Prince William and Kate Middleton have reunited with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in a powerful ‘show of unity’.
The four came together on Saturday (September 10) two days after Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96. They went on a walkabout outside of Windsor Castle, viewing floral tributes and cards to Her Majesty. The new Prince and Princess of Wales were clad in black outfits which were matched by Harry and Meghan.
In videos, William was seen behind the wheel of a black Audi SUV. His wife Kate sat in the passenger seat, while his brother Harry sat behind him and Meghan sat behind Kate. Photos show the two couples slowly walking around the massive and heartfelt tribute that mourners left for the Queen.
Outlets have learned that the unexpected reunion transpired because William reached out to Harry about an hour prior, asking if Harry and Meghan would like to join him and Kate. Sources have also shared that the Prince os Wales thought this would be an important show of unity at a very, very difficult time for the Royal family.
A Palace spokesperson stated:
“The Prince of Wales invited the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier.”
Both couples are reportedly staying at Windsor Castle at the moment, and an insider said “the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to remain in the UK for now.”
The reunion marks the first time that the two couples have been spotted together since the Commonwealth Day service back in 2020.
Earlier on Saturday, Prince William released a touching statement on the death of his grandmother. He said in the heartfelt statement:
“On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign.
I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.
She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.
I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all.
My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen. I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can.”
Prince Harry has also since released his own statement mourning his grandmother:
“In celebrating the life of my grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen — and in mourning her loss — we are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty. She was globally admired and respected. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy. Let us echo the words she spoke after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, words which can bring comfort to all of us now: ‘Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings.’
Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings — from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren. I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over. And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III.
Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile. We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace.”
