Second Row Harry: Meghan and Harry Face Criticism After Seating Arrangement at St. Paul’s Cathedral

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, found themselves at the center of attention during a service at St. Paul's Cathedral on June 3.

The seating arrangement at the event, held to commemorate the Queen's record-breaking reign, raised eyebrows among onlookers, including Montecito author Robert E. Ringer.

Despite being sixth in line to the throne, Prince Harry and Meghan were seated in the second row, rather than alongside the heirs to the throne.

This placement highlighted their status as non-working royals, a position that has drawn criticism from various quarters.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex, along with their children, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who have long served the crown, were seated ahead of the Sussexes.

In a recent opinion piece for the Santa Barbara News Press titled “The Duke and Duchess of Woke, or Woe,” Robert E. Ringer shared his thoughts on the couple's relevance within the royal family.

He referred to Prince Harry as “Second Row Harry,” a moniker that reflects the seating arrangement that garnered attention and even some boos from spectators upon the Sussexes' arrival at the cathedral.

The public reaction to Meghan and Harry's presence was mixed, with cheers and boos greeting them as they entered and exited the church separately from other royal family members.

The couple's distinct mode of transportation, arriving in a separate car while others took a bus, further fueled speculation and commentary on their perceived standing within the firm.

During their time in the UK, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended several public events, including the Trooping the Colour parade.

However, their non-working status was made apparent by their absence from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where working royals traditionally watch the RAF flypast.

This exclusion mirrored the treatment of Harry's cousins, Eugenie and Beatrice, who also do not hold official roles within the royal family.

As Meghan and Harry concluded their visit to the UK, the scrutiny surrounding their place within the royal hierarchy continued to intensify.

The couple's interactions with the public and their positioning at official events served as a reminder of the shifting dynamics within the royal family and the challenges faced by those who have stepped back from traditional roles.

The contrast between the treatment of working and non-working royals was starkly evident during the Thanksgiving service, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's presence sparked both admiration and disapproval.

The ongoing debate surrounding their status within the firm underscores the complexities of navigating life outside the traditional confines of royal duties.

Despite the criticisms and mixed reactions, Meghan and Harry maintained a dignified presence throughout the events they attended in the UK.

Their interactions with other members of the royal family and the public reflected a sense of grace under pressure, even as external perceptions of their roles within the firm continued to be a topic of discussion.

In the aftermath of their return to the US, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have once again found themselves under the media spotlight, with commentators dissecting every aspect of their interactions and public appearances.