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Harry & Meghan join Queen at church service for his final engagement as head of Marines

OUTGOING royals Harry and Meghan joined the Queen for a moving memorial service where he unveiled a plaque in honour of a Royal Marine who died in Afghanistan.

They attended All Saints Chapel in Windsor Great Park in what we can reveal marked Harry’s final engagement as Captain General of the Royal Marines.

Harry and Meghan joined the Queen for a moving memorial service
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Harry and Meghan joined the Queen for a moving memorial service at All Saints Chapel in Windsor Great ParkCredit: James Whatling
The get-together was the first time Meghan and the Queen have seen each other since the couple announced their plans to step down as senior royals in January
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The get-together was the first time Meghan and the Queen have seen each other since the couple announced their plans to step down as senior royals in JanuaryCredit: Paul Edwards - The Sun
Harry unveiled a plaque in honour of Royal Marine Ben Reddy, 22, who died in Afghanistan in 2007
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Harry unveiled a plaque in honour of Royal Marine Ben Reddy, 22, who died in Afghanistan in 2007Credit: Paul Edwards - The Sun

Marine Ben Reddy was just 22 when he was killed as his unit came under fire during an operation in Helmand Province in 2007.

The royals were joined by the late soldier’s family, including his father who has worked as a gardener at Windsor Castle for many years — with Harry wearing his Marines tie.

The get-together was the first time Meghan and the Queen have seen each other since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their plans to step down as senior royals in January.

The couple are visiting the UK for a series of final engagements.

Both smiled as he drove them to the chapel for the service.

 Marine Ben Reddy was just 22 when he was killed as his unit came under fire during an operation in Helmand Province in 2007
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Marine Ben Reddy was just 22 when he was killed as his unit came under fire during an operation in Helmand Province in 2007Credit: INS News Group
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arriving at the Royal Albert Hall for the Mountbatten Festival of Music, which celebrates the Royal Marines
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrived at the Royal Albert Hall for the Mountbatten Festival of Music on Saturday nightCredit: Getty Images
The couple received a standing ovation at the Royal Albert Hall as they undertook one of their last royal engagements
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The couple received a standing ovation at as they undertook one of their last royal engagementsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Their appearance with the Queen will be seen as a sign of solidarity and a clear public statement that she continues to see them as close family members.

It came a week after Harry and Her Maj had a heart-to-heart lunch, during which she assured her grandson he and his wife “would always be welcomed back” in the future.

A source said: “It was a very moving moment, and a poignant service — and the royals met the family of the soldier afterwards to offer their support.

It’s also quite a personal connection, as Ben Reddy’s father worked for The Queen at Windsor and Prince Philip attended his funeral at the time in his capacity as the previous Captain General.

“Obviously Prince Harry is standing down from his official roles, including with the Royal Marines, but he was keen to be involved with this.”

Another attendee added: “The family were very pleased the royals were there, and the whole occasion was extremely respectful all round.

“It was good of them to come and obviously with Harry’s background it was nice for him to attend as he went to Helmand just after Ben was killed.”

On Saturday, Harry and Meghan attended the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall, where he wore his medals awarded from two tours of Afghanistan.

The couple were greeted by an ovation as they entered the royal box.

Harry and Meghan will make their final official appearance as senior royals today when they attend a Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

Harry with wife Meghan Markle and baby Archie
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Harry and Meghan want to raise baby Archie in CanadaCredit: PA:Press Association
Harry and Meghan arrive at the Mountbatten Festival of Music in one of their final royal engagements


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