Duchess of Sussex marks 7th anniversary with powerful tribute, signaling unbreakable bond with Prince Harry
Meghan Markle has made an emotionally resonant statement on her and Prince Harry’s seventh wedding anniversary, one that many view as a clear and intentional message to King Charles and the wider royal family: she and Harry remain inseparable.
On May 19, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated their milestone quietly at home in Montecito with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. But Meghan’s public gesture spoke volumes. Sharing a heartfelt Instagram post, she included a photo montage set to the iconic song “Stand by Me”—the same track that played during their royal wedding ceremony in 2018.
The lyrics she posted—“No, I won’t be afraid, just as long as you stand by me”—served as a symbolic reminder of their enduring partnership, especially amid years of strained relations with the royal family. The track, originally written by Ben E. King and performed by Karen Gibson’s gospel choir at their wedding, carries a rich legacy of love, resilience, and solidarity.
More than a romantic tribute, the song’s historical ties to the civil rights movement made it a culturally significant moment at the time of the wedding—especially for Meghan, who has publicly spoken about her experience navigating royal life as a biracial woman.
To deepen the message, Meghan included a quote by poet Walt Whitman: “We were together. I forget the rest.” The line underscored that for her, everything beyond their bond is secondary.
While some interpreted the post as a sweet celebration, many also saw it as a strategic and heartfelt declaration aimed at silencing ongoing speculation about the couple’s future. Amid ongoing tensions with the monarchy, Meghan’s message was unmistakable: Harry stands by her—and she stands by him.
