Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal journey - in pictures
The couple are bidding final farewell as official members of ‘The Firm’













Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are making their final appearance as senior royals today before quitting the UK and become financially independent.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, alongside the Queen, Prince William and Kate, and Prince Charles and Camilla.
The engagement marks the first time that the couple have appeared in public alongside the rest of the Royal Family since revealing their plan to step down from royal duties - an announcement made without consulting Buckingham Palace. It is not clear when the family will next be seen together.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“It will be fascinating to see how it plays out,” royal biographer Penny Junor told Sky News. “I imagine everybody will be on absolutely best behaviour. But goodness knows what they will all be thinking privately.”
The Royal Family were reportedly “hurt” and “deeply disappointed” by Harry and Meghan’s decision to call it quits and by the way they announced the news.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
But the Sussexes have justified their decision in interviews and on their website, explaining that they want a “more peaceful life” away from media scrutiny.
“For me, and for my wife, of course there’s a lot of stuff that hurts, especially when the majority of it is untrue,″ Harry told ITV’s Tom Bradby last year. ”I will not be bullied into playing a game that killed my mum.″
The couple will not use their HRH titles from 31 March, and will no longer be allowed to use the word “royal” in their branding.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - May 6, 2025
Cartoons Tuesday's cartoons - rare earth minerals, rising prices, and more
-
What to know about Real IDs, America's new identification cards
The Explainer People without a Real ID cannot board a commercial flight as of May 7, 2025
-
Where is the left-wing Reform?
Today's Big Question As the Labour Party leans towards the right, progressive voters have been left with few alternatives
-
Is Prince Harry owed protection?
Talking Point The Duke of Sussex claims he has been singled out for 'unjustified and inferior treatment' over decision to withdraw round-the-clock security
-
The Sentebale row: a blow for Prince Harry
Talking Point Duke of Sussex made 'devastating' decision to stand down as Aids charity's patron, following 'power struggle' between its trustees and new chair
-
The princess and the PR: Meghan Markle's image problem
Talking Point A tough week for the Sussexes has seen a familiar tale of vitriol and invective thrown the way of the actor-cum-duchess
-
Is the royal family a security risk?
Today's big question A Chinese spy's access to Prince Andrew has raised questions about Chinese influence in the UK
-
The Duchy Files: how bad is the scandal for King Charles?
Today's Big Question Making millions in rent from the NHS and armed forces a 'PR disaster' for royal family
-
Kate and William: adapting to the Insta age
Talking Point Communicating directly with the public lets the royals circumvent the media machine but it comes with its own perils
-
Princess of Wales returns to work in first meeting of 2024
Speed Reed Early Years project has been the 'cornerstone' of Catherine's charitable work
-
Princess of Wales celebrates end of chemotherapy
Speed Read The former Kate Middleton shares rare glimpse into family life as she marks milestone in her cancer treatment