Royal Drama Unfolds: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Depart UK Amid Jubilee Celebrations

Prince Harry, sporting a somber expression, has returned to California alongside Meghan Markle and their children, departing Britain on a private jet before the grand finale of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee even commenced.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children, reportedly departed from Farnborough Airport at 1.30 pm, just an hour before the Jubilee pageant kicked off in central London.

Their exit marked the conclusion of their Jubilee experience, during which they held no official roles after stepping down as frontline royals in 2020.

Sources revealed that the departure of the royal family was discreet, lacking any fanfare or public attention.

They chose not to linger for the Platinum Jubilee pageant, a celebration of Britain and its unique characteristics throughout the Queen's 70-year reign.

The couple, based in Montecito, were chauffeured from Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, where they had been residing since their arrival in the UK on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, back in London, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William, and other royal family members bid farewell to the jubilant crowds from Buckingham Palace's balcony, concluding four days of jubilant celebrations honoring the Queen's seven-decade reign.

Following the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan, an estimated 18 million individuals partook in Jubilee street festivities, including a gathering attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in West London.

The Sussexes, notably absent from much of the Jubilee festivities, were last publicly seen on Friday at a Thanksgiving service at St. Paul's Cathedral, where they received both cheers and boos upon their arrival and departure.

On Thursday, they mingled with minor royals at the Trooping the Colour event, playfully interacting with children while Archie and Lilibet remained out of the public eye.

Upon their return to California on Sunday evening, the Sussexes were photographed unloading what appeared to be a high chair from their plane.

Subsequently, Harry was captured in the passenger seat of a Black Range Rover, looking solemn after nearly five days away from the US.

In a separate development, royal expert Daniela Elser questioned the absence of a photo depicting one-year-old Lily meeting her great-grandmother, the Queen, during the Platinum Jubilee weekend visit by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Elser speculated on the missed opportunity, suggesting that the release of such a photo could have greatly benefited Buckingham Palace amidst ongoing media scrutiny of the royal family.

The columnist emphasized that Harry and Meghan's presence alone garnered significant attention and could have been strategically utilized to enhance the Palace's public image.

The Queen was anticipated to meet her namesake great-granddaughter, Lily, for the first time during the extended holiday weekend, raising questions about a potential christening ceremony for the young royal.

Lilibet, born in June 2021 and named in honor of the Queen, celebrated her first birthday during the UK visit.

The Royal Family Twitter account, alongside Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, and Camilla, extended birthday wishes to the young princess.

Additionally, Meghan's hairdresser, George Northwood, shared fond sentiments about Archie and Lilibet, praising their demeanor and charm.

Despite the drama surrounding the Sussexes' visit, glimpses of the family were captured through photos at various events, offering a fleeting look into their time in the UK.