Expert Highlights Prince Harry’s Sacrifices as He Loses Uniform and Military Patronages After Move to California

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently surprised fans with their first joint appearance in over three months, sharing a virtual video message for the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared on screen wearing poppy pins, a symbol of remembrance for military service members, as they discussed issues close to their hearts.

The appearance came shortly before Remembrance Sunday in the UK, where Kate Middleton attended commemorative events alongside other senior royals. Reflecting on the couple’s appearance, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams shared his perspective on Harry’s absence from the UK’s Remembrance commemorations.

In an interview, Fitzwilliams speculated, “I quite honestly think that it’s probably unlikely that we will see him [Prince Harry] at The Cenotaph again.” He added, however, that “the Sussexes are unpredictable and so is life, so who knows?” Fitzwilliams pointed out that since Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals and relocated to California, Harry has faced restrictions on participating in certain royal traditions.

“When they stepped down as senior working royals, that was their decision to go to California, and that means that he can’t wear a uniform, and it means he has no military patronages,” Fitzwilliams explained. This, he noted, has impacted Harry’s ability to be fully involved in the UK’s military commemorations, including the Remembrance Sunday events held at the Cenotaph.

According to Fitzwilliams, these limitations may be emotionally challenging for Harry, a former army officer with deep connections to the military. “Clearly, it is upsetting, and I think he will unquestionably miss it,” he said. “The main commemoration is obviously tremendously moving, and he will clearly in a sense wish he were part of it.”

The expert acknowledged that although Harry is physically distant, his connection to the military and to Remembrance Sunday remains strong. The Sussexes’ recent virtual appearance has sparked discussions about their evolving role in public life. Though no longer part of the official royal family duties, Harry and Meghan have continued to speak out on social issues.

Their participation in the Colombian conference aligns with their advocacy efforts on behalf of children’s rights, mental health, and community support. By wearing poppy pins in the video, they subtly honored Remembrance traditions, despite their physical distance from the UK events. While Fitzwilliams suggested that Harry’s absence from British commemorations might be felt both by Harry and the public, he also noted the couple’s “unpredictable” nature, leaving open the possibility of future appearances in the UK.

This unpredictability has characterized much of Harry and Meghan’s public life since their move to California, allowing them the flexibility to focus on causes important to them while balancing their family life. As the Sussexes continue to carve out their unique path, their choices highlight the blend of personal passion and public duty they’ve embraced in their post-royal lives. While their absence from UK royal events may be noticeable, their involvement in global issues continues to showcase their commitment to social impact on a broader stage.