HARRY, MEGHAN’S LAST OFFICIAL DUTIES
THE countdown to Megxit is now on with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex due to step down as working royals in less than six weeks.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take part in just six more engagements before they officially step down on March 31 and close their Buckingham Palace office.
However, their final official engagement is expected to be as soon as March 9, when they will join the Queen at Westminster Abbey to mark Commonwealth Day.
Both Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, will return to the UK over the next two weeks to undertake their final engagements as working royals.
Here is a guide to what their final six engagements will be before they step down:
FEBRUARY 28: INVICTUS GAMES CHOIR (HARRY)
The first event for either Prince Harry or Meghan Markle in the couple’s farewell set will see Harry attend a recording session with US rock star Jon Bon Jovi and the Invictus Games choir, who are re-recording his song
Unbroken to promote this year’s tournament.
The competition is designed to highlight the importance of sport as part of the recovery journey of those with life-changing injuries or illnesses.
Harry staged the first games in 2014, and in September 2019 celebrated its fifth anniversary, saying had changed society’s perception of disability and mental health.
Harry was inspired to found the global tournament after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013 and seeing how injured American military personnel thrived on the challenge of taking part in competitive sports aiding their recovery.
MARCH 5: ENDEAVOUR FUND AWARDS (HARRY AND MEGHAN)
Six days later, the couple will attend the Endeavour Fund Awards which recognises wounded, injured or sick military personnel and veterans who have gone on to use sport and adventurous challenges as part of their recovery and rehabilitation. Harry has attended every ceremony since the inaugural one in 2017, which he went to with his brother William. He went to the event in 2018 and 2019 with Meghan. The Endeavour Fund was led by his and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Royal Foundation which saw them step up the drive to help wounded service personnel.
MARCH 6: SILVERSTONE EXPERIENCE (HARRY)
The following day, Harry will join British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton at the official opening of the Silverstone Experience.
The much-anticipated museum – which the Duke has been backing for years – will tell the story of the past, present and future of British motor racing. Harry official launched the £19.3million visitor attraction project in March 2018 and is the patron of the museum in Northamptonshire.
MARCH 7: MOUNTBATTEN MUSIC FESTIVAL (HARRY AND MEGHAN)
The couple will also attend the Mountbatten Music Festival at the Royal Albert Hall, which see the Royal Marines showcase their musicianship and pageantry.
This event will also be Harry’s last engagement as Captain-General of the Royal Marines, before he loses this title as he steps down as a senior royal.
MARCH 8: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY (MEGHAN)
Meghan is expected to undertake an engagement to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.
Speaking on a panel to mark International Women’s Day last year, she said she would like her first child to be a feminist, regardless of whether they are a girl or a boy.
MARCH 9: COMMONWEALTH SERVICE (HARRY AND MEGHAN)
Harry and Meghan will both attend the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey the next day with the Queen and other senior members of the Royal Family.
The Queen requested that Harry and Meghan attend the annual service with the rest of the royals.
Commonwealth Day has been celebrated since 1977 annually on the second Monday in March, celebrating the historic ties Britain has with the 53 other countries.