwilliams. This, he noted, has impacted Harry’s ability to fully participate in UK military commemorations, including Remembrance Sunday events held at the Cenotaph.
According to Fitzwilliams, these limitations can be emotionally challenging for Harry, a former army officer with deep connections to the military. “Clearly, it’s upsetting and I think he’ll certainly miss it,” she said. “The main commemoration is obviously tremendously moving and, in some ways, you will clearly want to be a part of it.”
The expert acknowledged that although Harry is physically distant, his connection to the military and to Remembrance Sunday remains strong. The Sussexes’ recent virtual appearance has sparked debates about their evolving role in public life. Although they are no longer part of the royal family’s official duties, Harry and Meghan have continued to speak out on social issues.
Her participation in the Colombian conference aligns with her efforts to promote children’s rights, mental health and community support. By using poppy pins in the video, they subtly honored the traditions of Remembrance, despite their physical distance from the UK events. While Fitzwilliams suggested that Harry’s absence from British commemorations could be felt by both Harry and the public, he also noted the “unpredictable” nature of the couple, leaving open the possibility of future appearances in the United Kingdom.
This unpredictability has characterized much of Harry and Meghan’s public life since they moved to California, allowing them the flexibility to focus on causes important to them while balancing their family life. As the Sussexes continue to carve their unique path, their choices highlight the combination of personal passion and public duty they have embraced in their post-royal lives. While his absence from actual UK events may be notable, his involvement in global issues continues to show his commitment to social impact on a wider stage.