Prince Harry makes last public appearance before he & Meghan Markle take break to spend Christmas with Doria
PRINCE Harry has attended his final public event for six weeks – before he, Meghan and baby Archie take a break from the limelight.
The Duke of Sussex, 35, smiled as he joined the OnSide Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London yesterday.
The trio will now retreat for some private time before the Christmas break – visiting family and “recharging” their batteries.
The message echoed what his wife Meghan, 38, said in a TV interview last month.
Harry, 35, said: “By understanding our own mental health, and by knowing what makes us thrive rather than just survive, we’ll be unlocking incredible potential for young people up and down the country.”
The YouthZones are spread across the UK and offer young people in disadvantaged areas the chance to take on an activity session every day of the week.
After this evening the couple won’t be seen in public for a while – following the news they would be taking a break.
: “The Duke and Duchess have a full schedule of engagements and commitments until mid-November, after which they will be taking some much-needed family time.”
The family are expected to fly to the States where they are thought to be spending Thanksgiving as part of their six-week break.
CHRISTMAS BREAK
Meghan, who was born in Los Angeles, will reportedly spend the November 28 holiday with Harry, Archie, and her mother, Doria Ragland, and wants her six-month-old son to grow up aware of his American heritage.
It was thought they would return to the UK and spend Christmas with the rest of the royals at Sandringham, but the Sun reported last week they are going to stay away.
A palace spokesman said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month.
“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria Ragland.
“This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen.”
The Sussexes could stay at home in Windsor or travel abroad again to be with Meghan’s mum.
They informed Her Majesty, 93, they will not be joining her and Prince Philip, 98.
A royal source said: “They need some time away to recharge and decide their plans for next year.”
