Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are travelling to Brussels this week for their first public appearance since the Duchess of Sussex's father, Thomas Markle Snr, was arrested and charged over an alleged haul of child sexual abuse images. The couple will visit the European Parliament, where they will listen to addresses by EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola and MEP Antonio Lopez-Isturiz, the first vice-chair of the Child Rights Intergroup, before Harry delivers his own speech.
Meghan steps back from speaking role
It was previously reported that Meghan would also be part of the speech, but royal expert Roya Nikkah has since revealed that Meghan will now let Harry speak on their behalf. This is said to be due to her father's arrest and charges, with Meghan said to be "very emotional". Thomas Markle denies the allegations, calling them "sick lies".
The speech is set to take place at the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial in the European Parliament. It is expected to be the first time the pair will have been seen in public since Thomas Markle's arrest and charges.
Lost Screen Memorial and digital safety
The Lost Screen Memorial has been created by Harry and Meghan's Archewell Foundation to commemorate the lives of children who have lost their lives as a result of the harm they suffered on social media. Harry's speech will draw on the couple's experiences speaking with families affected by online harm. Their remarks will "underline the importance of turning commitments into meaningful action and ensuring that the experiences of children and their families remain central to decisions about the digital future".
The visit will be Harry and Meghan's second appearance since they moved back to the UK in August. The couple are now said to be living somewhere in the Cotswolds with their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.
Return to UK and royal status
The couple made their first appearance since their return to the UK last month, stepping out in Nottingham for three separate visits on October 15. In a firm letter issued on behalf of King Charles shortly after their return, it stated that Meghan and Harry should not use their HRH styles, which are still in abeyance, and that they "do not represent the sovereign" while out making public appearances.
The couple are still known, however, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Archie and Lilibet are now attending school in the UK, with Harry previously saying he wanted his children to attend school in Britain.
Christmas plans and family ties
Harry and Meghan are also reportedly planning to celebrate their first Christmas in the UK since 2018. It was previously reported that the couple would fly back to the US to spend the festive period with Meghan's mum, Doria Ragland, although she could now be set to join the family of four in Britain. The family, however, are not likely to spend Christmas with the royals at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, as Harry is still known to be estranged from his brother, Prince William, with the two of them having not spoken in years.
