In 2020, as Prince Harry prepared to announce his retirement from the British royal family, Meghan Markle’s husband gave a very special gift to two Buckingham Palace employees. In his book “The Substitute”, the Duke of Sussex revealed this touching anecdote that shows the extent of his generosity. A Christmas story. It was January 2020, just a few days after the festive season, when Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and two members of palace staff were holed up in Buckingham preparing the announcement of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s retirement from royal life. While the announcement was being drafted, the Prince, despite the seriousness of the situation, was overcome by a surge of generosity. The youngest son of Charles III, who was roaming the corridors of Buckingham, removed two decorations in the shape of little corgis from the tree and offered them to the members of staff who were helping him to draft his statement.
The exchange came just days after a meaningful Christmas for the British royal family, as it was the last one where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined the rest of the Windsors for the celebrations. “I went out into the hall. There was a big, beautiful Christmas tree still lit up,” Prince Harry recalled in the pages of The Supplicant. I stood in front of it, took off two ornaments from little corgis, and took them back to the staff. One for each of them. It was a memento of that strange mission. They were touched.”
The generosity of a prince
This simple gesture by Prince Harry demonstrates a humanity and compassion that is often less visible behind royal protocol. This anecdote, revealed in his book The Substitute, gives a glimpse of the Duke of Sussex’s generous and thoughtful side, even in the most delicate moments of his life. While Archie and Lilibet’s parents have gone through periods of transition and challenge, this story offers a moment of sweetness and human connection, highlighting that even within the imposing walls of Buckingham, the Christmas spirit finds its place.
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