As the global spotlight fixated on the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London—a royal event steeped in tradition and ceremony, taking place some 5,000 miles away—the Duke of Sussex was busy embracing an entirely different, uniquely American weekend. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appeared to navigate distinctly separate paths, each engaging in their own versions of relaxation and community during these past few days.

Prince Harry’s Passionate Involvement at the Warrior Games

In San Antonio, Texas, Prince Harry (41) temporarily set aside the aura of royal life to dedicate himself to the Warrior Games, an annual event hosted by the U.S. government to honor and empower wounded, ill, and injured service members. Dressed casually in a white button-down shirt and a blue apron, Harry was hands-on, assisting the United Airlines team in serving lunch to competitors and their families.

Footage shared by the Fisher House Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting veterans and their families, captured the Duke in a lighthearted mood. He was not merely performing a duty; he was clearly enjoying himself, showcasing his cheeky side by playfully “photobombing” selfies taken by attendees.

The Fisher House Foundation shared their appreciation, writing: “A special lunch came with a special surprise today. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, joined the Warrior Games Family Program serving up bbq cooked up by the @united airlines bbq team to families competitors and staff.”

The foundation further emphasized Harry’s deep-rooted commitment to the cause: “More than a decade after attending his first @dowwarriorgames, Prince Harry continues to return to the event that helped inspire the creation of the @weareinvictusgames, a meaningful reminder of the lasting impact of adaptive sports and the resilience, determination, and camaraderie on display throughout the week.”

The “Maj Squad”: Meghan’s Montecito Circle and the Allure of Mahjong

While her husband was immersed in community service in Texas, the Duchess of Sussex (44) chose a more intimate form of relaxation at their $29 million Montecito, California, residence, hosting a private evening for her close-knit circle of friends.

Kelly McKee Zajfen, one of Meghan’s closest confidantes, shared the joy of the occasion on Instagram: “Ugh oh. Another one has been taken by the Maj bug, that being me. A perfect day spent with my ladies and having some much-needed mama time. Thanks M & T.”

The initials “M & T” are widely understood to refer to Meghan and Tracy Robbins, the wife of former Paramount executive Brian Robbins. Tracy Robbins responded to the post with affection: “Love you!” and added: “You are a natural. Love you. Miss you already.”

Meghan’s penchant for hosting mahjong nights is well-documented; she previously offered a glimpse into this pastime during her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, last year, where she enjoyed the game alongside tacos and cocktails. This inner circle—featuring friends like Victoria Jackson, Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, and now Kelly McKee Zajfen—has affectionately dubbed themselves the “Maj Squad.” This creative, unexpected interest was highlighted by friend Vicky Tsai, who told People magazine: “She’s really creative and curious. She enjoys things that you wouldn’t expect – like mahjong. She’s constantly trying to pull me into her weekly mahjong group. And she and Harry are pretty passionate about pickleball. They are trying to convince me to join the group!”

A Deliberate Separation of Paths

Adding to his weekend of engagement, Prince Harry also made a surprise solo appearance at the Knicks vs. Spurs final in San Antonio. Clad in a navy polo shirt and a grey baseball cap, the Duke appeared completely at ease, observing the game from premium courtside seats.

Since relocating to the United States in 2020, Harry has increasingly established a presence at major American sporting events, from NFL games to Formula One races. While the rest of the British Royal Family participated in the formal, rigid structure of the annual birthday parade back in the UK, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to carve out their own distinct rhythms of life. Whether acting as fervent advocates for military veterans or gracious hosts to their private circle of friends, the couple appears intent on defining their own journey, regardless of the thousands of miles—and cultural differences—that now distance them from the traditional sphere of the British monarchy.