It has been a while since we have seen Harry and Meghan out and about. Sure, there have been a few Instagram posts, and a glimpse or two over Christmas as they spent some time in Canada. But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's six week break from official business has left a major couple-shaped hole in our lives. Thankfully, though, the drought is over: they are back in Britain and beginning 2020 with their first engagement.
This afternoon, Harry and Meghan visited Canada House in London to meet with High Commissioner in London, Her Excellency Janice Charette. The appointment was, ostensibly, scheduled to say thank you to Janice and, indeed, all Canadian people, for hosting the couple and their son Archie over the festive period.
The appearance, which was announced via Buckingham Palace last night, is unorthodox. The couple's stay in Canada was not an official tour or visit, and so a courtesy meeting was not obligatory. But it indicates how appreciative Harry and Meghan are, following a trip that saw them maintain a pretty impressive level of privacy and respect. They were also scheduled to visit an exhibition of work by Skawennati, an indigenous artist born in a Québécois Mohawk reserve.
When Harry and Meghan established that they would not spend Christmas at Sandringham with the Queen and the rest of the royal family, there was speculation that they may stay at home in Frogmore Cottage, or perhaps visit Meghan's mother Doria in the United States. It was soon reported, however, that they had flown to Canada with Archie. A royal representative confirmed the news, saying: 'They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son.'
They spent the end of 2019 - a year which they may look back on with mixed feelings thanks to the highs of the birth of their son and the lows of many controversies - at a mansion on Vancouver Island, reporters to be worth £10.7million. They spent their time relaxing, and seeing friends including actress Abigail Spencer, who worked with Meghan on TV series Suits and attended the royal wedding in 2018.
It was during a walk with Abigail where Meghan came to the aid of a couple who were trying to take a selfie. 'We were finishing up and trying to get some selfies with the nice backdrop,' says Asymina Kantorowicz, 'when a woman came up to us and asked if we wanted her to take our photo.' This woman was, of course, Meghan.
The couple are expected to continue their love affair with Canada, through future engagements and visits. Maybe time for us to learn the national anthem...
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