Harry and Meghan's final farewell: Duke and Duchess of Sussex driven away after last engagement as senior royals

Bronwen Weatherby9 March 2020

Meghan and Harry have bid a final farewell as they were driven away from the Commonwealth Day Service - their last public engagement as senior royals.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the event along with other members of the Royal Family at Westminster Abbey on Monday.

Leaving the Abbey, the Sussexes made their way out of the Great West Door, the duchess crouching down to chat to children who were handing out bouquets to the royal women.

Harry gave a farewell wave to some of those gathered inside the Abbey gates.

As their final official duty as working royals came to an end, the couple held hands as they walked towards their car before they were driven swiftly away.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Commonwealth Day 2020 Service

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Meghan who had worn an emerald green Emilia Wickstead dress with asymmetrical cape and hat by William Chambers looked relaxed with husband Harry as they had entered the service after a hectic few days which has seen them attend a strong of public events.

They had been guided to their seats - a break in the usual protocol which would usually see them wait at the Abbey's door meet the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and the Queen for the procession at the start of the ceremony.

They sat in the second row behind the other royals and Meghan was seen to mouth “hi” and give a small wave to William and Kate, followed by a “hello”, as the Cambridges took their seat in the High Altar in front of them.

The Duchess of Sussex waves as she leaves after the annual Commonwealth Day service
AP

Harry also said “hello” and smiled at his brother.

Kate, who arrived alongside Prince William, wore a deep crimson coat by Catherine Walker and a hat by Sally-Ann Provan.

As the royal procession of clergy, the PM, the Queen, Charles and Camilla made its way to the altar, Kate and Sophie curtsied in sync to the Queen, while Meghan followed later with a deep curtsy for the monarch, and another for the Prince of Wales.

Meghan and Harry depart the Commonwealth Day Service
Getty Images

International champion boxer Anthony Joshua spoke at the celebration spoke about the strengths of the Commonwealth.

Performances included Alexandra Burke, who sang a rendition of Ain't No Mountain High, and Craig David.

Meghan embraced Burke as they were introduced at the end of the event.

Embarking on a new life together Harry and Meghan leave Westminster Abbey
REUTERS

Harry and Craig David were seen doing the anti-coronavirus elbow bump while Meghan chose to hug the singer.

Harry, the sixth in line to the throne, and Meghan, will no longer use their HRH styles from March 31 as they pursue a new life of personal and financial freedom, mostly in North America. Aides have said the couple, who are retaining Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, will be in the UK regularly.

But this final official appearance is a poignant milestone as they prepare to embark on their future away from the royal family.

Stepping down as a working royal means Harry must leave his role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.

But he will remain president of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust and Meghan will still be the Trust's vice-president.

Their goodbye tour - a flurry of appearances in the UK - has including the Endeavour Fund Awards, a military musical festival at the Royal Albert Hall and Meghan's secret visit to a school in Dagenham, east London, to celebrate International Women's Day.

At today's service were a host of dignitaries including Prime Minister Boris Johnson who walked into the church alongside his pregnant fiance Carrie Symonds.

Also in attendance were Home Secretary Priti Patel, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and US ambassador Woody Johnson.

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