Why Meghan and Harry’s Absence at the Commonwealth Service Reveals More Than a Snub

The absence of Meghan and Harry during the Commonwealth Service has sparked significant debate. Speculations ranged from a deliberate choice to showcase their new-found independence to a calculated snub toward their brother, William. However, the real reasons behind their positioning were rooted in centuries-old royal protocols and the preservation of the monarchy's traditions.

The Royal Protocols and the Order of Procession

At the Commonwealth Service, Meghan and Harry were not walking with the rest of the Royal Family as they were not considered senior royals. This decision was made by Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting the long-standing royal protocol that only working royals walk in the procession. Despite the printed Order of Service which listed Harry as a participant, the late Queen insisted on this protocol.

Harry initially expressed his displeasure, and his wife Meghan tried to ease the tension by offering that neither she nor Catherine would join the procession. Upon hearing this, Harry accepted, leading to a frosty atmosphere at the service. Instead of following the more senior royals out of the service, Harry and Meghan left the venue quickly, stepping ahead of Catherine and William. This behavior highlighted a pattern of entitled and disproportionate reactions.

The Positioning During the Service

The seating arrangement during the service further emphasizes the reason for Meghan and Harry’s positioning. According to the line of succession, the seating was as follows: the Queen, Charles, Camilla, William, and Catherine. If Prince Philip had been well enough to attend, he would have taken the seat beside his wife, expanding the front row to six seats. The limited number of seats on the front row was a strict royal tradition, and an extra seat was provided if Prince Philip were to attend.

It is crucial to note that the decision was not influenced by Meghan’s mixed-race heritage or her American background. Instead, it was purely based on her position in the line of succession. The Royal Family’s private feelings towards Meghan and any actions she took were irrelevant. Harry and Meghan’s absence was not due to any snubbing; it was a reflection of a formal and long-established protocol meant to maintain the balance and order of the royal line.

Final Thoughts

The Commonwealth Service illustrated a complex interplay of royal tradition, protocol, and the new dynamics introduced by the departure of Meghan and Harry. While the public may see this change as a snub, the underlying reasons can be traced back to centuries of tradition. The decision to walk or not, and the seating arrangements, were deliberate and rooted in the monarchy’s protocols and the principles of the line of succession. This event, like many in the royal family, revealed more about the ongoing evolution of the monarchy and the changing dynamics within the Royal Family.

Keywords: Commonwealth Service, Royal Protocols, Line of Succession, Harry and Meghan, Royal Family