Why did Meghan Markle skip Prince Harry’s first UK public event after returning?

Prince Harry attended the inaugural Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner and Awards at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. The Duke of Sussex wore a black suit and bow tie and appeared in good spirits as he met other Invictus Games attendees. He paused outside the venue to pose for photographs. The appearance marked his first public UK event since returning to Britain with his family.

Why Meghan Did Not Attend the Invictus Event

Meghan Markle did not join Prince Harry at the London gala. Though she has frequently accompanied him to Invictus Games functions in prior years, her absence this time was not accompanied by an official explanation. Reports indicate she remained at the couple’s newly acquired home in the Cotswolds with their 7-year-old son Archie and 5-year-old daughter Lilibet.

Family Adjustment Following Transatlantic Move

The Sussexes relocated from California to the UK approximately three weeks before the event. A source close to the couple told PEOPLE that settling the children remains their primary focus. “Has been, and remains, their focus,” the source said, adding that “everything else will fall into place when the time is right.”

The same source characterized the move as a major adjustment. “There is a lot to do. They have just moved halfway across the world, and it’s been really busy getting the kids settled,” the source stated, confirming the family’s current emphasis remains on the children “for the time being.”