Princes William and Harry went behind the Queen’s casket without making eye contact or acknowledging one another. The wives of the two princes, Kate and Meghan, joined them at Westminster Abbey.
Throughout the march from Westminster Hall to the Abbey and eventually to Windsor Castle, Harry maintained a forward-facing stance. Harry wore a morning suit with his decorations attached rather than a military uniform, which is the standard clothing for working members of the royal family during ceremonial events.
The brothers were at least walking together, as opposed to being divided by their cousin Peter Phillips as they had been at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in April, when they had been escorting King Charles III, Princess Royal, Prince Edward, and the Duke of York, who had also wore a morning suit.
The 38-year-old Harry, who also criticized his family, left UK to begin a new life in California, but those hoping to witness any indications of healing of the cold ties that have defined relations since his departure were disappointed.
The two men and their wives kept a strict distance from one another. They never actually came face to face; a safe distance was always kept.
While other family members in uniform saluted as the casket was brought inside the Abbey, Andrew, who disappeared from public life after his interview about his friendship with the pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, gazed at the ground.
After entering the cathedral, Harry and Meghan took a seat in front of the royal couple, Charles and Camilla.
The Sussexes periodically looked at each other comfortingly. They had before made a quick handshake.
There was, however, notably less physical contact—possibly in response to the unusual criticism they had previously gotten for past shows of affection honoring the late Queen.
The Duchess of Sussex wore a set of pearl and diamond stud earrings that were a gift from the Queen and was very emotional at times.
As the Queen’s coffin left the abbey, she wiped one tear from her face with a gloved hand.
Princess Beatrice, the Countess of Wessex, and her daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, followed the royal family custom of female members wearing a black lace “mourning veil,” while Meghan, 41, did not. Instead, she wore a cape designed by Stella McCartney, a black dress, and a wide-brimmed hat.
When William, Kate, and their children arrived at St. George’s Chapel for the commitment service, they waited at the front pew until Harry and Meghan had passed before sitting in. Again, there was no nod or touch to indicate a shared experience. Princess Charlotte was sitting next to her mother and Harry.
Everything seemed to be done to keep attention focused on the state funeral and the Queen’s burial alongside the Duke of Edinburgh in the royal crypt under St. George’s Chapel. But it was unlikely that the brothers would get along again. The effort to heal relations has obviously been made more challenging by the Sussexes’ invitation to a reception with international leaders being canceled.
While Harry is anticipated to publish his “intimate and true” memoirs, Meghan has claimed that the pair is working on a “historical documentary” through which she would tell their “love story.”
