Prince Harry attended the inaugural Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner and Awards in London on Thursday, Sept. 17. The engagement marked his first public appearance in the U.K. since moving back to Britain, according to reports by People. Meghan Markle did not join him at the event.
Prince Harry Steps Out Solo at Greenwich Gala
Instead, the Duchess of Sussex stayed behind to focus on settling their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, into their new surroundings.
Military Honors and High Spirits at the Old Royal Naval College
Prince Harry arrived at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich for the Invictus Spirit Awards wearing a black suit with silky lapels, a white button-up, a black bowtie, and his military honors.
The event honored individuals and organizations from the wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veteran community, aligning with the Invictus Games that Harry founded in 2014. Harry appeared in high spirits at the gala. The appearance follows a prior stop on Sept. 4 at Tower Bridge Studios, where he worked on an undisclosed project and signed the studio’s celebrity wall, according to People.
A Domestic Transition Back to Britain
Meghan Markle has not made a public appearance since the family relocated to Britain last month. According to a source cited by People, settling 7-year-old Prince Archie and 5-year-old Princess Lilibet remains the primary focus for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
“There is a lot to do. They have just moved halfway across the world, and it’s been really busy getting the kids settled,” a source told People, adding that their focus remains on family for the time being. Over the weekend, Meghan shared footage on Instagram capturing the family’s transition, including outdoor clips of walks through woods, fishing, and splashing in puddles.
School Adjustments and Logistical Hurdles
The family’s relocation has involved logistical adjustments. Archie and Lilibet started a new school following their return, but switched to a different institution just two days into classes due to security concerns, according to a spokesperson for the couple who spoke with People.
Hello! magazine reported that the concerns involved heavy traffic and distance, which made it difficult for security vehicles to maintain a convoy.
Imminent Review by RAVEC Security Committee
Additionally, Prince Harry and Meghan face an imminent security assessment by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), an independent U.K. Home Office committee that determines taxpayer-funded police protection.
People reported that this review marks the first security assessment for Meghan in six years, following the couple’s loss of automatic police protection when they stepped back from senior royal roles in 2020.
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