Harry, Meghan Plan First Joint Engagement in UK

Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are expected to make their first joint public appearance in the United Kingdom since reportedly returning to live there in August, according to media reports.

The couple are scheduled to visit Nottingham in central England on Thursday, the Sunday Times reported. The city holds significance for them, as it was where they made their first joint public appearance after announcing their engagement in 2017.

The newspaper said the planned visit indicated their intention to maintain a public profile, despite questions surrounding their status within the royal family.

The move comes after a letter from King Charles III last month reportedly stated that Harry and Meghan should be regarded as private citizens rather than public figures. The correspondence also made clear that they should no longer be addressed as His and Her Royal Highness.

During their Nottingham visit, the couple are expected to tour projects run by three charities supporting young people and local communities. Their work includes initiatives involving music, film and sport, as well as efforts to address food poverty.

Harry, 42, and Meghan, 45, stepped back from royal duties and left the UK in 2020 following a prolonged dispute with the royal family. They subsequently settled in California.

Although Harry has made efforts to improve relations with his father, the couple remain estranged from his elder brother, Prince William, heir to the British throne.

In a surprise development, the couple reportedly returned to live in the UK in August with their two children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five.

However, The Sunday Times reported that they intend to return to the United States for Christmas. Citing a friend of the couple, the newspaper said they did not expect to be included in the royal family’s festive gathering and were not waiting for an invitation.

The royal family traditionally celebrates Christmas at the king’s Sandringham estate in eastern England.