The Duchess of Sussex has joined the Duke of Sussex in the UK from Canada, making her first public appearance since the couple made the bombshell announcement they would be stepping back from their roles as senior royals.
Duchess Meghan was a picture of perfection as she stepped out with Prince Harry for the annual Endeavour Fund Awards on Thursday night.
Meghan and Harry made their first joint public appearance on Thursday since their bombshell announcement. (Image: Getty)
The duchess paired a fitted bright blue Victoria Beckham dress with royal blue suede pumps and matching clutch, styling her hair in a sleeked-back low ponytail. Harry also opted for blue, choosing the hue for his suit and tie.
While the weather wasn’t playing ball for the awards evening – which celebrates the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women who have excelled in sporting and adventure pursuits – the rain didn’t dampen the couple’s mood, smiling as they entered the venue, Mansion House.
The wet weather didn’t dampen the mood. (Image: Getty)
Ahead of the reception Harry and Meghan met with the nominees as well as Endeavour participants and key supporters of the fund. During the ceremony, hosted by former Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers, the couple each presented an award and Harry gave a short speech.
Thursday’s event marked Harry and Meghan’s first joint public appearance since they made the bombshell announcement they would be stepping back as senior members of the royal family and will also mark one of their last when they officially depart royal life from March 31.
Harry and Meghan both presented awards at the evening, which was hosted by Invictus Games medallist and good friend of Harry’s JJ Chalmers. (Image: Getty)
Harry and Meghan have a couple more engagements planned before the Commonwealth Day service on March 9, which is thought to be their final public engagement. There the couple will join other members of the royal family including the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla, in what will be their first public appearance with the Royal Family since their monumental decision.
Harry arrived from Canada last week ahead of Meghan, to attend a working summit in Edinburgh for his sustainable travel initiative, Travalyst.
While the couple’s 10-month-old son Archie had reportedly been expected to travel to the UK with Meghan, reports have indicated he has remained at their new home in Canada due to the growing risk of the coronavirus.
Harry and Meghan’s son Archie, who is now 10 months old, is reportedly back at his new home in Canada. (Image: Getty)
The couple has agreed to a review of the new agreement arrangements between the Sussexes and the Palace in 12 months.
Following their royal exit, Harry and Meghan will no longer be able to actively use their ‘HRH’ titles and will no longer receive funding from the Sovereign Grant. They will also no longer represent the Queen or Commonwealth and plan to launch a non-profit organisation that will also introduce their new ‘brand’ no longer being allowed to use their well-known Sussex Royal label due to issues with the use of the word ‘royal’.
While the final agreement is a far cry from the half-in half-out approach the couple had initially hoped for, Prince Harry has said he does not regret the decision to step back saying he felt he had “no option but to leave” when it came to protecting his family.
