Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are embarking on one last tour of official royal duties in the U.K. before they step down as senior members of the royal family on March 31st, 2020. Their so-called "farewell tour" runs from March 5th until March 9th, and it marks the first time that Meghan and Harry have appeared in public together since dropping the "Megxit" bombshell in January 2020. That being said, this isn't "goodbye" forever. Markle and Harry are expected to continue visiting the U.K. for work on a regular basis, in part, because they remain, quote, "1000% committed to their patronages," according to a Guardian report. Nonetheless, the fact that the couple is stepping-down is a major moment for the royal family. The Sussexes have already set up their new home base in North America, with Markle flying back to the U.K. from Canada to complete these final royal engagements for the queen.
While Markle seems ready to cut ties, Harry is reportedly having a tough time with it all, according to Vanity Fair. Here's a quick look at what's going on with Harry's farewell tour and why he may be having a hard time saying goodbye.
Harry and Meghan's farewell tour began with an appearance at the Endeavour Fund Awards for wounded veterans at London's Mansion House on March 5th. On March 8th, Markle will appear at an event to celebrate International Women's Day. The tour will end with a Commonwealth Day Service with the Queen and other members of the royal family at Westminster Abbey on March 9th. That service will mark the Sussexes' final royal engagement with the Queen.
The Sussexes had originally hoped to continue representing the Queen despite their new financial independence, but that won't happen, as per their final agreement with her. They also won't retain their HRH titles. Already, Harry has prepared for the shift. During an appearance at a summit in Edinburgh in February 2020, he told his fellow delegates to, quote, "just call [him] Harry."
The Sussexes have been all smiles during their public appearances so far. A source close to the couple told the Guardian that they're feeling "positive and excited" about the future, and they're in "great form."
“She's genuine. She seems real. Genuine smiles. Both of their body languages, they're open and relaxed."
However, a close friend of Harry's has revealed that behind the scenes, this transition is more difficult than it looks. One of Prince Harry's oldest friends told Vanity Fair that this is, quote, "an emotional time for [Harry] in many ways," saying,
"I think in many ways it's bittersweet. He's always wanted to have a regular life and to get away from the spotlight, and that's what he's doing, but it basically means walking away from his family. Harry's a loving loyal guy so that will be very hard for him."
Ken Wharfe, who used to work as Princess Diana's bodyguard and watched Harry and Prince William grow up, agreed, adding that there is a quote, "genuine sadness over what he's letting go."
Not only is Harry distancing himself from his family, but the queen's Megxit terms also require him to relinquish his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, the highest rank of his honorary military titles. This step is likely difficult for Harry, who spent 10 years in the army and remains passionate about working with veterans.
Shortly after the Commonwealth Day Service, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to return to Canada, where they left their son, Archie. While the Sussexes are making major changes, none of them are set in stone forever. These next 12 months will be a trial year of sorts. Royal historian and author Hugo Vickers told the Guardian,
"The queen has left the door wide open. It's almost as if she has seen that there is a good chance that their schemes won't work."
Regardless of the rest of the royal family's feelings about Harry's choice to strike out on his own, it's a decision that his late mom Princess Diana likely would have been proud of, according to Ken Wharfe. Wharfe told Vanity Fair,
"Diana always said you have to make your own way in this family and Harry is doing that. I think she'd applaud him for what he's doing but I think she would advise him to think very carefully about what he does next and to take some time. Harry has made the choice to go and now he has to start all over again and I suspect it's going to be a long road."
Luckily, he'll have Markle by his side every step of the way.
Watch the video to see why Prince Harry may be having a hard time leaving the royal family!
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