Prince Harry and Meghan are intending to move back to the UK imminently, following their surprise announcement that they planned to relocate from California to England just as the weather gets worse.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are enrolled in British schools and the family are moving to a ‘non royal’ home. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not become working royals and the ‘half in half out’ model, which would see them continue private businesses while taking on some royal duties is also off the table.
However, there are a number of events that aren’t part of the official working diary but which see the Royal Family gather in big numbers and which will be much easier for the Sussexes to attend from a base in the UK. And that means being seen with The King, The Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales. All that offers a hint of royalty even if they are remaining private citizens. Here are some of the ways that Harry and Meghan could put themselves in the royal frame now that they are moving back.
Christmas at Sandringham
The most obvious moment in the royal year for the Sussexes to be seen with the rest of the Windsors is at Christmas. King Charles, like Queen Elizabeth II, loves to gather as many of his family as possible at Sandringham to celebrate the season.
The walk to church on Christmas morning is one of the guaranteed royal photocalls of the year and there is nothing official about it at all. it’s pure family. In the past, The King has even invited Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson to join the wider group making their way through the frosty air on Christmas morning. He is regularly joined by cousins such as Lady Sarah Chatto who have no official royal role. And whether it’s the Cotswolds or Northamptonshire for the Sussexes, no where is too far away from Norfolk. A photo with the Royal Family on Christmas Day is a biggie. And Anne’s face would be a Christmas present for us all.
Easter at Windsor
The King keeps his Easter Court at Windsor which sounds marvellously medieval so let’s all just enjoy that for a moment. It’s also another chance for him to bring hsi family together and he’s been seen at St. George’s Chapel on Easter Sunday with plenty of non working royals.
Again, it’s another moment when the whole family is together but in an unofficial capacity. We’re very used to seeing them all march down the rather steep slope from the castle to the chapel and it’s a chance for a royal photo session. Again, there is no reason for the Sussexes not to be invited and if they are in the Cotswolds then Windsor is a relatively short drive away.
Royal Ascot
The King and Queen support horse racing by making Royal Ascot, well, royal. One of the highlights of every day is the carriage procession and, again, there is nothing official about this at all. We often see non working royals in the carriages. This year, new royal bride, Harriet Phillips, was included while Zara Tindall is usually invited to be in this prestigious line up.
(Racing TV screen grab fair use)
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have also been regulars with King Charles also finding spots for cousins such as Lady Sarah Chatto and the Earl of Snowdon. There is nothing official about being in this but it is a big moment and provides a very royal photo. It’s The King who picks, with the help of The Queen, and if they say you’re in, then you’re in. Given Harry’s relationship with Queen Camilla, this one might be a stretch.
Wimbledon
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club counts the Princess of Wales as its patron and we’re used to seeing Kate present the trophies at the end of the most famous tennis competition in the world. However, throughout Wimbledon fortnight, the royal box is host to many famous faces and being a working royal is not on the list of criteria for getting in.
(Stephen Lock/ i-Images)
In past years, Princess Beatrice has loved to take in a match or two while The King’s Kent cousins, who have such a long association with Wimbledon, are often seen there, too. Prince Michael of Kent attended this summer with his two children, Frederick and Gabriella. This is another regal photo opp that is now on Harry and Meghan’s doorstep and requires no working royal link to obtain.
The Cheltenham Festiaval
Another big sporting event that often attracts a whole host of royals is the Cheltenham Festival. Held every year in March, it’s another celebration of horse racing and as well as Queen Camilla and Princess Anne, there are often many members of the wider Royal Family without official roles there. It’s a personal decision to attend, there’s nothing official about it and we often seen royal cousins come together there.
(Stephen Lock / i-Images)
Princess Eugenie is a regular while Princess Beatrice also enjoys a day out there. However, it’s Zara Tindall who has made this event her own. Her widespread and deep rooted support for horse racing is well known as is her own equestrian prowess. Zara, along with Mike in a tie that always matches her outfit, is there every day. So will we see her royal cousin, Harry, there as he gets to grip with the soggy weather of March?
Summer in Balmoral
Ah, the true test and not just because of the now famous Balmoral moment as described in The Crown. King Charles and Queen Camilla always spend part of the summer at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire where it’s absolutely guaranteed to reign and you absolutely need to wrap up warm.
The whole Royal Family gathers there at one point or the other so an invitation to Harry and Meghan seems bolted on and now that it’s only an internal flight away, could we see them there? There’s already speculation that the Sussexes could be making their way to Scotland as they start (another) new life in the UK.
