When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took their seats at the Platinum Jubilee service, a single question from Harry sparked speculation.
According to royal biographer Tom Bower, the Duke of Sussex inquired about the approval of their seating arrangement.
The response he received was brief and involved none other than Queen Elizabeth II.
This simple query set off a chain of events that led to the couple's early departure from the Jubilee weekend.
Amidst the national service of Thanksgiving honoring Queen Elizabeth on June 3, 2022, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry found themselves seated in the second row.
Their presence at the event marked a rare public appearance, following their low profile during the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
As they entered St Paul's Cathedral in London, England, the couple maintained their trademark hand-holding, drawing attention as they ascended the steps to their seats near Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie's husbands.
Notably, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice did not shift down to accommodate Harry and Meghan at the end of the row, indicating the pre-allocated seating arrangement.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side in the first row, Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince Charles, Kate Middleton, and Prince William sat together.
This positioning effectively separated Harry from his immediate family members after the service concluded.
As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge engaged in conversation while exiting the church, Harry and Meghan briefly interacted with Harry's cousin, Zara Tindall, on the steps.
Insights from royal commentator Tom Bower suggested that Queen Elizabeth herself had approved the seating plan for the Jubilee service, strategically placing Harry and Meghan in the second row to prevent overshadowing the occasion.
Speculation arose regarding Harry and Meghan's delayed arrival at St. Paul's Cathedral, with rumors suggesting a deliberate attempt to make a grand entrance.
Bower shared an intriguing anecdote about Harry questioning an usher about the seating directions, only to be informed that it was at the Queen's behest.
This incident, along with the perceived seating snub, contributed to the couple's decision to cut short their participation in the Jubilee festivities.
The Platinum Jubilee weekend concluded with a procession at Buckingham Palace on June 5, 2022, but Harry and Meghan were notably absent.
Instead of joining the dignitaries in the royal box, including Prince Louis, the couple had already departed for Montecito, California, with their children.
Royal expert Katie Nicholl attributed their early exit to the seating arrangements, emphasizing their desire for front-row seats, which were evidently unavailable to them.
In light of the ongoing debate surrounding Prince Harry's security, a YouGov poll revealed that a majority of respondents believed he should have police protection when visiting the UK.
However, the condition was that Harry should bear the cost of his security detail, given his status as a non-working member of the royal family.
While opinions varied, with some advocating for full protection and others opposing any police presence, the issue of security remains a contentious topic for the Duke of Sussex.
