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The engagement also marked the first time the Duchess of Sussex and the Queen have been seen publicly since she and Prince Harry announced their departure from royal life, which takes effect on 31 March

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Prince Edward yesterday afternoon in Central London for the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, making their final engagement as senior royals.

“It will be fascinating to see how it plays out,” royal biographer Penny Junor said according to a Reuters report, ahead of Monday’s ceremony. “I imagine everybody will be on absolutely best behavior. But goodness knows what they will all be thinking privately.”

Neither Meghan and Harry nor William and Kate partook in the Queen’s formal procession entrance and despite the initial crisis within the family upon the duke and duchess’ decision to step back from their royal duties, all the senior members of the royal family were cordial; according to the UK’s PA Media news agency, Meghan waved at William and Kate as they arrived at the abbey.

“I think it could well be awkward behind the scenes. I think they will do their best to put on their best public faces,” Chris Ship, royal correspondent for ITV News said in a statement.

For the occasion, Meghan wore a deep emerald-hued Emilia Wickstead dress with a sophisticated cape and matching fascinator by Scottish milliner William Chambers. Her avant-garde wardrobe choice set Twitter abuzz, suggesting that the duchess has finally come into her own after marrying into the royal family.

Moving forward, the couple will begin a yearlong transition period as they establish their non-profit organisation and move their family to Canada. The organisation will reportedly focus on the causes they’re most passionate about.

“The Duke’s priorities remain supporting the welfare of servicemen and women, conservation, sport for social development, HIV, and Travalyst which works to mobilise the tourism and travel industry for social good,” a spokesperson told Town & Country. “For The Duchess, her focus remains women’s empowerment, gender equality and education.”

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