When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex flew to Britain for the first time since the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in early September they could not have anticipated how long their stay would stretch. Following the Queen's death on 8 September, Harry and Meghan would remain in the country over the subsequent 10-day mourning period, in order to participate in events honouring the monarch's life as well as mourn Harry's grandmother alongside his family.
Now, succeeding the state funeral that was held for the sovereign on Monday, the couple have returned home to their family, flying from Heathrow airport yesterday following their extended absence. The couple's children, Archie, three, and Lilibet, one, are unlikely to have spent so long apart from their parents, whose visit to the UK was only intended for less than a week.
The duke and duchess arrived in Britain on 3 September in order to participate in two separate charity events, between which they visited Germany for the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 One Year to Go event. They then travelled to Manchester on 5 September for the One Young World Summit. Three days later, after returning from Germany, news broke of the Queen's declining health (the same day the pair were expected at a WellChild charity event); Prince Harry was rushed to Balmoral. In a coincidental twist of fate, Queen Elizabeth II died during the couple's rare visit to the UK.
Excluding the Thanksgiving Service for the Platinum Jubilee in June this year, the duke and duchess have not participated in royal events since stepping down as senior royals in 2020. This week, Harry marched alongside his brother, Prince William, and the Queen's children, King Charles II, the Princess Royal, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, for the procession ahead of Her Majesty's lying in state. The following day, he joined Queen's other grandchildren for a 15-minute vigil in Westminster Hall and finally participated in the procession for the Queen's funeral on Monday, where he was joined by his wife for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
As a result of their loss of HRH status, Prince Harry did not wear his military uniform or salute at the processions but was granted permission from the King to don his former uniform ‘as a mark of respect’ for the vigil.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stayed at Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate during their time in the UK.
