Prince Harry and Meghan Markle finally headed home to California this week after Queen Elizabeth’s death extended their visit overseas.
The royal couple flew home from the UK on Tuesday following their mourning period, and one day after attending the late monarch’s funeral service. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex happened to be in Europe at the time of her death as they were on a scheduled trip overseas to attend a number of events in support of the charities they work with, including the One Young World Summit and the lead-up celebrations for the Invictus Games taking place in Düsseldorf next year. So, when the queen suddenly took ill, Harry was able to rush from Scotland to be with the rest of his family. He and Meghan then stayed through Monday in order to attend the state funeral and committal service before Queen Elizabeth’s private burial. In the lead up to the funeral, the Sussexes also attended a number of events in remembrance of the monarch. On September 10, they joined Prince William and Kate Middleton in greeting mourners and well-wishers gathered outside Windsor Castle to share their remembrances of the late royal.
In his first statement about his grandmother posted to the Archewell website following her passing, Harry highlighted the queen’s commitment to serving the United Kingdom, writing, “In celebrating the life of my grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen—and in mourning her loss—we are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty. She was globally admired and respected. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy.” He also added on a personal note, “Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings — from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren. I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over.” Harry concluded, “Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile. We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace.”
While on this extended trip, Harry and Meghan left their two children, 3-year-old Archie and 1-year-old Lilibet, back home in Montecito with the Duchess’s mother, Doria Ragland. The pair have been living in the ritzy California neighborhood popular with celebrities since 2020 when they officially stepped down from their positions as senior royals.
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