Prince William says ‘we need to move forward’ in speech about building strong relationships

PRINCE William today appeared to deliver a thinly veiled message about the Megxit crisis as he said it was "ok to have challenges" but "we need to move forward" in a speech about building relationships.

The Duke of Cambridge was making his first public comments since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit as full-time royals.

William told a group discussing community relations: "It’s sometimes trying to get people to understand that’s it’s OK to have these challenges, we just need to deal with them and we need to move forward rather than just be stuck in paralysis and pretend they aren't going to happen."

It came a week after Harry and Meghan announced they are stepping down and plan to spend much of their time abroad.

And after crunch Sandringham talks earlier this week, Her Majesty released a statement saying the couple will be allowed to step down from their duties and spend time in Canada.

Today Kate and William, 37, were cheered by a huge crowd as they arrived in the West Yorkshire city, with the town hall's bells ringing out to mark the visit.

The couple smiled as they met with city officials - their first joint engagement since the charity event to support mental health support service Shout in November last year.

William said earlier: "You can see that communities are trying to come together, help each other, get to know each other.

It’s sometimes trying to get people to understand that’s it’s OK to have these challenges, we just need to deal with them and we need to move forward rather than just be stuck in paralysis and pretend they aren't going to happen.

Prince William

"That is really crucial. If we can replicate more across the country, it can only be for good, bringing everyone together.

"Which is slightly the reason why we want to get around the UK now and see as many places in the UK we have not been to.

"Try to understand some of the more complex challenges, some of the more tucked challenges that people find hard to talk about.

"You talk about it here but if you go out and talk about it they won't know to tell the truth or not."

The Queen’s statement, acknowledging Harry and Meghan's ambition to become financially independent, appears to give them licence to strike commercial deals as part of their Sussex brand.

The Duke spoke to the Queen at the Norfolk estate several hours before the talks began with his dad and brother on Monday afternoon.

And while Meghan was expected to dial in from Canada for the crunch talks, the palace today confirmed she had not been part of the discussions about her future with the royal family.

A Palace spokesperson said: "In the end, the Sussexes decided that it wasn't necessary for the Duchess to join."

The former actress had returned to Canada to be with Archie, just 24 hours before the couple released their bombshell announcement they would be quitting as royals and moving part-time to Northern America.