5 Things Prince Harry Set Straight With His First Appearance Back on UK Soil

Prince Harry recently opened up about being back in the UK after six years in California. The Duke of Sussex on Thursday made his first public appearance since relocating to the UK at the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards in London, where he also spoke to HELLO! about his first few weeks back home. From his children settling into school to Meghan Markle not being able to attend the event by his side, Harry set the record straight on some of the many ongoing speculations about their return.

Returning home must definitely be an overwhelming feeling for the Prince, and he did not hide his feelings. While there was a lot of speculation about his dilemma about being returning to the UK amid security concerns, the Prince made his stance clear, stating, “It’s wonderful to be back on British soil and really nice to see so many old faces and friends." Talking to People about the homecoming, Harry repeated, "Good. It’s good to be back on British soil."

Meghan Markle's absence from the event raised eyebrows, especially given rumors of trouble in paradise. The Duchess has been keeping a low profile since their UK return, but now the Prince has clarified that Markle stayed home as she is settling into life in the UK with their kids. Sharing updates, he said, "We’re happy. And as I said, it’s great to be back on British soil, and looking forward to Birmingham next year." Elaborating on Markle's absence, he added, "The last two weeks have been… It’s been eventful. But, you know, we’re getting stuck into the work." Earlier, an insider also told People, “There is a lot to do. They have just moved halfway across the world, and it’s been really busy getting the kids settled."

Harry's professional life has equally been in question, much like his personal life, especially concerning Invictus's finances and partnerships. However, with his first Invictus event since his return to the UK, the Duke showed just how successful and strong the Games remain. As per HELLO!, the Duke made a private donation of £10,000 (around $13,500), and in total, the event raised some £1.7 million (around $2.3 million), leaving the Prince elated with the outcome. Expressing his gratitude, Harry shared, "We got to tell some incredible stories and celebrate some amazing heroes. So, yeah, I feel really, really happy that everyone came out and showed their support. It’s been an incredible evening."

While there has been a lot of speculation about Harry and Markle being in the UK for just a few months or for good, the Duke clarified that the move is quite long-term. During the conversation with the outlet, he shared, "It’s been eventful. But, you know, we’re getting stuck into the work. Kids are in school." Harry confirmed that his kids are now enrolled in UK schools, and by extension, that his family is here long-term.

The King's letter citing Harry and Markle as private citizens was dubbed Charles drawing the line with his son. But it seems like the Duke is unfazed by it. He seemingly sent the message that he remains focused on his own independent projects such as the Invictus Games Foundation and Save the Children. For his first outing, Harry wore his Afghan Campaign medal, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee medals, and the Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order medal, seemingly sending the message that while he may not be a working royal, he remains a proud veteran.