Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have secretly flown to the United Kingdom for their first joint trip there since their shock departure two years ago.
The pair were spotted at Windsor castle by a group of churchgoers there for the traditional Maundy Thursday celebrations, according to British media. A spokesperson for the duo has confirmed the visit.
While Prince Harry returned to the UK last year for the funeral of his grandfather, Prince Philip, it's the first time the Duke and Duchess have been back together since they stepped down from their senior royal roles in early 2020. They're now based in the United States.
The last time Meghan saw the Queen was at a Commonwealth Day service in March 2020. But the Duchess claims she regularly speaks with the monarch over the phone.
The Daily Mail reports that neither of the couple's children have made the trip across the pond. The Queen is yet to meet their daughter, Lilibet.
Their trip to the UK is described as being a "whistle-stop visit", quickly meeting with the Queen as well as Prince Charles and Camilla before then departing to the Invictus Games in Holland. Harry founded the games, a sporting event for wounded and unwell servicemen and women.
The pair apparently waved and smiled at the stunned churchgoers also at Windsor Castle.
"I couldn’t believe it when I saw who it was," one told the Mirror.
Harry and Meghan are thought to have stayed at Frogmore Cottage, the residence they stayed in prior to their remarkable exit.
Since they left the UK in March 2020, Harry and Meghan have levelled a number of serious accusations against the royal family, including allegations of racism. The Duke has claimed his father, Charles, neglected him.
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, told The Sun that the visit ahead of Easter would have been welcomed.
"It is a wonderful opportunity to clear the air and offer an olive branch. After everything that has gone on it must have taken a lot for Harry and Meghan to go to Windsor," she said.
"Also Maundy Thursday is a very special day for the Queen as it is about forgiveness. She is not one to hold grudges and I think she would have happily welcomed them with open arms."
