Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to London last night at the Endeavour Awards was, as expected, the main event. We’ve already talked about how their appearance was practically cinematic. And, as expected, this shot of them was published everywhere yesterday and today too, a major bonus for the photographer. 

The Endeavour Fund Awards recognises the efforts of servicewomen and servicemen who have survived  physical and mental injury and are thriving through athletics and adventure. At one point in the night there was a proposal. Pictures of Harry and Meghan looking delighted have also been shared everywhere. 

Meghan spoke briefly at the event, and opened with, “It’s very nice to be back” before talking about how “when we were watching the videos all the way from Canada we were like, ‘Who are we going to choose?’”

All the way from Canada indeed. Those qualifiers weren’t necessary to the point but, clearly, the Sussexes aren’t out here pretending like nothing happened and they didn’t just up and leave the country. 

Harry gave an earnest and heartfelt speech to honour those in the room and he, interestingly, he spoke of duty:

“For some, the military community represents a brotherhood or sisterhood that no other organization can provide, and for others, it’s a way of life which you never want to leave. For a lot of us, it’s both. Being able to serve Queen and Country is something we all are rightly proud of, and it never leaves us. Once served, always serving!”

There are still a lot people who think that Harry’s run off and abandoned his birthright. That’s clearly not how he sees it, although it probably won’t change people’s minds. 

Today Harry was with F1 champion Lewis Hamilton at the opening of the Silverstone Experience – thread below. 

Meanwhile, we’re now learning that yesterday Meghan, in her role as Patron of the National Theatre, visited the Immersive Storytelling Studio:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on

 

Private visits are never a favourite of the royal rota, aka “The Cartel”. But then again, would the royal rota appreciate that immediately upon her return to the UK, Meghan chose to highlight the work of a Black female artist whose vision addresses privileged blindspots and aims to promote empathy through inclusionary perspective? 

Meghan is right now visiting with students at Robert Clack School in Dagenham. Photos and details are not yet available at post time so we’ll include them later, or with the whole post-weekend package on Monday because the Sussexes tomorrow are expected at the Mountbatten Music Festival and Meghan will also reportedly be attending a few International Women’s Day events on Sunday before she and Harry join the British royal family for Commonwealth Day service. 

Many of you have written about some of the changes you’ve observed on this trip. There is no change, of course, to the signature Sussex PDA – in addition to the handholding, they had their hands on each other’s thighs a lot last night. And perhaps more notably, many of you noticed that her makeup was different? I liked that berry gloss on her lips last night and, well, it’s definitely not as “neutral” as we’re used to seeing from royals. Coincidence or conspiracy? Imagine being policed over lipstick though?