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That moment when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step away from their roles as senior members of the British royal family in 2020 seems like a distant memory now. Their choice to leave the royal institution behind and start fresh across the Atlantic was a defining moment, capturing headlines worldwide. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the decision to move to California, bringing along their young son, Archie, in search of a new life beyond the constraints of royal protocol. They settled in Montecito, a celebrity-favored neighborhood known for its exclusivity and luxurious lifestyle, where they began building a home and shaping their future away from the public scrutiny of the British press.
Since then, Harry and Meghan have been actively establishing themselves in their new surroundings. Meghan, in particular, has pursued creative endeavors, with her latest Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, premiering just last week to much excitement and an array of differing opinions. The couple has focused on their professional and philanthropic ambitions while adjusting to life in California. Their family also expanded with the birth of their daughter, Lilibet Diana, in June 2021. Despite their physical distance from the United Kingdom, royal enthusiasts and media outlets have closely followed their journey, keen on every development and milestone.
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One of the major moments that kept royal watchers engaged was the christening of Lilibet in March 2023. The event was significant not only because it was a major milestone for the Sussexes' daughter but also because it marked the first time the couple publicly referred to her as "Princess Lilibet Diana." This revelation confirmed that Harry and Meghan had decided to use royal titles for their children, aligning with the protocol that grants such titles to the grandchildren of the reigning monarch. While the news of Lilibet’s christening was met with intrigue, it also sparked some controversy over a seemingly minor but notable factual error in the couple’s official statement.
Journalist Kate Garraway, an expert in royal affairs, was among those who scrutinized the statement released by the Sussexes. According to the announcement, Lilibet had been christened at the family’s Los Angeles home by the “Archbishop of Los Angeles.” However, Garraway pointed out that this was inaccurate—the clergyman who performed the ceremony was actually the Bishop of Los Angeles, not an archbishop. Though the distinction may have seemed trivial to some, Garraway emphasized the importance of accuracy, especially considering Harry and Meghan’s own advocacy for truth in media representation.
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In her analysis, Garraway remarked that such mistakes undermine the couple’s credibility, particularly given their ongoing criticism of journalistic inaccuracies in reporting about them. “You do worry that the Sussexes don’t particularly help themselves, don’t you?” she noted. The statement they released made a factual misstep, incorrectly identifying the bishop as an archbishop, and such errors can lead to unnecessary scrutiny. For a couple so vocal about the importance of getting the facts right, Garraway suggested that it would be beneficial for them to ensure their own statements were thoroughly checked before release.
The journalist further reflected on the background of the bishop involved in the christening, noting that he had previously worked in the office of former U.S. President Richard Nixon between 1984 and 1990 before being ordained. While this information was more of an interesting side note, it added context to the public’s curiosity about the clergyman chosen to officiate such a significant religious event for the Sussex family.
Beyond the christening, there was also much speculation about whether Harry and Meghan would attend King Charles III’s coronation, which was scheduled for May 2023. As anticipation built, many questioned whether the couple would bring their children to the grand event or if they would even make an appearance at all. Given the strained relationship between the Sussexes and the royal family, their potential attendance became a topic of great debate.
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In the end, only Prince Harry made the trip to London for his father’s coronation, choosing to travel alone while Meghan and the children remained in California. His visit was notably brief—he attended the ceremony but returned to Los Angeles the same day, a decision that underscored the ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. Some saw this as a sign of duty and respect on Harry’s part, while others viewed it as a reluctant or minimal gesture of support.
During discussions about the Sussexes’ absence from the coronation, Garraway shared her thoughts on the matter, expressing both concern and hope for reconciliation. “We presume, and we hope, that they will both want to show love and support for King Charles,” she commented, suggesting that despite all the conflicts and misunderstandings, the ultimate goal should be to mend the familial bond. She acknowledged that the situation was complicated, describing it as “a mess,” but expressed a desire to make sense of it all for the public.
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