The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived with the Prince and Princess of Wales at Cambridge Gate earlier this afternoon. It is believed to be the first time the couples have been seen together in public since March 2020. Harry and William have not been seen in public together since the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral last year. The Duke was pictured leaving Balmoral Castle alone on Friday morning following his grandmother’s death. A spokesman for Prince William said he had invited his brother and sister-in-law to join him and Catherine to view the tributes and flowers left outside the royal residence. Security barriers were placed around the area as the crowds – in Windsor paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II – erupted in cheers for the impromptu appearance. The Duke and Duchess held hands as they read tributes. Both couples, dressed in black, then spent 40 minutes addressing the audience. The Prince and Princess of Wales walk alongside Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex after viewing floral tributes for the Queen outside Windsor Castle on Saturday. Photo: Martin Meissner/AP William and Kate walked on one side of the street as they greeted people, while Harry and Meghan walked on the other. At one point, the Duchess of Sussex hugged a teenage girl who asked her “can I have a hug”, as onlookers filmed the moment on their phones. William also received a small Paddington Bear toy, in a nod to the Queen’s Jubilee sketch of the character, which he gave to an aide. A member of the crowd was heard telling him “I love you William” as others shouted his name. The Prince of Wales thanked the people who came to pay their respects. After the walk, which marked the first engagement of the Prince and Princess of Wales under their new titles, both couples left in the same vehicle. After traveling separately from his brother and other relatives to Balmoral on Thursday, the Duke was unable to arrive at the castle at around 8.30pm – two hours after the Queen’s death was announced. The Sussexes, who were nearing the end of a European tour, are expected to remain in the UK to attend the Queen’s funeral on September 19. Both couples later greeted members of the public at Windsor Castle in what is believed to be their first appearance together since March 2020. Photo: Kirsty O’Connor/AP The Prince of Wales earlier paid tribute to the Queen in a statement released by Kensington Palace. “On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader whose commitment to country, kingdoms and the Commonwealth was absolute,” he said. “So much will be said in the coming days about the meaning of her historic reign. Anyway, I lost a grandmother. And while I will mourn her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I had the benefit of the Queen’s wisdom and confirmation in my fifth decade. “My wife has had 20 years of her guidance and support. My three children got to spend a holiday with her and create memories that will last a lifetime.” He said the Queen was by his side in his happiest and saddest moments. “I knew this day would come, but it will be a while before the reality of life without Grandma really feels real,” she said. “My grandmother famously said that sadness is the price we pay for love,” he concluded. “All the grief we will feel in the coming weeks will be a testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary queen. I will honor her memory by supporting my father, the King, in every way.”
