Queen’s heartache sparked by loss as she faces 'first major public appearance' in weeks

The Queen reportedly hopes to attend an event with poignant memories attached to it…

 Queen's heartache as poignant reminder approaches, seen here attending the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 at Westminster Abbey
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

The Queen is predicted to make her first major public appearance in weeks for the Commonwealth Day Service 2022, but it’s set to be tinged with heartache after a major loss.


The Queen has resumed engagements from Windsor Castle since her recent Covid-19 battle. Though it’s thought her next public appearance outside her royal residence could be just days away. Earlier this year it was confirmed that on Monday March 14th the first Commonwealth Day service since the pandemic will be held at Westminster Abbey. Last year’s service was canceled, though Her Majesty marked Commonwealth Day via a special broadcast instead. 

The Queen’s TV special aired the same day as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah Winfrey interview and featured other members of the extended Royal Family. Now Her Majesty could reportedly attend the Commonwealth Day Service this year. 

But if she does indeed travel to Westminster Abbey, the important event will likely be tinged with huge heartbreak for her. 

Queen Elizabeth II walks past Commonwealth flags in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle

(Image credit: Photo by Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

According to The Independent, the Queen “hopes” to be at the service and it’s expected to be her first major public appearance since Accession Day. Her Majesty marked the start of her Platinum Jubilee year at Sandringham in February, on the day her reign began. 

And the announcement made by the official Commonwealth Twitter account has declared this year’s service will have a “special focus on the role service plays in the lives of people and communities across the #Commonwealth” in light of her milestone. 

Though her appearance on Monday has yet to be confirmed, Her Majesty has attended the service in previous years. But memories of her last Commonwealth Day service could likely make this year’s occasion somewhat bittersweet. 

In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended the service in what was their last official engagement. The couple “stepped back” as working royals weeks afterwards and so this was the last time both Sussexes reunited with so many members of the Royal Family in public.

In light of losing Prince Harry and Meghan as senior members of the Royal Family and the rumors of a “rift”, the Commonwealth Day Service 2022 could become a very poignant experience for the Queen. Not only could it remind her painfully of their absence and the last time they were all together, but it could also highlight just how much has changed since then. 

At the time of the last Commonwealth Service not only were Prince Harry and Meghan still very much involved in royal life, but the Queen's husband of over seven decades, Prince Philip, was still alive. Looking back at the past two years might well cause the Queen heartache on this significant occasion.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the Commonwealth Day Service

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

It’s not known when the Sussexes could return to the UK to visit Her Majesty next, despite various reports that the family could attend the jubilee celebrations in June. Sadly, Prince Harry fears it’s not “safe” without protection and earlier this year he filed a claim for the Home Office to review the decision to not allow the Sussexes to pay for their own police protection while they're in the UK. 

If the situation is resolved ahead of the jubilee, there will no doubt be many fans eager to see the Queen reunite with her beloved grandson, Meghan and Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!