The shocking last appearance of Prince Harry dressed as a military man and the hidden message in Meghan Markle's look
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex received long applause and a standing ovation from the audience at London's Royal Albert Hall as they took their seats at the Mountbatten Music Festival.
Prince Harry, who attended the event at South Kensington headquarters in his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, wore the full dress with medals awarded on two tours of Afghanistan.
The grandson of Queen Elizabeth II came wearing the navy uniform, black and red. By leaving the crown Harry also resigns from his military positions, which means that this was the last time we saw him in this uniform. Aware of the importance of the moment, Meghan also left a message when choosing her look: as if it were a hidden code, she decided to combine her outfit as a sign of support.
Meghan does not usually match her outfits with her husband's but this time she did. She understood that last night's farewell was a crucial moment in her husband's life and, by the way, one of the most difficult.
Thus, the former actress chose a long Safiyaa dress in red, with a built-in cape covering the shoulders and back. She completed the look with Aquazzura shoes, Manolo Blahnik clutch, and Simone Rocha earrings.
She and Harry were greeted by five members of the Royal Navy, before being escorted to the royal box to enjoy an evening of musical entertainment for the Association of the Royal Navy - La Caridad de la Marina Real.
Members of the Royal Marines displayed their musicality and pomp during the two-day festival, which marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. It also marks the 80th anniversary of the formation of the British commandos. Proceeds go to the Royal Association of the Marines - The Royal Marine Charity, and the cancer support charity CLIC Sargent.
The Sussexes received a round of applause and a standing ovation before singing the National Anthem. They then took their seats in the royal box of the impressive 5,272-capacity concert hall, which was commissioned and inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1871 for her late husband, Prince Albert.
The couple had the opportunity to laugh and joke with the band members and uniformed dancers backstage, before taking the stage to meet more attendees and musicians.
They left the stage hand in hand, and went to take their seats for the second part of the show.
"The reaction they got from the public when they arrived was very emotional for the Royal Marines," revealed NCO Reg Sheen, the festival director.
As the crowd marveled at the pair, their body language suggested that the pair were dealing with the night in very different ways. While Meghan appeared to be in the limelight, Harry was not looking very comfortable, according to a body language expert.
In dialogue with The Mirror, body language expert Judi James said it was clear that the pair were trying to make a statement as they once again coordinated their outfits.
He also compared Meghan to the First Lady of the United States: "The style seems like a statement of power as it closely reflects the recent appearance of the First Lady of America, Melania Trump, and Meghan's body language reflects that state of mind. star, confidence and stamina.
"Harry looks like a man in a hurry, walking forward while holding his wife by the hand, Meghan's leaning back posture is seen straight from the red carpet, as she smiles to face the crowd and her hosts."
James added that Harry seemed to be under some tension and seemed to be restless, fiddling with his fingers, suggesting "increasing pressure".
Harry and Meghan have embarked on a series of high-profile engagements in recent days, before their departure from public life scheduled for March 31, a day that has been labeled "Megxit."
Monday will be a key day. The couple will participate in their last official event with the entire royal family on the occasion of Commonwealth Day.
