Prince Harry's first public engagements since he and Meghan Markle moved back to Britain have been revealed, with the Duke poised to spearhead a series of charity events this month. The announcement is likely to be seen as Harry relaunching his public life now he and his family are back in the UK, amid what has been perceived as tensions between the Sussexes and the Royal Household.
Charity events and Invictus Spirit Awards
Complete details of Harry's appearances, including the dates, are yet to be released. The occasions were described by his team as his "September public engagements". His appearances will include the first-ever Invictus Spirit Awards, which will honour individuals, organisations, and communities who "embody the resilience, service, and unconquered spirit at the heart of the international Invictus Movement". At the launch of the INSPIRE programme, Harry will play pickleball with school pupils and take part in an assembly.
Created by educators for pupils from early years right through to Key Stage 5, the programme utilises the Invictus Games and the stories of its participants to develop national curriculum-aligned resources in maths, English, Stem, art, performing arts, sport and PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) education.
WellChild patron role continues
Harry has served as patron of WellChild - the national charity for seriously ill children and their families - since 2007 and routinely attends the awards ceremony. The engagement is described as "continuing his long association with WellChild as the charity's patron", with the awards, which he has attended 15 times, being a "significant part of his annual programme". He will meet this year's winners and their families, carers and health professionals to hear about their experiences supporting children with serious and complex health needs.
Harry and Meghan were said to be "surprised" by the formal letter sent by the Lord Chamberlain under the direction of the King to senior stakeholders in the Government and military, which classified them as "private citizens". The Duke and Duchess, who are awaiting news on whether they will receive taxpayer-funded security, are understood to favour the description "public figures" instead.
Sussexes settle children in UK schools
The Sussexes are said to be "happy to be back" in the UK, and getting Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet settled at school "remains their focus". A source close to Harry and Meghan told the US magazine People: "Everything else will fall into place when the time is right". They added: "There is a lot to do. They have just moved halfway across the world and it's been really busy getting the kids settled. Their focus has been on that, and will remain on that, for the time being. They are happy to be back."
A source close to the Sussexes blamed the Lord Chamberlain's letter for Uganda's decision to withdraw from the Duke's 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. Team Sussex, who were given around an hour's notice of the release of the letter on Monday, did not have time to clarify any of the points. Uganda's military chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba said the country had pulled out of the sporting competition because of "that Harry-Meghan nonsense", and that it would "not participate in anything" that does not have the King's "approval". A Sussex source told ITV News: "Intended or unintended, this is clearly a consequence of the Lord Chamberlain's guidance regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that was rushed out without consultation on Monday. Sadly, the only people who will suffer are the Invictus Games competitors."
A fresh YouGov poll meanwhile revealed that just 16 percent of Britons would like the Sussexes to return to being working members of the royal family, while 51 percent would rather they did not. Some 33 percent do not know either way.
Harry's engagements were revealed on Thursday evening - the same day the Prince and Princess of Wales carried out a key visit to Liverpool, where William was launching a suicide prevention toolkit for the sports sector. Kate made a surprise appearance at Everton Football Club at William's side, to show support for the major On Your Side campaign.
Six years ago, Harry and Meghan made the decision to step back from their roles within the working monarchy, seeking personal and financial freedom in the US. Just two weeks ago, they relocated back to the UK, having enrolled their children Archie and Lili in British schools, with whispers suggesting Meghan may be making a return to acting. Back in January 2020, the Duke and Duchess announced their intention to step down as "senior" members of the royal family, aiming to achieve financial independence, continue supporting Queen Elizabeth II, but divide their time between the UK and North America. However, at the Sandringham Summit, convened to address the Megxit crisis, the late Queen ruled that the couple could not have one foot in and one foot out - a stance the King has recently reiterated remains in place.
