By Harriet Johnston For Mailonline
Published: 11:40 BST, 7 June 2022 | Updated: 14:23 BST, 7 June 2022
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle offered royal fans a glimpse into their UK home of Frogmore Cottage as they shared Lilibet's first birthday portraits last night.
The Duke, 37, and Duchess of Sussex, 40, who are currently living in their $14 million mansion in California, hosted a 'relaxed' garden party on Saturday for little Lilibet, one, at their home on the Windsor estate with birthday cake, balloons, party games and picnic snacks, it is understood.
She is seen on her birthday in an official photograph with reddish locks, smiling and dressed in a pale blue frock with a white bow in her hair.
In another snap, Meghan can be seen wearing a relaxed outfit as she posed with Lilibet in a room within the cottage alongside a friend and her children.
The photographs were taken by photographer and friend of the couple Misan Harriman, who attended the small picnic with his wife, children and reportedly members of the Royal family.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle offered royal fans a glimpse into their UK home of Frogmore Cottage as they shared Lilibet's first birthday portraits last night (pictured: 1. Gallery lighting, 2. Low cast iron radiator, 3. Ragroll walls, 4. Large artwork, 5. Floral rug, 6. Wooden flooring, 7. White armchair, 8. Black plant pot)
In another photograph, Misan can be seen relaxing in an outdoor dining area in the couple's garden, with the family's vegetable patch on view in the background (9. Vegetable patch, 10. Wire chairs, 11. Black and grey striped cushions, 12. Industrial style table)
In the final image, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's daughter relaxed outside their home of Frogmore Cottage (13. Freshly mowed lawn, 14. American style porch, 15. Outdoor storage, 16. Bamboo shoots, 17. High hedges)
Those who are said to have also been at Frogmore Cottage include Zara and Mike Tindall's three children, Mia, eight, Lena, three, and Lucas, one, as well as Savannah, 11, and Isla, 10, daughters of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly.
Three-year-old Archie's godfather, Charlie Van Straubenzee, and his brother Tom, godfather to Princess Charlotte, were also invited, it is understood.
The photographs offered a sneak peek into the private life of the Duke and Duchess and the objects and personal treasures they hold dear.
I nterior designer Benji Lewis noted the property appears a far cry from their $14 million mansion in Santa Barbara.
He told FEMAIL: 'I nterestingly the look isn’t overly Hollywood, rather classic good taste with the antique rug laid on floorboards and what I’d imagine is a contemporary natural oak version of a Louis style armchair upholstered in ivory linen.'
Behind the Duchess and Lili is a large piece of artwork, which is not wholly visible in the photograph due to a reflection of the windows behind - however it features a bold black frame and a wide white border
Deborah James 'knew something was wrong' when bowel habits changed
Princess Anne leads carriage procession on Ladies Day at Royal Ascot
Prince William 'throwing his weight around' in Palace affairs
'I thought it was an old man disease': Deborah James on bowel cancer
Attendees of Ascot Ladies Day compete in the fashion stakes
Real Housewife Ampika reveals gigantic emerald green hat for Ascot
DIY SOS father reveals his disabled daughter died before filming
US Open tennis champion Emma Raducanu teams up with HSBC
Princess Beatrice and husband Edo arrive for day one of Royal Ascot
Girl in the Picture solves 30 year mystery, who is Sharon Marshall
Martin Lewis urges pensioners to check pension credit entitlement
New damages found to iconic Marilyn Monroe gown after worn by Kim K
Just behind the Duchess of Sussex, Lili, and their group of friends, is a vertical light highlighting a piece of artwork on the wall.
The industrial style gallery lighting appears to be dark metallic material, in keeping with Meghan's rugged style.
Just behind the Duchess' back, a long low radiator can be seen running along the wall.
The exposed heating system runs the length of the wall behind Meghan and appears to finish behind her friends back across the room.
Benji revealed: 'For the interior of the house, Harry and Meghan have given imaginative thought and chosen wisely when it comes to detail like the radiators, the lower level timeless style being adaptable for traditional or contemporary taste.'
Back in 2019, Meghan hired the top designer of the Soho House clubs, Vicky Charles, to decorate Frogmore Cottage.
Ms Charles oversaw the design of Soho House branches in Malibu, Chicago and Barcelona.
According to the firm's website they opened their first House in London in 1995 and now have 23 around the world.
They include London venues in Shoreditch, White City and Soho itself as well as a 100-acre farmhouse in Oxfordshire.
Other Soho House venues around the world include New York, Mumbai, Amsterdam and Istanbul.
Ms Charles has worked with friends of Harry and Meghan including the Beckhams and George and Amal Clooney.
The designer has been described as 'ridiculously in demand' and attracted a series of high-profile clients.
The gallery lighting is a known signature of the brand.
Meanwhile Benji also noted how the interior designer had been clever about the way she had lit the room.
He explained: 'They’ve also thought about how and where they use artificial lighting, with the inclusion of a picture light – possibly in a timeless bronze finish – not only offering a wash of light onto the simply framed piece of artwork but providing some good accent illumination.'
In the snap, Meghan can be seen posing against a wall in a living room in her home, which appears to feature high ceilings.
And while the photograph is in black-and-white, meaning the colour of the wall isn't clear, it appears to have been painted with a rag rolling effect.
Benji revealed: 'Whilst the paint effect on the walls would have been seen as dated a year or so ago, this is a trend that’s making a huge comeback.
'It’s a shame we can’t tell what colour it is but I’d imagine it’s made up of layered neutral tones like ivory and tan, possibly in homage to the serenity we’ve seen of their California interiors.'
4. Focal point black-and-white artwork reminiscent of Californian home
Behind the Duchess and Lili is a large piece of artwork, which is not wholly visible in the photograph due to a reflection of the windows behind - however it features a bold black frame and a wide white border
In photographs taken at their $14 million mansion in the US, the Duke and Duchess often showcase their distinctive taste in art.
As well as an 'I Love You California print', which is on display in their lounge, the couple also have a set of photographs showing different birds nests in one of the rooms of their home.
It appears they have replicated the style in their Frogmore Cottage home, with a large piece of framed artwork placed on a wall in their home.
While the pieces are currently unidentified, it is a bolder design than the Duchess' usual choice, who often selects fine art for her home. It features a bold black frame and a thick white border.
Beneath the Duchess feet appears to be a classic rug featuring a floral design over exposed floorboards, which are reported to have been the property's original flooring
Beneath the rug, there appear to be exposed floorboards.
When the Duke and Duchess were undertaking their £3 million renovation on the property, it was reported the original wooden flooring was one of the things they were keen to keep.
While much of the Duchess' home appears a more-traditional floral rug can be seen beneath the group in the portrait.
The rug appears large in the room - running across the length of the wall and almost covering the entire wooden flooring.
It perhaps offers a softer surface a family home than exposed wooden flooring - for crawling babies, little toddlers learning to take their first steps or little ones racing across the room.
To the front right of the image, an armchair covered in bright, light upholstery is clearly visible.
Meanwhile it also features a more classic style, with wooden legs and arms.
The Louis is an enduring icon of French furniture history.
The Duchess has a similar vintage-looking arm chair in the study of her California mansion, complete with a mahogany-style wood framing and incredible cream fabric.
In the right forefront of the image is a black plant pot, which appears to be balanced on a table.
While it is not clear if there is a plant within the pot, Meghan performed a similar styling trick while working as an actress in Suits and living at her Toronto home.
In another photograph, Misan can be seen relaxing in an outdoor dining area in the couple's garden, with the family's vegetable patch on view in the background (9. Vegetable patch, 10. Wire chairs, 11. Black and grey striped cushions, 12. Industrial style table)
In the second snap shared by photographer Misan, he can be seen relaxing in the Duke and Duchess' garden on a set of garden chairs.
Behind the esteemed photographer, at the back of the freshly mown lawn, appears to be a large piece of fencing around a caged area.
While it is not known what this space is used for, sources previously revealed how the couple had an organic vegetable plot created in the gardens of their home.
The photographer and his daughter appeared relaxed as they lounged on the large outdoor sofa with a variety of monochrome striped cushions
The photographer and his daughter appeared relaxed as they lounged on the large outdoor sofa with a variety of monochrome striped cushions.
It appears to offer a place in the room to relax and recline when relaxing with friends, or perhaps a space to enjoy a family meal.
Keen cooks Harry and Meghan planned to grow their own herbs, fruit and veg at Frogmore Cottage on the Queen’s Windsor estate, well-placed sources previously said.
Megha is a keen foodie who ran a food and lifestyle blog, The Tig, before her marriage. In an interview while she was still an actress, she said home-grown produce was the key to much of her love for food.
‘Growing up in southern California... I loved gardening and growing my own vegetables. That farm-to-table ethos was ingrained at such a young age,’ she said.
A royal source said in 2019: ‘The duchess has a passion for cooking so it was suggested to include a small plot in the spacious garden where they can grow some of their own produce.
‘She regularly cooks for Prince Harry and the cottage will be the perfect place for her to prepare meals with some home grown produce from their own garden.
‘It is understood that she wants to be able grow vegetables, herbs and soft fruits.’
Misan and his daughter can be seen relaxing on a wire frame sofa in a trendy industrial style in the garden.
The wired furniture is very reminiscent of the Duchess' style in former homes - including her Vancouver apartment, where she lived before she married the Duke.
She has long been a fan of the industrial decor - among the books in the couple's Montecito home is the interior design hardback Wood And Iron: Industrial Interiors.
It offers a guide to those wanting to decorate their home in the distinctive style.
According to it's online description, it allows readers to dip into the world of industrial style, 'presenting the most influential names in the genre, anonymous pieces salvaged from junk shops and carefully selected interior design projects.'
During the one-year-olds birthday party, it appears guests sat around a wire table in the garden of the Frogmore Cottage home.
The grey wired table is evident in the forefront of the image with Misan, perhaps giving the Sussexes a place to dine outside, or to watch their children play on the lawn beyond.
In the final image, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's daughter relaxed outside their home of Frogmore Cottage (13. Freshly mowed lawn, 14. American style porch, 15. Outdoor storage, 16. Bamboo shoots, 17. High hedges)
Frogmore was converted into one home in 2019 for Harry and Meghan, having previously been five separate properties for staff working on the Windsor Estate.
The whole renovation famously cost the Sovereign Grant £2.4million.
The family home is thought to have five bedrooms, a kitchen, a sitting room and a nursery first designed for Archie.
And outside the home, there appears to be a small American-style porch where the family could relax as they enter Frogmore.
In the snaps, one-year-old Lili could be seen posing on a freshly mowed lawn outside the couple's Frogmore Cottage home.
Twitter royal commentator and friend of the Sussexes Omid Scobie said the couple invited close friends and family for an 'intimate backyard picnic' as he posted the picture.
The luscious green grass appeared the perfect space for the family and friends to enjoy the British sunshine, with the space ideal for games with children.
The background of the second photo has a rather more rustic feel about it, with the cut grass running simply up to whatever it is that’s growing there, but again no floral detail.
Benji revealed: 'Whilst everything looks neat and tidy in the part of the garden, with plenty of cut grass space for the children to run around on, it has the appearance of being somewhere that aside from a once over with the lawn mower and an occasional hedge clip, it’s given no more attention than that.
'It’s seemingly a garden that has to require minimum maintenance with not a flower or rose bed in sight, perhaps indicative of the fact that they’re not really in the UK very much.'
While the outdoor lawn is perfectly manicured, with very few toys left out and minimal clutter, there is a brown box in the background of the image.
The brown crate is apparent in the top right of the image, and appears to have been placed against the outside of the cottage.
While the detailing on the box is not clear from the photograph, it appears to be some kind of outdoor storage for the Duke and Duchess.
While the Duke and Duchess have a vegetable patch in what appears to be their back garden, bamboo shoots are also evident in the front of their home.
In the background of the image of Lili appears to be a number of brown shoot, apparently offering support for plants or vegetables growing at the couples home.
Meanwhile the couple also appear to have a tall green hedge running along the length of their garden.
The Duke, 35, and Duchess of Sussex, 39, bought the sprawling nine-bedroom and 16-bathroom mansion in upscale Montecito, Santa Barbara, for $14.65million in June 2021, making them neighbors with celebrities Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, according to DailyMail.com
The Duke, 35, and Duchess of Sussex, 39, bought the sprawling nine-bedroom and 16-bathroom mansion in upscale Montecito, Santa Barbara, for $14.65million in June 2021, making them neighbors with celebrities Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, according to DailyMail.com.
And since the couple moved into the property, they have revealed a number of rooms within their home during virtual appearances.
Meghan and Harry's home sits on 5.4 acres of land and immaculately clipped hedges border the estate's stone-pillared entry gates.
THE LIVING ROOM: Last summer, the Duchess revealed a glimpse at her plush living room, complete with bird nest artwork and plush furnishings
STUDY: Meanwhile the royal has also made virtual appearances from white panelled rooms
Property listings say the home took nearly five years to build and included a library, office, spa with a separate dry and wet sauna, a gym with a stripper pole, game room, arcade, theater, wine cellar and five-car garage.
The entrance to the property opens onto a wide lane paved with hand-cut Santa Barbara Stone that leads through a grand archway of trees to the main residence, according to Zillow.
The estate has sweeping lawns, tiered rose gardens, tall Italian cypress trees, blooming lavender, century old olive trees, a tennis court, tea house, children's cottage and a pool.
It also boasts a two-bedroom, two-bath guest house, perfect for Meghan's mother Doria, who is acting as one-year-old Archie's nanny. Doria has already been to the house, TMZ reports.
HER STUDY: Meghan offered fans a rare glimpse inside the Californian mansion she shares with Prince Harry today during a 'special message' shared on her 40th birthday
HER STUDY: Just in front of the flowers a silver picture frame can be seen, which another camera angle reveals is most likely a photo of Archie. Three further grainy black and white photos can be seen in a connected frame in front of this, with the central one seeming to show Harry kissing a baby and one on the right potentially showing Meghan holding a young child - perhaps the first snap of Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
The home's seller is thought to be Russian tycoon Sergey Grishin who bought the 'palatial' mansion for more than $25million in 2009 and had tried to sell the home for up to $34million before eventually accepting a loss.
Grishin is also the former owner of a different California estate - known as the Scarface mansion because it appeared in the 1983 Al Pacino movie - which sold for a similarly cut-price $12million in 2015.
Surrounded by lush green gardens and overlooking the sea, the home has been described as a 'hidden paradise'.
One estate agent who spent an hour inside said it was 'designed for someone who never wants to leave home'.
Brett Buschbom said: 'I went through this house and an hour later I'm coming out like "wow", the whole bottom floor felt like a resort with steam room, massage room, sauna, Jacuzzi, full bar, arcade and one of the most amazing wine cellars and that was just the basement.'
HIS STUDY: A clip released last month showed Harry's study filled with California style soft furnishings, including statement candle holders (left), and a stack of green books (right) which appear to have a regal insignia, and a trendy white wash wall
THE CHICKEN COOP: The couple also filmed inside their chicken coop during their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey last year (pictured)
By Martin Robinson, Chief Reporter
Harry and Meghan have given the world a rare glimpse of Lilibet - and the grace-and-favour Windsor home they left for LA - as it is understood they were banned from photographing the one-year-old meeting the Queen for the first time.
The Sussexes released a picture taken as the little girl – named in tribute to the Queen, whose childhood nickname was Lilibet – in the grounds of Frogmore Cottage where she celebrated her first birthday at Windsor on Saturday with birthday cake, balloons, party games and picnic snacks.
Among the gifts were apparently a pastel pink VW Beetle ride-on car, £75 from Selfridges, while Sussex supporters donated $100,000 to charity in her honour. Prince Charles may have bought her a swing similar to one he bought for Prince George.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released a new picture of Lilibet at Frogmore Cottage where she celebrated her first birthday on Saturday
In this picture Lilibet is seen in her mother Meghan's arms inside Frogmore, beside photographer Misan Harriman's wife Camilla Holmstroem and their two daughters
Last night it was claimed that the Queen banned Harry and Meghan from having a photographer capture the Monarch meeting her great-granddaughter Lilibet for the first time. The photographer has not been named - but it may be their friend Misan Harriman, who has photographed the Sussexes several times since they became a couple around six years ago.
Investigative journalist Tom Bower, who is working on a biography of the Duchess of Sussex, said: 'Meghan must have been furious when she heard that photographs of their Windsor meeting were forbidden. Banned from the balcony for Trooping the Colour, no shot of her with the Queen in St Paul's and then the final blow was no shot of Lilibet with her great-grandmother. Finally, the Palace is playing a good hand'.
He added: 'The Sussexes’ contract with Netflix is in jeopardy. The veto of photos will fuel the Sussexes’ resentment. Harry’s reprisal could be more revelations in his book billed to be published later this year. This is a dangerous game for both sides'.
In the first public picture of Lilibet since she was a babe-in-arms, it revealed that Her Majesty's great-granddaughter smiling and dressed in a pale blue frock with a white bow in her strawberry blonde hair.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex invited close friends and family to an ‘intimate backyard picnic’ while in Britain for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, before jetting home to California on Sunday.
Mr Harriman, Lilibet's photographer, with one of his children in face paint in the Frogmore Cottage garden
Birthday cake? The Duke and Duchess of Sussex asked the baker who created their wedding cake to make a creation for their daughter Lilibet's low-key first birthday party. Claire Ptak shared a photo of this beautiful pink cake topped with peonies, which could be Lilibet's
The image of Lilibet sitting happily on the grass was taken by family friend Mr Harriman, who also shared an image of Meghan holding her daughter inside Frogmore - the home they spent £2.4million of taxpayers' money refurbishing before quitting as royals and emigrating.
Mother and her red-haired daughter were posing with the photographer's blonde wife Camilla Holmstroem, a former Goldman Sachs banker turned entrepreneur, and their two daughters, who both had their faces painted, one of the activities laid on for guests. But while Mr Harriman also shared a picture of him smiling with his eldest child on Instagram and Twitter, there were no pictures of Harry and Archie released.
The 96-year-old is said to have met Harry and Meghan's daughter on Thursday. However, they were allegedly told 'no chance' of an official photo because it was a 'private family meeting', The Sun reported. Palace insiders may have worried any photos taken by Harry and Meghan would be shared with TV networks in the US or in Harry's upcoming memoirs.
On Saturday they enjoyed the British summer sunshine to throw a birthday picnic for their daughter's first birthday. East London baker Claire Ptak – who made the couple’s wedding cake in 2018 – created new treats for the low-key bash. She later shared a picture of a small peony-covered cake that could be the one enjoyed by guests.
Pretty as a picture: Harry and Meghan's daughter was photographed in the £95 frilly top and matching bloomers set from Amaia, one of William and Kate's favourite children's brands
Birthday girl Lilibet wore a pretty outfit from a royal-approved children's brand for her first official portrait.
Harry and Meghan's daughter was photographed in the £95 frilly top and matching bloomer set from Amaia, one of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's favourite children's brands.
Indeed Lilibet's cousins Charlotte, seven, and Louis, four, wore the designer on a total of four occasions over the Platinum Jubilee weekend.
It could have been a gift from uncle William, 39, and auntie Kate, 40, to mark the little one's big day, although the Cambridges are understood to have not attended the garden birthday party.
The Angel Set from Amaia is made up of a frilled top with hand smoking at the collar, and a matching bloomer with elasticated legs.
It is described by the brand as a 'chic, delicate and beautiful new style to welcome the awakening season ahead'.
A spokesman for the couple did not name family members who attended the party, but Zara and Mike Tindall are believed to have made an appearance. But Prince William, Kate, George and Charlotte were in Wales representing the Queen.
The Sussexes left for their California home the following day - on a gas-guzzling private jet - before the grand finale of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee even began on Sunday.
Mr Harriman took the portraits used by the Sussexes to announce Meghan’s pregnancy with Lilibet in February 2021.
Those who are said to have also been at Frogmore Cottage include Zara and Mike Tindall's three children, Mia, eight, Lena, three, and Lucas, one, as well as Savannah, 11, and Isla, 10, daughters of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly.
Three-year-old Archie's godfather, Charlie Van Straubenzee, and his brother Tom, godfather to Princess Charlotte, were also invited, it is understood.
Photographer Mr Harriman wrote on her Twitter: 'It was such a privilege to celebrate the first birthday of Lilibet with my family and hers! Joy and face painting all around.'
Twitter royal commentator and friend of the Sussexes Omid Scobie said the couple invited close friends and family for an 'intimate backyard picnic' as he posted the picture.
Mr Scobie added that Harry and Meghan's wedding baker Claire Ptak made a special order for the party.
And was told by a spokesperson for the couple that they 'remain incredibly touched by the countless birthday wishes for their daughter' and have also been 'amazed' to learn that $100K (£79,000) was donated in Lilibet's honour.
The funds went to World Central Kitchen, a not-for-profit organisation partnered with the couple's Archewell foundation, according to a spokesperson for the Sussexes.
The organisation has provided support in Uvalde, Texas and Ukraine, the spokesperson said.
A spokesperson for the couple did not name specific family members who attended the event.
A source spoke to The Sun, about the party, saying: 'It was a lovely do and had everything you'd expect from a child's birthday party.
'The idea was for it to be very relaxed and casual, with people free to pop in and out as they wished.'
They said that it was a 'nice opportunity' for some of the royal children to meet little Lilibet, with this trip being her first time in the UK.
They added that 'lots of discussion' had been had about the best gifts for the 'milestone' birthday, with a '£75 pink Volkswagen Beetle ride-on toy' proving a popular idea.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the Platinum Jubilee early - missing the Pageant and the Queen on the balcony yesterday - as they flew back in a private jet to California with luggage that appeared to include a wooden swing set which looked similar to the one gifted to William and Kate by Prince Charles.
The California couple released the photograph hours after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge put pictures on social media showing hidden moments from the Jubilee including new pictures of Louis with his father, William, and Kate and the children including Princess Charlotte and Prince George waiting in a doorway.
Harry and Meghan's entourage in California were seen with a blue child-size scooter (pictured) and wooden swing set which looked similar to the one gifted to William and Kate by Prince Charles
Another assistant was seen reaching for a blue scooter that was sitting on top of a suitcase and though Lilibet and Archie were not seen during the Jubilee baby equipment could be seen being offloaded
Prince George standing on a swing, pictured at the family home in Norfolk back in 2016. The swing has the engravings of the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge's names William and Catherine. It appears Lilibet may have got the same
In a photograph of Harry at a similar age, also one, he is seen with his trademark reddish locks, similar to Lilibet now (see above), and wearing a blue dungaree and shirt
Harry and Meghan celebrated their daughter Lilibet's first birthday in Windsor yesterday with a 'relaxed' birthday party —with royal second cousins invited to the festivities. Pictured, the couple with children Archie and Lilibet
Prince Harry looking glum as him and Meghan Markle returned to California. Here he can be seen wiping his eye after their private jet trip
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex pictured at the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday, was one of the few Jubilee events that they attended
The Sussexes land in Britain on a private jet. The Queen sent three of her own protection officers, her royal Land Rover and a bullet-proof VW people carrier to meet the family at Farnborough Airport, taking them to Frogmore Cottage.
A Range Rover with a modest escort swept them in to Central London and onto Whitehall, where they took up position in the Major General's Office overlooking the parade ground ready for the other royals to arrive.
Among the first to greet them were Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edo, as well as the queen's grandson Peter Phillips.
Meghan was seen kissing his elder daughter, Savannah, 11, as his younger daughter, Isla, 10, held Zara and Mike Tindall's younger daughter Lena, almost four.
Meghan, wearing a large wide-brimmed navy and white hat, put her finger mysteriously to her lips as the girls mimicked her, laughing.
Her husband, Prince Harry, 37, who looked tanned in a lounge suit rather than military uniform, was also seen later entering into the spirit of things, apparently urging Lena to 'shush'.
The couple were later seen chatting to the Queen's cousin, the Duke of Kent, 86, before he left the family gathering to join the monarch at Buckingham Palace, where they took the returning military salute together.
The couple went to St Paul's Cathedral for the morning's service celebrating the Queen.
The couple arrived after the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and their two children, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie along with their husbands.
Harry and Meghan held hands and were smiling broadly as they walked up the steps of the cathedral, while cheers and some boos could be heard from the crowd.
The Duke of Cambridge and his wife Kate sat on the front row alongside Prince Charles and Camilla, who were representing the absent Queen at the Service of Thanksgiving for her 70-year reign.
But Harry and Meghan were placed on the opposite side of the aisle, half-way down a second row of seats, along with other lower-ranking, non-working royals.
There was no chance for the once-close siblings to talk as William, 39, and Kate, 40, were part of the main party.
They arrived after Harry, 37, and Meghan, 40, were seated and left before them in order to attend a post-service reception at the nearby Guildhall.
Notably, the California-based Sussexes were the only members of the extensive royal party who were absent from the second event.
Instead of attending the concert at Buckingham Palace, Harry and Meghan celebrated their daughter Lilibet's first birthday in Windsor on Saturday with a 'relaxed' birthday party —with royal second cousins invited to the festivities.
The little girl's birthday party was open to Zara and Mike Tindall's three children, Mia, eight, Lena, three, and Lucas, one, as well as Savannah, 11, and Isla, 10, daughters of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly.
The Queen was also rumoured to have been invited - but it is claimed that she met her great-granddaughter for the first time on Thursday or Friday.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their children reportedly flew out of Farnborough Airport at 1.30pm yesterday, an hour before the Jubilee Pageant began.
The California-based couple are believed to have been driven from Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, where they were staying, at lunchtime.
They landed in the US at around 5pm, LA time.
The Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla, Kate Middleton and Prince William shared their greetings on social media at the exact same time.
The official Twitter account for the Queen posted: 'Wishing Lilibet a very Happy 1st Birthday!', the account for Prince Charles shared an almost identical message.
The words posted on the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall's social media read: 'Wishing Lilibet a very happy 1st birthday today' along with a cake emoji.
It is also very likely that Prince Charles met his grandchildren. It is understood that he and Camilla met Harry and Meghan privately.
It comes after George Northwood, the Duchess' hairdresser, who recently jetted out to the Netherlands to do Meghan's beauty while she attended the Invictus Games with husband, shared a post on Instagram with several images of the Duchess.
In a gushing caption, he posted: 'So nostalgic and wonderful to be reunited Harry, Meghan and their family in the UK. Archie has grown to be the cutest, well mannered little boy and Lilibet is just beautiful.'
It comes after Harry and Meghan's entourage were seen with a blue child-size scooter and wooden swing set which looked similar to the one gifted to William and Kate by Prince Charles.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear to have come home with presents from their family after they left the Platinum Jubilee before festivities ended on Sunday and missed the Queen on the balcony.
A member of their team was seen carrying a wooden swing with rope coming out of it and covered by a blue wrapping as Harry and Meghan's team loaded their luggage from Santa Barbara Airport as their private jet touched down on Sunday evening.
Another assistant was seen reaching for a blue scooter that was sitting on top of a suitcase to put it into an SUV which further indicated that Lilibet and Archie, who were not seen during the Jubilee, accompanied their parents.
It was also reported that the Queen did meet her namesake for the first time as the Sussexes joined Her Majesty on Thursday or Friday and was invited to Lilibet's first birthday at Frogmore Cottage.
During their visit to mark Her Majesty's 70 year reign, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were seen rarely - once was at the Trooping of the Colour and another time at St Paul's Thanksgiving Service - and had no official role during the festivities.
In 2016, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's son Prince George was seen playfully enjoying a wooden swing set that bore his parents' names William and Catherine.
The wooden roped-set was a wedding present from Prince Charles to the couple and was installed in their countryside home in Norfolk.
In pictures taken on Sunday of Harry and Meghan's luggage being unloaded as they landed back in California yesterday, an assistant was also seen carrying a wooden swing after the couple spent most of their time at their Windsor residence.
Harry was pictured looking particularly glum as they landed back in California yesterday - with royal experts saying the sixth in line to the throne appeared angry, anxious and very uncomfortable during 'fleeting glimpses' of him and his wife during the UK visit.
On Thursday they were relegated to the Major General's Office with minor royals for the Trooping the Colour, where they were photographed playfully shushing children.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will have been 'really fed up' at being sidelined by the palace's 'men in suits' they have been so scathing about since quitting in 2020, it has been claimed.
And as they were met with some booing at their only public appearance at St Paul's on Friday, the couple will have learned that the British public believe being a royal is 'about service, not about self', one critic said.
Harry stopped to chat for a few moments with the Archbishop of York at the Thanksgiving Service but was not seen greeting his brother Prince William and his sister-in-law Kate.
Another told MailOnline: 'Their attitude seems to be if we're not centre stage we don't really want to be here'
This previously unseen picture was released by hours before the Sussexes shared the image of Lilibet. Pictured is Duchess of Cambridge with Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George
Prince William is pictured in full military uniform with Prince Louis before Trooping the Colour on Thursday
Prince William and Kate at a Jubilee street party with royal fans in Kensington ahead of the Pageant on Sunday
To mark the occasion, the Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla, shared their greetings on social media at the exact same time (pictured)
But with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle fiercely protective of their daughters privacy, previously sharing just one photograph of the little girl over the last 12 months, both Prince Charles and the Queen were unable to post a snap of Lilibet
Deborah James 'knew something was wrong' when bowel habits changed
Princess Anne leads carriage procession on Ladies Day at Royal Ascot
Prince William 'throwing his weight around' in Palace affairs
'I thought it was an old man disease': Deborah James on bowel cancer
Attendees of Ascot Ladies Day compete in the fashion stakes
Real Housewife Ampika reveals gigantic emerald green hat for Ascot
DIY SOS father reveals his disabled daughter died before filming
US Open tennis champion Emma Raducanu teams up with HSBC
Princess Beatrice and husband Edo arrive for day one of Royal Ascot
Girl in the Picture solves 30 year mystery, who is Sharon Marshall
Martin Lewis urges pensioners to check pension credit entitlement
New damages found to iconic Marilyn Monroe gown after worn by Kim K
Princess Anne leads carriage procession on Ladies Day at Royal Ascot
Prince William 'throwing his weight around' in Palace affairs
'I thought it was an old man disease': Deborah James on bowel cancer
Attendees of Ascot Ladies Day compete in the fashion stakes
Real Housewife Ampika reveals gigantic emerald green hat for Ascot
Kate dons pink suit for roundtable talk on early years development
DIY SOS father reveals his disabled daughter died before filming
Charles and Camilla lead royal procession on day two of Ascot
Princess Beatrice and husband Edo arrive for day one of Royal Ascot
Girl in the Picture solves 30 year mystery, who is Sharon Marshall
Martin Lewis urges pensioners to check pension credit entitlement
New damages found to iconic Marilyn Monroe gown after worn by Kim K
8 May 2019 - Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear in photo-call for Archie at Windsor Castle.
When asked to expose more of their baby's face to the cameras, the Duchess laughed as Harry joked: 'He's already got a little bit of facial hair as well, wonderful.'
6 July 2019 - Meghan and Harry hold private christening for Archie and release two images of the event on Sussex Royal. It offers royal fans their first real glimpse at Archie
10 July 2019 - Meghan cradles Archie in her arms as they join Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at a polo match
September 25 2019 - Meghan and Prince Harry appear in front of cameras with Archie as they meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah at the Tutu foundation in Cape Town
24 December 2019 - Meghan and Harry release their holiday card for the year, with their son taking centre stage in the black-and-white snap
31 December 2019 - Duke and Duchess also share a snap of Prince Harry cradling Archie during their 'break' in Canada on Vancouver Island on their Instagram page
6 May 2020 - Meghan and Archie appear in a video for Save the Children to mark youngster's first birthday where Duchess reads Duck or Goose
2 3 December 2020 - Duke and Duchess release an illustrated Christmas card in which Archie's face is not visible
8 March 2021 - Archie appears briefly in Meghan and Harry's Oprah Winfrey interview as he runs along beach, but his face is barely visible
9 March 2021 - Meghan and Harry share a snap cuddling with Archie in their garden - but his face is buried in Meghan's shoulder
6 May 2021 - Meghan and Harry release photograph of Archie from behind for his 2nd birthday
21 May 2021 - Archie, from behind, appears on swings with Prince Harry in The Me You You Can't See documentary
6 June 2021 - Meghan releases her children's book the bench, in which both her children are illustrated
7 June 2021 - Meghan and Harry announce their daughter Lilibet has been born, but do not release any photographs
4 August 2021 - Meghan releases video to mark her 40th birthday, in which there appears to be a blurry image of Harry kissing a newborn in the background, thought to be Lilibet. There are also several blurry images of Archie.
18 November 2021 - Meghan shares another picture of Archie from behind as she appears on The Ellen Show
23 December 2021 - The Duke and Duchess share an image of their family, including Archie and Lilibet, in which their faces are all visible to the camera
6 June 2022 - The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a new picture of Lilibet on her first birthday at Frogmore Cottage during the Platinum Jubilee. A second image was also shared by photographer Misan Harriman in which his family is pictured alongside Lilibet in Meghan's arms
Instead they spent most of their stay at Frogmore Cottage with their children and hosted a 'relaxed' party for Lilibet's first birthday at the Windsor residence, believed to be attended by the one-year-old's British cousins.
The Sussexes arrived back in California at 6pm on Sunday. Equipment that appeared to be a high chair was seen being offloaded from the plane. Harry was then photographed in the passenger seat of a black Range Rover that had arrived to transport the family home, and looked very serious after almost five days away from the US.
The Duke and Duchess did not attend the Platinum Party and stayed in Windsor alongside the Queen to reportedly watch the concert with Her Majesty.
Harry and Meghan then drove, according to The Sun, to Farnborough Airport at 1.30pm, an hour before the Pageant started at 2.30pm and made their way back to California.
This was hours before the Queen - who sources say was 'determined' to bravely overcame her painful mobility issues - returned to Buckingham Palace to personally thank the thousands of well-wishers in the crowd who had turned out to express their own gratitude.
She was flanked by her three heirs - son, Prince Charles, grandson, Prince William, and great-grandson, Prince George - offering a glimpse into the monarchy's future.
The Platinum Jubilee Pageant was an afternoon of entertainment for members of the royal family, who all sat together alongside their siblings and cousins.
The parade told the story of her life, and the nation, with an eccentric, fun and imaginative carnival-like display.
An insider said: 'There was no fanfare, they just went. They didn't stick around for the Platinum Jubilee pageant which is a celebration of Britain and all of its quirks and eccentricities over the Queen's 70 year reign.'
Before the festivities started an aide told The Telegraph: 'The media might try to make them prominent, but in reality they are not going to be playing a prominent role. A line has been drawn.'
The 96-year-old monarch was absent for much of the extended Bank Holiday weekend, after finding the first day enjoyable but tiring, and in a message of thanks acknowledged this but said her 'heart' had been with well-wishers.
Surrounded by her family, including Prince Charles, Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, George, Charlotte and Louis, she was cheered by thousands of well-wishers after stepping on to the balcony following the Platinum Pageant, which told the story of her life, and the nation, with an eccentric, fun and imaginative carnival-like display.
Smiling as she acknowledged the spectators, she looked down on The Mall where tens of thousands had waited in hope of seeing her.
The Queen said later in her message: 'When it comes to how to mark seventy years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee.
'While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family.
'I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.
'I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations.'
This was not her only surprises with her Paddington appearance seen as a much welcome appearance by the Queen.
A palace aide told the Sun: 'As you saw she likes to spring a few surprises.'
After the outpouring of public affection during her balcony appearance, the Queen said she was 'humbled and deeply touched' so many people had taken part in marking her 70-year reign.
Confident George sits on the inscribed swing in the Amner Hall garden, holding on tightly
Harry and Meghan's team seen loading precious cargo as they arrive back in California after attending the Queen's Jubilee celebrations in London
More items are seen like a wrapped up rectangular item while a rope sits nearby with more luggage
The private jet that the couple took is seen flanked by SUVs as Harry and Meghan's luggage is unloaded
The couple's plane taxied head first into a hangar and it was not possible to see them depart the aircraft
Investigative journalist Tom Bower, who is working on a biography of Meghan, told MailOnline that the Sussexes had been 'trounced' on their return to the UK.
He said: 'I think Palace officials were unusually skilful in managing the Sussexes. Just enough exposure to please the Queen but at the same time so limited to show them that they have been sidelined. Harry's grim expression exposed and confirmed the troubles he now faces. Meghan now faces problems about her status. Netflix are left with a problem: The Sussexes are no longer stars'.
Harry's biographer Angela Levin said the couple were probably kept apart from Prince Charles and Prince William because of their ongoing rift and fears any private conversations could end up in Harry's memoirs or on a US TV chat show.
She said: 'I do wonder if they [Harry and Meghan] decided: 'We've had enough of this, let's go early'. I think they were furious. I think they believed they would come back and be welcomed with open arms - but the truth is that the world, and the Royal Family, has moved on without them. They thought that everyone would drop everything for them, but they didn't'.
She added: 'When Harry arrived at St Paul's, he had a growling face. It was there throughout. They were really really fed up. William and Charles have grown closer - they have filled the gap left by Harry, that must be hard for him. I suspect his brother and father will have been worried about speaking to him in private in case it ends up in his memoirs or on US TV'.
Queen Elizabeth II waves to the crowd during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant from the balcony at Buckingham Palace in London
A royal themed float due to be used in the Pageant waiting in Westminster this morning, June 5, 2022
People set up the tables for the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor on June 5, 2022
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge on the balcony during the Platinum Pageant
Royal author Phil Dampier told MailOnline: 'Their attitude seems to be if we're not centre stage we don't really want to be here.
'They must realise they are no longer popular with the general public, and travelling in and out by private jet hardly helps their so-called green credentials.
'I'm afraid that all the time Harry is writing a book and making Netflix fly on the wall programmes, Charles and William will not trust him. They would worry that any in depth conversations would be repeated in the media, and so I'm sure they are keeping him at arms length for the time'.
And after the Sussexes were met with some boos at St Paul's on Friday, commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'This was about the Queen and the future of the monarchy, which they opted out of as senior working royals. Yet they owe their entire profile and contracts to the institution. This fabulous four days showed now strong it is and also how wrong they were to do the interview on Oprah, which caused it to lose support among the young and ethnic minorities and aired when Prince Philip was ill.
'The Sussexes should have learnt a lesson over the last few days. When it actually comes to capturing hearts and minds it is about service, not about self'
Their home? They've barely spent more than a few w...
The comments below have not been moderated.
The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
We are no longer accepting comments on this article.
Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd
Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group