The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be delighted with how yesterday went. They received an overwhelmingly warm welcome, from shouts of “we love you” to arms full of flowers and countless requests for hugs and selfies. As comebacks go, it was a pretty good one.
A Stark Contrast to Last Week
Unlike when Harry attended the rugby last week, there were no boos, just cheers and adoration for a couple that have spent the past six years in America. For many, it’s a reminder that despite the haters, the Sussex's core fan base remains strong and that despite everything that has happened with the Royal Family, they can still turn up and carry out a charitable engagement successfully.
Though they’re now simply “private citizens” who do not represent the monarchy, their natural aptitude with people remains. Harry has always been brilliant with the public, and he was clearly at ease throughout the day. And Meghan proved a deft listener and appeared happy chatting with everyone she met.
The Institution Was the Problem
But those things were never the problem. It was the institution and the way they were treated that they claim forced them to quit public duty despite their suitability to the role.
We’re told that these types of engagements attended by both husband and wife will be “rare”, as Meghan’s focus is on her lifestyle business As Ever and their two young children. Harry’s time is spent on his six patronages, with much of his time spent with the Invictus Games as it gears up for Birmingham 2027.
Testing the Waters
Thursday was about testing the waters, and it’s clear that despite the years of mudslinging and criticism against the Royal Family, they can still draw crowds and help shine a spotlight on important causes.
And while they may not be working royals, engagements such as these are straight out of the royal playbook - and other than the lack of police and fewer members of staff, there really is very little difference between what Harry and Meghan did yesterday and what senior royals do day in and day out. The only thing that sets them apart is that the Sussexes can pick and choose where they go and how often. It’s the half-in, half-out dream they always wanted - and there’s very little the King can do to stop it.
