Platinum Jubilee: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry attend church service honoring queen
LONDON – Britain’s Prince Harry and wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have appeared in public for the first time during the Platinum Jubilee.
According to The Associated Press, the pair, along with other members of the British royal family, attended a service Friday at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign. The 96-year-old monarch skipped the event, however, citing “some discomfort” during Thursday’s festivities, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
>> RELATED STORY: Queen Elizabeth to miss Platinum Jubilee event due to ‘discomfort’
Harry, 37, and 40-year-old Meghan, formerly known as Meghan Markle, stepped down as senior royals and moved to Southern California in 2020, according to The Washington Post. The couple traveled to the U.K. with their 3-year-old son, Archie, and daughter Lilibet, who turns 1 on Saturday, for the four-day jubilee, the newspaper reported.
>> RELATED STORY: Platinum Jubilee: Too loud! Prince Louis reacts to flyover at Buckingham Palace
The visit, which marks the first in-person meeting for the queen and Lilibet, comes more than a year after Harry and Meghan opened up about the difficulties of royal life in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. In the two-hour interview, which aired March 7, 2021, Meghan said that when she was pregnant with Archie, there were “concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born,” according to the AP.
Winfrey, visibly shocked, first replied, “What?” before asking for clarification on who was having those conversations.
Meghan said the issue was brought up with Harry, not her, but declined to say who was involved.
“I think that would be very damaging to them,” Meghan said.
Later, Harry corroborated Meghan’s claim but said he’s “never going to share” the conversation.
“But at the time, it was awkward,” he said. “I was a bit shocked.”
Two days later, Buckingham Palace officials released a statement on the queen’s behalf, saying the royal family was “saddened” by the revelations.
“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning,” the statement read. “While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.”
The statement added: “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”
Harry’s brother, Prince William, responded to the allegations later that month, saying, “We’re very much not a racist family,” according to the AP.
– The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive for the National Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022, on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive for a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022, on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the National Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
Britain’s Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, waves as she arrives for a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday, June 3, 2022, on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, arrive for a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022, on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Front row from left, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Camilla Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles attend the National Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
From left, Britain’s Princess Anne, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William attend the National Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
Britain’s Prince Charles arrives for a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday, June 3, 2022, on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Johnson attend the National Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her husband, Peter Murrell, arrive for a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday, June 3, 2022, on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall attend the National Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron arrive for the National Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
British Minister of State Jacob Rees-Mogg, back center, attends the National Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
Former British Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip May arrive for a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday, June 3, 2022, on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
A general view ahead of a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday, June 3, 2022, on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II prepares to touch the Commonwealth Nations Globe to start the lighting of the Principal Beacon outside of Buckingham Palace in London, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2, 2022, in Windsor, England.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II touches the Commonwealth Nations Globe to start the lighting of the Principal Beacon outside of Buckingham Palace in London, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2, 2022, in Windsor, England.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II touches the Commonwealth Nations Globe to start the lighting of the Principal Beacon outside of Buckingham Palace in London, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2, 2022, in Windsor, England.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II prepares to touch the Commonwealth Nations Globe to start the lighting of the Principal Beacon outside of Buckingham Palace in London, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2, 2022, in Windsor, England.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II prepares to touch the Commonwealth Nations Globe to start the lighting of the Principal Beacon outside of Buckingham Palace in London, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2, 2022, in Windsor, England.
The Commonwealth of Nations’ Globe which was touched by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II to start the lighting of the Principal Beacon outside of Buckingham Palace in London, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2, 2022, in Windsor, England.
Jubilee Beacons at Windsor Castle that were symbolically lit by Queen Elizabeth II from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2, 2022, in Windsor, England.
A general view as Queen Elizabeth II attends the lighting of the Principal Platinum Jubilee Beacon at Windsor Castle on June 2, 2022, in Windsor, England.
Members of the public attend the beacon lighting at Buckingham Palace on June 2, 2022, in London.
Projections are displayed on the front of Buckingham Palace depicting Queen Elizabeth II during the lighting of the Principal Beacon at Buckingham Palace in London on June 2, 2022, as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II prepares to touch the Commonwealth Nations Globe to start the lighting of the Principal Beacon outside of Buckingham Palace in London, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 2, 2022, in Windsor, England.
Britain’s Prince William attends the lighting of the beacon at Buckingham Palace in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Britain’s Prince William speaks with Sir Nicholas Bacon, left, and designer Thomas Heatherwick during the lighting of the beacon at Buckingham Palace in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Britain’s Prince William speaks with with Gregory Porter during the lighting of the beacon at Buckingham Palace in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Britain’s Prince William, left, and Sir Nicholas Bacon, left, in front of the "Tree Of Trees" created by designer Thomas Heatherwick during the lighting of the beacon at Buckingham Palace in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on day one of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she watches from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Color ceremony in London, Thursday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Prince Louis covers his ears from the balcony of Buckingham Place during a fly-past after the Trooping the Color ceremony in London, Thursday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years of service.(Aaron Chown/Pool Photo via AP)
Queen Elizabeth II, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte watch from the balcony of Buckingham Place after the Trooping the Color ceremony in London, Thursday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years of service.(Aaron Chown/Pool Photo via AP)
Members of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery during an 82 gun salute to mark the start of the Platinum Jubilee in Hyde Park, London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years of service. (AP Photo/David Cliff)
Queen Elizabeth II, from left, Prince Louis, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years of service. (Alastair Grant/Pool Photo via AP)
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, from left, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Louis, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Spectators watch the RAF flypast on The Mall after the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2, 2022, in London.
Britain’s Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watch the Trooping of the Color in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watch the Trooping of the Color in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Kent watch from the balcony during the Trooping the Color ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London, Thursday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Charles, Prince of Wales, rides in a car during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2, 2022 in London.
Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in the carriage procession during the Trooping the Color parade at Horse Guards, London, Thursday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, left, and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge ride in a carriage during the Trooping the Color, in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
From left, Prince George, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, leave Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Color ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London, Wednesday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Prince George, left, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte ride in a carriage as they make their way to the Trooping the Color, in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, with their children Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor, leave Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Color ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London, Wednesday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall rides in a carriage to the Trooping the Color, in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor ride in a carriage as the Royal Procession leaves Buckingham Palace along the Mall heading for the Trooping the Color in London, Wednesday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
An Irish wolfhound leads as Guards take part in the Trooping the Color ceremony at Horse Guards, central London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years of service. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, in his role as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, takes part in the Trooping the Color parade, in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years of service. (Adrian Dennis/Pool Photo via AP)
Britain’s Princess Anne leaves Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Color ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London, Wednesday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years of service. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP)
Prince Charles departs Buckingham Palace heading for the Trooping of the Color in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years of service. (Alberto Pezzali/Pool Photo via AP)
Prince Charles, front centre, Princess Anne, right, and Prince William, left, depart Buckingham Palace heading for the Trooping of the Color in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years of service. (Alberto Pezzali/Pool Photo via AP)
The Band of the Welsh Guards on their way to the Trooping the Color, in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years of service.
Members of Band of the Household Cavalry take part in the Queen’s Birthday Parade, the Trooping the Color in London, Wednesday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
The Band of the Welsh Guards pass members of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery on their way to the Queen’s Birthday Parade, the Trooping the Color on Wednesday, June 2, 2022, in London, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Britain’s Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall are driven along the Mall in London Wednesday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Britain’s Prince Charles and Britain’s Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall are driven along the Mall towards Buckingham Palace in London, Wednesday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Britain’s Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is seen in the rear of a car as she is driven along the Mall, in London, Wednesday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Members of Band of the Household Cavalry take part in the Queen’s Birthday Parade, the Trooping the Color in London, Wednesday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
A young royal fan smiles as she stands alongside the Mall leading to Buckingham Palace in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Royal fans have Union flag transfers applied to their faces as they gather along the Mall leading to Buckingham Palace in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Royal fans have Union flag transfers applied to their faces as they gather along the Mall leading to Buckingham Palace in London, Thursday June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
