Two days after they were first met in months, brothers Princes William and Harry were widely catching eyes as they were attending, along with wives, the Commonwealth Day Services, the last royal engagement for Harry who decided earlier to quit the firm.
But their meeting was cold, so was their wives meeting.
What is new are the photos that recorded the minutes and were widely shared on British media.
In the ancient Westminister Abbey that has been pivotal to the British monarchy for more than 900 years, brothers William and Harry sat a few feet apart, clearly still focused on following “different paths.”
'Mirror' recounted that twenty-three years ago, Diana’s boys were sitting in the same abbey united in grief during her funeral. Then, in 2011, Harry stood beside nervous bridegroom William on his wedding day. But, as they shared one brief smile and “Hello” , the gap between them was achingly obvious.
The event was the Sussexes’ last official appearance, which added more to the sad situation and agony at the heart of the Windsor clan.
The British magazine reported that the Queen had specifically asked Harry and Meghan to join senior royals at the annual service which means so much to her. But, unlike last year and 2018, the arrivals seemed carefully choreographed to avoid the Cambridges and Sussexes having to mingle and make small talk.
Last year, all kissed each other as they arrived, and chatted happily as heavily pregnant Meghan beamed and stroked her baby bump.
But, this time, arrival plans were inexplicably changed and Harry and Meghan were instead taken straight to their seats (just after Edward and Sophie Wessex) followed, five minutes later, by the Cambridges.
[caption id="attachment_114784" align="aligncenter" width="384"] William, Harry exchange brief and cold greeting as they meet[/caption]
As William and Kate took their seats in the front row, the Duke of Cambridge nodded “Hello” at the Sussexes, who smiled back and mouthed “Hi”. Kate smiled and said “Hello Meghan” then sat facing forward reading her order of service as the Sussexes chatted animatedly to Edward.
Earlier in January, the royal couple decided to split from the royal family and spend their time between UK and North America but also take steps toward financial independence.