Meghan Markle to return to Britain for first time since exit announcement

Meghan Markle will make her first public appearance in the UK since her and Prince Harry's controversial announcement that they're quitting royal duties.

In what will be one of her last official events, the Duchess of Sussex will be at an awards event in central London next Thursday.

Meghan and Harry will attend the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Mansion House, it has been confirmed.

Two days later they have been invited by the Queen to the Commonwealth service at Westminster Abbey, but it is not yet clear if Meghan will attend.

The Duchess has been in Canada since news of their impending departure broke.


  • David Beckham is 'proud' of pal Prince Harry amid Megxit drama and move to Canada

  • Meghan Markle 'says she'll rise above jealousy and pettiness' of 'payback' Megxit rules

Next week's event celebrates the achievements of wounded and sick servicemen and women, and Harry is set to give a speech.

A royal announcement said this afternoon: "Upon arrival, The Duke and Duchess will attend a pre-ceremony reception where they will meet the inspiring nominees, as well as endeavour participants and key supporters of the Endeavour Fund.

"They will then attend the awards ceremony, where The Duke and Duchess will each present an award. The Duke will also give a short speech."


  • GMB guest explodes at Susanna Reid for defending absent Piers Morgan over Meghan criticism

The couple will cease being members of the royal family on March 31.

Meghan has reportedly told friends she will "rise above jealousy and pettiness" after strict restrictions were put on the couple by the royals.

The pair are said be disappointed by the terms of the 'Megxit' agreement , which they have spent weeks ironing out with the Queen, Princes Charles and William and royal aides.

Meghan reportedly believes they are being "picked on" , believing the restrictions – including a ban on them using the word 'Royal' in their branding – are "payback" for their decision to quit.

A friend told the Daily Mail : "She said she and Harry will continue to rise above jealousy and pettiness and focus on the good they are creating and on being the best parents to Archie.

"She said she will continue to champion Harry because out of everyone, he has the most integrity and the most loyalty."

The pal also claims Meghan believes the Queen was "under pressure" from the rest of the Royal Family when it came to the branding as Harry is her favourite and others "can't deal with it".

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 'Megxit' deal

After weeks of discussions, the Queen and other senior royals have agreed the terms of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry quitting the Royal Family.

The couple plan to move to Canada to start a new life with their son Archie, a decision which has reported "upset" the Monarch.

This is what has been agreed for 'Megxit':

  • The couple will officially step back from the roles as senior royals on March 31
  • They will close their Buckingham Palace office, with their 15 loyal staff reportedly being axed
  • Meghan and Harry will retail their HRH royal titles but will not use them. The same applies to the Duke's military titles
  • They will not use the word 'Royal' in their branding, meaning they will have to rebrand their website and drop their trademark application for Sussex Royal
  • They will return to the UK "regularly", staying at their Windsor home Frogmore Cottage
  • Rather than setting up a foundation as planned, they will create a new non-profit organisation and will continue working with their existing patronages 
  • There will be review of their new set up after 12 months.

Harry and Meghan have confirmed they will not use Sussex Royal in their branding – although in a controversial statement they said there were no legal restrictions to using the world "royal" abroad.

Harry will keep his military ranks of Major, Lieutenant Commander, and Squadron Leader but will not use them during the 12 month trial period.

The couple released a 1,114-word statement in response to their ban on using 'royal' in their branding name.

It read: "While there isn’t any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word ‘Royal’ overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘Sussex Royal’ or any iteration of the word ‘Royal’ in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs in Spring 2020."

Some branded their comments in the statement as disrespectful to the Queen.

Royal biographer Angela Levin said that the Queen would be saddened by the latest statement, which she branded "spiteful and petulant".

"The Queen didn't want to ostracise him," Ms Levin told Kay Burley. "She wrote that she loved them and wanted them to be in the family.

"They seem to take no notice of that, and just look for the dark side, looking at what they've missed out on."

Source: Read Full Article