Harry and Meghan Embark on Charitable Engagements in East Midlands

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will undertake a series of charitable engagements in the East Midlands this week, marking their first joint public appearance since their return to the UK as private citizens. Their itinerary includes visits to three charities in Nottingham.

Among the organizations the couple is scheduled to visit is the Community Recording Studio, where Meghan is expected to participate in an acting workshop. Sources indicate a potential return to stage and screen for the Duchess, who has reportedly been reviewing scripts for upcoming projects. The couple will also visit Himmah, a food bank, and the Hubb Community Kitchen, which was established following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Epic Partners, a charity focused on sports mentoring for children and adolescents, is also on their schedule.

Meghan has recently taken on a new role as the face of a Los Angeles-based charity that supports single mothers. She was seen modeling a cream and chocolate brown sweatshirt with the embroidered phrase 'It's the little things,' which quickly sold out. This initiative follows her engagement with Malala Yousafzai, with her brand As Ever donating profits from teas and jams to the Malala Fund on International Day of the Girl. The collaboration was announced after the two women were photographed together in London.

Prince Harry attended a Premiership rugby match in Leicester, where he was reportedly booed by some spectators. He was seen in the stands with his cousin George McCorquodale and Andrea Pinchen, the chief executive of the Leicester Tigers.

The Sussexes' visit comes as they continue to navigate issues regarding security in Britain. It is understood that the committee for the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) will reassess their security protection, given their status as full-time residents with their two children.

Reports suggest the couple is planning their Christmas celebrations independently, anticipating that a family gathering with the Royal Family would be too difficult. They are expected to spend the festive period with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, in California or at a property they own in Portugal. This follows a period where the couple has maintained a lower profile ahead of the holidays, with plans to return to California after school breaks.

Prince Harry has not yet met with King Charles since returning to the UK, though they reportedly remain in contact by phone. The Duke of Sussex has not spoken with his brother, the Prince of Wales, since 2022. King Charles and Queen Camilla met with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in July for the first time in four years.

The Duchess of Sussex also recently launched a luxury Christmas advent calendar through her brand As Ever, created in collaboration with a Los Angeles chocolatier. The product, aimed at US customers, sparked some controversy when certain vicars suggested their congregations opt for a charity alternative.