Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been very busy since their big move to Canada. The Sussexes have been getting accustomed to their new neighborhood, complete with neighbors who actually value their privacy. They've also been putting the pieces in place to become financially independent from the royal family.
You may recall that Harry and Meghan aren't officially retired from their roles in the royal family. The couple is considered in a transitional period, due to end sometime in spring. No date or event has been attached to that timeline as of yet. However, there is an upcoming event that could see Harry and Meghan, and possibly even Archie, heading back across the pond.
The Sunday Times reports that Queen Elizabeth has asked Harry and Meghan to return to the UK for Commonwealth Day celebrations on March 9. Many are speculating that this may be it for official engagements for the royal couple. They are expected to return to their new Canadian home following the engagement.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are working on adjusting to their new normal. The couple has been settling into their new home on Vancouver Island. Just last week, the couple stepped out for their first public event since stepping away from the royal family.
Harry and Meghan were guests at JP Morgan's Alternative Investment Summit in Miami. There are conflicting reports as to what went down at the event. While some outlets say Meghan did not speak at the event, the Sunday Times claims she spoke briefly to introduce Harry.
Harry spoke to the audience of 425 bankers and celebrities, although he was not a keynote speaker. Sources indicate he spoke about the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. They also say he delved into his decision to leave the royal family. The speaking engagement has stirred up a lot of feelings already, with little information confirmed.
It's believed that Harry and Meghan received $1 million (£760,000) for the appearance, although there hasn't been any confirmation. People believe this is against the couple's dedication to environmental causes. JP Morgan has been accused of supporting fossil fuel firms with its fortune.
After the event, the couple was said to have spent some time with Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez. The couple also visited with longtime friend Serena Williams. It's believed they stayed with her during their time in Miami.
This information is being discussed as news of a possible UK visit by Harry and Meghan has emerged. The Sunday Times reports that Queen Elizabeth has asked the couple to join the rest of the family for Commonwealth Day celebrations on March 9.
Last year's Commonwealth Day was a big one for the couple. For one, it was Meghan's last official appearance before going on maternity leave. The day's events also came in the midst of rumors about a falling out between Harry and William.
The couple is expected to comply with the Queen's wishes and travel to the UK to celebrate Commonwealth Day. Royal fans are also hoping that Archie, who will be 10 months old in March, will join them. We haven't gotten a new glimpse at the sweet baby boy since they showed a photo in their video looking back at 2019, released on New Year's Eve.
There also may be some final details to straighten out upon Harry and Meghan's return to the UK. The royal family is concerned about how the couple will earn their living in a way that doesn't seem to bank on their royal status. There's also the matter of the Sussex Royal branding and whether or not they'll be allowed to use it moving forward.
As for any awkward moments among the family, there won't be any from Queen Elizabeth. Sources close to the Queen say she's "remarkably relaxed" and "unfazed" by Harry and Meghan's decision. She reportedly told friends, "If that’s what they want, if they want to go, we must let them go."
Another source tells Entertainment Tonight that senior members of the family are all at ease with the outcome. "The discussions were all extremely friendly and constructive because the common goal was clear, as was the desire to reach a successful conclusion," the source said. "Everyone is pleased."
Royal reporter Katie Nicholl believes the news has been hardest on Prince William and Kate Middleton. "This has come as a shock to the whole family. This is seismic. This has had a huge impact on his brother on his sister-in-law," she explained.
"I think both of them are still reeling from the news, coming to terms with the reality of this situation," she continued. She also believes Harry is struggling more than he's let on.
"Harry really is putting on a brave face throughout all of this. He's positive about his future, but he's very, very torn. He's very sad about leaving his family. He's very sad about leaving the United Kingdom."
Many believe that the Commonwealth Day appearance will be the final official appearance for Harry and Meghan. From that point on, they're no longer able to represent the Queen, although they are dedicated to upholding her beliefs. It's a new chapter for Harry and Meghan, and they seem determined to make the most of it.
