Prince Harry and Meghan Skip Festival of Remembrance

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided not to attend this year’s Festival of Remembrance in London, choosing instead to stay in California and focus on other causes close to their hearts.

The Sussexes, who reside in Montecito with their children, Archie and Lilibet, shared a video message addressing the impact of digital violence on children—a cause they’ve been vocal about lately.

Their absence has stirred curiosity, especially since Harry has deep ties to the military community and previously took part in the Festival when he was a working royal.

So, let’s break down what’s going on and explore some possible reasons behind this choice.

A Message From Afar: Speaking Out on Digital Safety for Children

While the Festival of Remembrance brings the Royal Family together to honor fallen soldiers, Harry and Meghan have also found a way to pay tribute, though from afar.

In their video, filmed in California, they spoke about a different kind of protection: the safety of children in the digital world.

Wearing dark blazers with poppy pins—a traditional symbol of remembrance for veterans—the couple didn’t specifically mention the Festival, but they stayed true to the spirit of service and protection.

The message was part of a presentation at the Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children held in Colombia.

Harry opened their address by talking about the “ crossroads” we’re at in protecting children, urging for a shift in how we handle digital violence.

Meghan also emphasized the need to keep up with the “greater connectivity” that, while beneficial, brings new risks to children online.

Since launching their Parents’ Network in August—a campaign aimed at helping caregivers navigate digital threats—the Sussexes have been actively involved in this advocacy space.

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The “Cheap Seats” Flashbacks: Did 2018 and 2019 Play a Role?

Some fans and royal watchers are wondering if Harry and Meghan’s seating at the Festival in past years may have influenced their decision to stay away this time around.

Back in 2018 and 2019, they were seated at the very back of the royal box during the event, noticeably apart from senior royals like the late Queen, then-Prince Charles, and Prince William with Kate.

Photographs captured Harry and Meghan almost out of view, which didn’t go unnoticed.

These moments were also particularly tense for the Sussexes, as they were experiencing intense media scrutiny at the time.

In fact, their appearance in 2019 came shortly after Harry and Meghan’s emotional documentary interview, where they opened up about their personal struggles within the Royal Family and the pressures of royal life.

Senior Royals Turn Out for the Festival: Kate Returns to Public Life

While the Sussexes opted out, the Festival of Remembrance saw a strong presence from the rest of the Royal Family.

Prince William and Princess Kate attended alongside King Charles and Princess Anne, representing the family’s ongoing commitment to honoring veterans.

This was an especially meaningful event for Kate, who is gradually returning to public duties after completing a course of cancer treatment earlier this year.

In fact, her appearance at the Festival marked the first time she’s carried out two consecutive days of official engagements since the beginning of 2024.

However, Queen Camilla missed the event due to a chest infection. The palace confirmed that she’s recovering at home in Wiltshire and is being closely monitored by doctors.

As a result, the Duchess of Gloucester stepped in for Camilla at the opening of the Field of Remembrance earlier in the week.

Harry’s Legacy With Veterans Remains Strong

Harry’s connection to the veteran community continues to run deep.

While he wasn’t there in person to honor British veterans this weekend, his work with the military endures through initiatives like the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014.

The Games bring together wounded, injured, and sick service members to compete in adaptive sports, promoting healing and camaraderie.

Harry ’s absence from the Festival hasn’t gone unnoticed among fans and veterans, but many recognize and respect his ongoing contributions to the community.

Changing Priorities: New Causes, New Home

Harry and Meghan’s decision to stay in California for the Festival of Remembrance points to a shift in their priorities since stepping down as working royals.

They’re carving out their own path in advocacy work, focusing on causes like mental health , online safety, and social justice—especially in the context of modern technology.

Their video message on digital safety reflects this growing focus, highlighting their commitment to using their platform to bring attention to important issues outside the UK.

This choice to sit out at the festival may disappoint some who hope to see Harry pay tribute in person.

But it’s obvious that the Sussexes are still invested in service—even if their approach looks a little different from that of the rest of the Royal Family.

As they continue to balance their lives in the US with their ties to the UK, Harry and Meghan’s path may keep taking unexpected turns, but their dedication to the causes they believe in remains front and center.

Festival of Remembrance: Key Facts

Key Detail	Description
Purpose	To honor and remember British military personnel who lost their lives in service.
Location	Royal Albert Hall, London, United Kingdom
Date	Annually held on the Saturday before Remembrance Sunday, which falls on the second Sunday of November.
Organized By	The Royal British Legion
Attendees	Senior members of the Royal Family, military personnel, veterans, and the public.
Traditions	Includes music, readings, and moments of silence; attendees often wear poppy pins as a symbol of remembrance.
Royal Family Role	Traditionally attended by senior royals, who honor the fallen soldiers; typically includes King Charles, Queen Camilla (if well), and other family members.
Historical Significance	The event began after World War I and has become a key moment to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed.
Notable 2024 Absence	Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not attend, instead focusing on a virtual message on digital safety filmed in California.

Conclusion

• Prince Harry and Meghan’s choice to stay in California rather than join the Royal Family at the Festival of Remembrance speaks to the unique path they’re forging.
• While their absence from this traditional event highlights their growing independence from royal duties, their continued focus on causes like online safety and mental health reflects their ongoing dedication to public service.
• Through initiatives like the Parents’ Network and their work with the Invictus Games, Harry and Meghan are finding ways to make a difference on their own terms.
• Though they’ve stepped away from traditional royal duties, their commitment to important causes is as strong as ever.
• Harry and Meghan are focused on issues they believe in—like mental health and digital safety—and are making a positive impact from where they are.
• Their journey is different now, but their dedication to helping others is still at the heart of what they do.

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