Prince William Takes on Royal Duties at Windsor Castle Amid the Sussexes’ Brussels Visit

Despite the Sussexes holding global attention, royal duties were carried out as usual.

The global spotlight was firmly on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as they faced controversial blows one after another. On Tuesday, they arrived at the European Parliament to open the Lost Screen Memorial amid personal dramas. However, the flitting attention of fans did not deter the royal family as they went about their usual business. The same day as the Sussexes’ Brussels visit, Prince William carried on with his important royal duties at Windsor Castle. 

The Prince of Wales conducted an investiture ceremony honoring “individuals whose service, leadership, and commitment” left a “lasting mark on their communities and industries”. Athlete Paula Radcliffe, musician Cerys Matthews, and broadcaster Carl Cox were named Officers of the Order of the British Empire for their service to sports and music. William looked excited to bestow the special honors on the recipients, and greeted each one with utmost warmth. 

The investiture ceremony will only be the start of a very busy schedule for the Prince of Wales. He will not only travel frequently to London for public engagements, but he is also set to make a long-haul trip to Mumbai, India, for the Earthshot Prize award ceremony. So, the proximity of Windsor Castle to the Waleses’ “forever home,” Forest Lodge, must have been a welcome detail for the beloved royal. 

Apart from hectic work engagements, William will also don the hat of guest editor of the Country Life magazine. The special edition will be released on Wednesday and will also feature Princess Catherine. The magazine, which has previously worked with Queen Camilla and Princess Anne, posted the front cover of the upcoming issue starring the Prince of Wales, who is shown leaning on a gate in front of lush green hills. A small text beneath the smiling picture read, “HRH The Princess of Wales talks to Robert Macfarlane,” causing a pleasant stir among royal fans. Kate has written touching essays about her work and engagements earlier, so this will be an exciting read. 

While William and Kate might be estranged from Harry and Markle, both pairs are taking strides for causes close to their hearts. The Sussexes’ Lost Screen Memorial was first unveiled last year in New York, then moved to Geneva earlier this year, where the Duchess gave a keynote address. This week, it was shifted to Brussels. Earlier, it was reported that Harry and Markle would give a rare joint keynote speech. However, due to her father’s scandal, the latter pulled out, and the Duke gave a solo speech. 

Although she did not speak publicly, Markle accompanied her husband and supported him. They arrived at the venue holding hands, a symbol of support and togetherness even in the most turbulent times.