Queen Elizabeth usually takes her annual winter break a few days before Christmas in Sandringham until February 6 to spend time with the royal family. But on Monday, Her Majesty officially ended her break to make her first official visit of 2020 to a Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Marham, Norfolk.
The Queen’s visit to the RAF base may have a significant meaning after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step back from royal life. Aside from losing their HRH titles, the Duke of Sussex will also lose his military titles.
Prince Harry served in the military for 10 years and inherited the Captain-General of the Royal Marines title from Prince Philip after his retirement in 2017. With his withdrawal, Queen Elizabeth may have visited the RAF base to reinforce the royal family’s dedication to the forces.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said that Prince Harry may have been deeply upset for losing his military titles. He pointed out that the Duke of Sussex showed sadness during his Sentebale speech last month.
“I think the loss of his military links, especially that of Captain-General of the Royal Marines, will have deeply upset Harry, who continued the royal family’s tradition of military service by his two tours of duty in Afghanistan,” he said. “Since he can no longer wear a uniform, this is something he will feel deeply.”
He added: “Harry’s speech, in which he made clear his unhappiness at the Queen’s decision about their future was another sign of them doing things their way. Although the agreement will be reviewed in a year’s time the Sussexes have, in reality, been exiled.”
After announcing their decision, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s website stated that they would “carve out a progressive new role” and “adjust their working model.” But after their discussion with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, and Prince William, it was decided that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will completely step back from royal duties as of spring of 2020.
Even though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wished to withdraw from being senior royals, they still want to “collaborate” with Queen Elizabeth. However, they were told that they can “no longer formally represent” Her Majesty in their new lives.
“Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible,” Prince Harry said during his Sentebale speech.
