This weekend saw Prince Harry and Meghan Markle notably miss the annual Festival of Remembrance and Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph, with the Royal Family in full attendance.
Amid this poignant remembrance, a seasoned Royal expert shared his view that the Duke of Sussex, 40, would "undoubtedly be regretful" for not being able to pay tribute alongside his family in the UK.
Veteran royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: "For Harry, there will undoubtedly be mixed feelings. He is still part of the British military family and its major act of homage to the fallen in Whitehall, where his father, the King, leads the nation's homage to the fallen. He will be absent in person but undoubtedly present in spirit."
He added: "Each year on Remembrance Sunday he and Meghan commemorate it by doing something which they regard as appropriate for the occasion. Last year, they visited the Navy SEALS Foundation facility in California in advance of the actual date."
In a show of solidarity even from afar, this year, Prince Harry reached out with a touching letter of support to children and youths who've lost a military parent, through his work with Scotty's Little Soldiers, where he serves as a Global Ambassador.
Image:
Getty)Mr Fitzwilliams said: "This year's letter was especially personal as he referenced his mother's death, which so traumatised him."
In a heartfelt letter to children supported by the charity, the Duke expressed that losing a parent can feel "overwhelming and isolating". He also highlighted that remembrance is not just a time "not only time to honour the extraordinary sacrifices made by our service members" but also "to recognise the impact these sacrifices have on families".
Mr Fitzwilliams said the Duke of Sussex likely found the service poignant due to his military background, stating: "Prince Harry has always said that the decade he spent in the military was the making of him. His two tours of duty in Afghanistan were undoubtedly a success and his popularity at that time was huge in Britain. On an occasion like Remembrance Sunday, his thoughts, from California, will undoubtedly be regretful."
Mr Fitzwilliams told the Express: "He first laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in 2009. In 2020, after he and Meghan had stepped down as senior working royals, his military patronages were removed and he was, save in special circumstances such as the Vigil in Westminster Hall for Queen Elizabeth, not permitted to wear uniform at ceremonial events.
Image:
Getty)"He sent a wreath requesting it be laid at the Cenotaph in his name in 2020, but this was reportedly denied by Palace officials."
After serving in the Army for a decade, including two tours of Afghanistan, Harry was stripped of his military titles and patronages when he stepped down as a senior Royal. This means he is unable to wear a military uniform at Royal events.
On November 10, King Charles led the nation in a two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday to honour the fallen. The King, wearing his Royal Navy uniform of the Admiral of the Fleet with greatcoat, poppy and sword, laid the first wreath at the foot of the Cenotaph, which featured 41 open-style poppy petals made from bonded fabric.
He was joined by members of the Royal Family, including his son Prince William and siblings Princess Anne and Prince Edward, at the Cenotaph. Princess Kate watched from the balcony of the Foreign Office alongside Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, as 10,000 veterans took part in the Royal British Legion's veteran parade.
The annual service, a staple in the Royal calendar, commemorates the Armistice of the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.
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