The 2023 Commonwealth service held at Westminster Abbey was a momentous occasion for the British royals.
Despite the presence of protests nearby, the event proceeded smoothly, as reported by Brittany from the Royal News Network.
She mentioned that the protests were incredibly loud, providing an interesting backdrop to her reporting.
The service brought together the senior working royals in one place, making it a remarkable sight.
Additionally, this gathering marked the first time the senior royals assembled since Prince Edward was bestowed with the Edinburgh Dukedom.
Among the attendees, both Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, looked stunning.
Their elegant appearances added to the grandeur of the Commonwealth service.
Notably, this was the second service held since the decline of the pandemic.
Interestingly, a certain couple was absent from this year’s event, just as they were last year.
This absence likely brought relief to the royals who attended the service.
The Commonwealth service unfolded flawlessly, without any disruptions or complications.
However, keen observers noted a subtle gesture made by Catherine, possibly directed towards Meghan.
During her appearance, Kate donned a stylish floral jacket and matching skirt, both designed by Erdem Muraliglu, one of her favorite designers.
Earlier this year, reports surfaced about Meghan and Kate sharing an admiration for Erdem’s creations.
According to The Telegraph, Erdem prioritized Kate over Meghan, despite the latter’s fondness for his designs during her acting career.
This decision allegedly did not sit well with the Sussexes, especially Meghan, who was reportedly frustrated that Kate received special treatment, considering she wasn’t even the Queen.
It took almost a year after joining the royal family for Meghan to publicly showcase the designer’s clothing, which she wore in March 2019 for a royal engagement.
Prior to meeting Prince Harry, Meghan had worn a dress from Erdem’s 2015 collection in early 2016.
In contrast, Kate has long been a fan of Erdem’s work and previously wore a mid-calf fit and flare design from his SS18 collection in 2018.
Erdem’s designs are known for their bold and daring patterns, which have garnered both praise and criticism.
Some critics have described his creations as chintzy, and there were even rumors that Erdem declined to create a coronation outfit for Meghan.
Despite this, the Sussexes held important positions within the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust as President and Vice President, pledging to collaborate with the 54 nations involved.
However, in February 2021, they were stripped of their roles as President by the late Queen.
Commonwealth Day 2020 marked their final royal engagement before stepping down as senior royals and embarking on a new life in North America.
Before the ceremony, 2,000 copies of the order of service were distributed, indicating that William and Kate would join the main royal party in the procession.
Surprisingly, there was no mention of Harry and Meghan being part of the procession.
This discrepancy reportedly prompted William and Kate to deviate from the plan and refrain from walking in the procession, in an attempt to resolve the issue, despite the orders of service stating otherwise.
In his book, “Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors,” royal expert Tom Bower revealed that a significant argument erupted after palace officials decided to publicly humiliate Harry and Meghan.
According to Bower, two days after the initial decision, on March 9th, reality set in.
Harry was informed that he and Meghan could not participate in the procession through Westminster Abbey, despite their names being listed in the order of service.
Suspicious of the Sussexes, palace officials chose to humiliate them publicly.
Harry was told that, having stepped down from royal duties, he and Meghan would have to sit and wait with the congregation.
By then, they were well aware of the animosity between Kate and William.