
Prince Harry and Meghan put on a public display of affection during their first appearance today since embarking on a six-week hiatus from royal duties - to thank the people of Canada for hosting their private holiday.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex held hands and walked closely next to each other this afternoon as they visited Canada House to meet the country's High Commissioner in London, Janice Charette.

They were warmly greeted by Ms Charette and her deputy Sarah Fountain Smith, after saying they wanted to meet staff to 'thank them for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay'.

Meghan wore a mix of tans and camel colours for her appearance - pairing a coat from Reiss with a polo neck and £85 skirt from Massimo Dutti.

The Duchess was joined by Prince Harry, 35, at their first public appearance today marking the end of their six-weeks hiatus from royal duty - to thank the people of Canada for hosting their private holiday.

The Sussexes spent their first Christmas with baby Archie in a £10.7million eight-bedroom waterfront mansion owned by a mystery multi-millionaire in one of the most idyllic spots on Vancouver Island.

Harry and Meghan travelled direct to today's engagement from a private visit to The Hubb, the Grenfell community kitchen project in West London that the former actress collaborated with on the Together cookbook.

They vowed to get stuck into work today after returning 'energised and excited' from the holiday spent mostly in Canada.

In a possible indication of the months ahead - with the Sussexes' royal foundation expected to be launched this year - Harry said later about their chat with Ms Charette: 'There's a hell of a lot of work to be done and things to be talked through but a very useful conversation.'

However, the royal diary doesn't have any details of further engagements for the Duke and Duchess in the next month. Buckingham Palace told Mail Online that Harry and Meghan will be undertaking more royal events in the coming weeks, but were unable to confirm what they will be.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave holding hands after visiting Canada House in London this afternoon

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after visiting Canada House in London this afternoon, after their recent stay in Canada

Prince Harry and Meghan smile as they pose for a photograph with High Commission staff during their visit to Canada House today to give thanks for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada

Prince Harry and Meghan react as they view a special exhibition of art by Indigenous Canadian artist, Skawennati, in the Canada Gallery during their visit to Canada House

Prince Harry and Meghan listen as they showed an exhibition of artworks by Indigenous Canadian artist Skawennati, in the Canada Gallery during their visit to Canada House

Meghan and Harry's first official engagement of the new decade was to publicly thank Canada for hosting them during an extended private break over the festive period

The royals take in the artworks of indigenous Canadian artist Skawennati during today's visit to Canada House, their first engagement of the decade

Prince Harry and Meghan view artworks by Indigenous Canadian artist Skawennati during the visit to Canada House today

During their visit they gave thanks for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave Canada House in London today after their first royal engagement of the new decade

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex smile as they sit together during their visit to Canada House in London this afternoon

A smiling Prince Harry and Meghan, stand with the High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom, Janice Charette (right) and the deputy High Commissioner, Sarah Fountain Smith (left), as they leave after their visit to Canada House

Prince Harry gives a thumbs-up to the cameras as he and the Duchess of Sussex leave Canada House this afternoon

Prince Harry and Meghan sit with Canadian High Commissioner in the UK Janice Charette (second left) and deputy High Commissioner Sarah Fountain Smith (far left) during their visit to Canada House today

Prince Harry leans in to whisper something to Meghan during their visit to Canada House today, where they thanked the High Commissioner for the hospitality they received during their recent visit to Canada

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex thanked the High Commissioner for the 'warm hospitality' during their six-week sabbatical

Meghan looked relaxed and happy during the visit, which comes after a six-week sabbatical for her and Harry in Canada

The Duke of Sussex pulls a face as he leaves with Meghan after visiting Canada House in London this afternoon

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex walk out of the front door of Canada House after their visit to the building in London today

A large crowd of diplomats greeted the couple, who both spoke warmly of their experiences in Canada over the Christmas break

Prince Harry exchanged jokes with the assembled crowd, before Meghan paid tribute to Canada and the welcome they had received

At the diplomatic mission, the couple told staff about the wonderful hospitality, scenery and tranquillity they experienced in their country

Harry asked diplomats assembled on the central staircase: 'Anyone here from British Columbia?' When several shouted yes and put up their hands, he told them: 'What a wonderful place you live in'

He prompted further laughter by suggesting that Meghan would speak to them in French, much to her horror. 'No!' she said before telling the staff: 'I want to say Happy New Year and thank you'

Meghan signing a guestbook at Canada House. The couple both appeared to be refreshed and in high spirits following their break

The couple, who held a team meeting with their staff at Buckingham Palace yesterday morning, have come back refreshed and have several public engagements in the diary for next week

Asked how the couple were, Meghan said: 'Invigorated, excited. The team were all excited to see them this morning. They were disappointed that none of us had sun tans'

Sources said there was nothing to suggest so far that the couple, who have clashed with the media and attracted public criticism at times, had come back resolving to do things differently

During their visit today, Harry and Meghan were served the popular chocolate treat of Nanaimo bars from British Columbia.

At the diplomatic mission, the couple, who took the holiday after struggling with the scrutiny that accompanies being high-profile members of the Royal Family, told staff about the wonderful hospitality, scenery and tranquillity they experienced in their country.

Harry asked diplomats assembled on the central staircase: 'Anyone here from British Columbia?'

When several shouted yes and put up their hands, he told them: 'What a wonderful place you live in.

'Thank you so much for having us - not that any of you had anything much to do with it,' he said to laughter.

'But the warmth and hospitality that we were shown while there was unbelievable, and that's exactly why we chose to go out there. So thank you.'

He prompted further laughter by suggesting that Meghan would speak to them in French, much to her horror. 'No!' she said before telling the staff: 'I want to say Happy New Year and thank you, and as my husband said, my goodness it was just such an incredible time we were able to have there and with our son too.

'And just to be able to take in the warmth that we experienced from the people but also just to walk around and just see the beauty of Canada.

'To see Archie go 'ahhh' when you walk by and just see how stunning it is, so it meant a lot to us…'

Aides said the couple, who were still jet-lagged and only got back very recently, had originally intended to divide their extended period of leave between the UK and the United States but then their plans changed and they decided to go to Canada to spend Christmas and New Year with Meghan's mother Doria Ragland and a number of friends.

They never set foot in the US but their choice of holiday destination stayed secret until quite late in their break, allowing them to enjoy peace and tranquillity at the seaside just outside the city of Victoria, about 60 miles from Vancouver over on the mainland.

The couple, who held a team meeting with their staff at Buckingham Palace yesterday morning, have come back refreshed and have several public engagements in the diary for next week, a senior royal aide said.

Asked how the couple were, she said: 'Invigorated, excited. The team were all excited to see them this morning. They were disappointed that none of us had sun tans.'

It rained quite a lot in British Columbia so they had no tans either, the aide said.

Sources said there was nothing to suggest so far that the couple, who have clashed with the media and attracted public criticism at times, had come back resolving to do things differently.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at Canada House today in their first public engagement of the year

Harry and Meghan gesture while leaving Canada House after a visit in thanks for the warm Canadian hospitality they received

Meghan smiles as she and Prince Harry leave Canada House in London following the couple's visit this afternoon

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after their visit to Canada House in London today to meet with the High Commissioner

Following their first official engagement of the new year, Harry and Meghan leave Canada House in London this afternoon

Upon arriving at Canada House, the Duke and Duchess were greeted by fans, many who carried mini-Canadian flags to greet the royals

Kilvir Buttar, an IT worker at Canada House, who spoke to the couple outside, told Meghan she was from Vancouver, where the couple stayed. Meghan told her she thought it was 'so beautiful'.

Jamie Weare, another staff member at the High Commission, who was waving a flag on their arrival, added that Harry said they had enjoyed their trip but complained that 'it rained all the time'.

Sumira Osman, a consular official, added: 'They were lovely and so gracious. There was a real aura about them. We only found out about this visit at 2.30pm yesterday and it was such a surprise. It is a lovely gesture.'

It is understood that the couple flew in at the weekend from Canada. Aides confirmed the Daily's Mail exclusive story that the couple had spent their entire six-week break in the country, including Thanksgiving.

Prince Harry and Meghan hold hands outside Canada House in London today as they leave following their engagement

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex hold hands as they leave after their visit to Canada House in London this afternoon

The Duke and duchess are meeting different members of the High Commission team who work in a range of sectors

Prince Harry thanks staff at Canada House for hosting the couple this afternoon during their royal engagement

The Duchess of Sussex waves and smiles for the cameras as she leaves Canada House in London with Harry today

Prince Harry and Meghan put on a public display of affection during their visit to London's Canada House today

The couple's visit to Canada House today (pictured) followed a private visit to the Hubb Community Kitchen

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after their visit to Canada House in London this afternoon

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit to Canada House in London was revealed by Buckingham Palace yesterday

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met different members of the High Commission team who work in a range of sectors

The couple thanked staff for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their stay in the country

Today's visit comes less than 24 hours after it was announced by Buckingham Palace. It is unheard of for a royal to undertake a Court Circular-documented engagement to thank a country that wasn't officially 'hosting' them.

The trip was classed as private and no official engagements took place. But Harry and Meghan have always made clear they like to cast aside convention and do what is least expected.

The couple were last seen in public together on Remembrance Sunday in November when they joined other royals in London. Harry also undertook a subsequent solo public engagement.

They then disappeared from view with son Archie, now eight months, with a spokesman saying they were taking 'extended family time' after a year in which both admitted struggling with their royal roles.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave Canada House in London following their visit today

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan visit Canada House, which houses the offices of the High Commission of Canada in the UK

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after their visit to Canada House to meet with Canada's High Commissioner to the UK

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex wanted to express their thanks for the 'warm hospitality' and help they received on holiday

The couple smile outside Canada House after meeting staff in person during the engagement this afternoon

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan leave Canada House in London following their engagement this afternoon

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex thanked staff for the warm hospitality they received during their extended festive break

Meghan shows her thanks for the staff at Canada House in London hosting the royal couple this afternoon

The couple's visit to Canada House in London today followed a private visit to the Hubb Community Kitchen in West London

The Sussexes thanked staff for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their stay in the country

Harry and Meghan hold hands as they leave Canada House in London following their visit this afternoon

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex smile as they leave Canada House in London this afternoon

The mother-of-one paired a £650 coat from her favourite designer Stella McCartney with a £12.99 polo neck from H&M

Meghan was wearing an £85 skirt from Massimo Dutti for the appearance at Canada House in London today

Harry and Meghan hold hands as they leave Canada House in London today following their royal engagement

Meghan smiles as she holds her coat in her hands and leaves Canada House in London this afternoon

Harry and Meghan returned to the UK after spending six weeks away enjoying private family time with their son Archie

The Duke of Sussex smiles and waves to photographers and well-wishers outside Canada House in London this afternoon

The couple toured the Canada Gallery today and viewed a special exhibition by indigenous Canadian artist Skawennati

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after their visit to Canada House in London to meet with Canada's High Commissioner

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave Canada House in London following their visit today

Harry and Meghan leave today after meeting different members of the High Commission team who work in a range of sectors

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after their visit to Canada House in London this afternoon

Harry and Meghan leave today. The Sussexes last visited Canada House in March 2019 to mark Commonwealth Day

It meant that they missed the Queen's pre-Christmas dinner and the Royal Family's annual festivities at Sandringham.

A spokesman said that after spending the last two Christmases with the royals in Norfolk, new mum Meghan was keen to spend time with her own mother, Doria Ragland.

They stressed the decision was in line with precedent set by other members of the Royal Family – including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – and had the support of the Queen.

Palace officials declined to discuss where the couple were staying. Shortly before Christmas, however, the Mail revealed they were spending their holiday in Canada.

The couple's visit to Canada House today comes after they had an extended festive break in the Commonwealth country

Meghan and Harry are pictured holding hands during their visit to Canada House in London this afternoon

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for their visit to Canada House as they are greeted outside by well-wishers

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex went on their first royal engagement of the new decade with the visit to Canada House

Prince Harry and Meghan smile as they arrive for their engagement at Canada House in London this afternoon

The Duke of Sussex and Duchess of Sussex visit Canada House in London today on their first official engagement of 2020

The Duchess of Sussex arrives today to visit Canada House in London to meet the country's High Commissioner

Harry and Meghan arrive at Canada House this afternoon, less than 24 hours after announcing that they would be visiting

The couple want to thank staff 'for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay'

Prince Harry and Meghan arrive at Canada House in London for an engagement today following their recent stay in Canada

The Duke and Duchess have spent the past six weeks based in Canada where they enjoyed private family time with Archie

Buckingham Palace later confirmed: 'They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son.'

Los Angeles-born Meghan lived in Toronto when she was working as an actress and has described Canada as a second home.

It was later revealed that the trio were enjoying all the luxuries on offer at a waterfront mansion in one of the most idyllic spots on Vancouver Island - and are even believed to have taken their two dogs over with them, too.

They were also seen out hiking locally with friends, including actress Abigail Spencer, a friend of former actress Meghan's from her days on the television drama Suits, with Meghan even offering to take a picture for one stunned couple they met who were struggling with their selfie stick.

The Sussexes last visited Canada House in March 2019 but today travelled to thank High Commission staff for their welcome

The couple are meeting Canada's High Commissioner and staff 'to thank them for the warm Canadian hospitality and support'

Harry and Meghan have the engagement in Canada House today after spending six weeks away enjoying private family time

Prince Harry and Meghan are pictured inside Canada House during the visit to the building in London this afternoon

The Duchess of Sussex speaks during her visit to Canada House today to meet with Canada's High Commissioner to the UK,

Harry and Meghan made their first public appearance today since embarking on a six-week hiatus from royal duties

The Duchess of Sussex is visiting the Canadians today to thank them for the warm hospitality of their homeland

Meghan and Prince Harry smile as they speak to people gathered outside Canada House in London today

Well-wishers line the street trying to get a glimpse of Harry and Meghan outside Canada House in London today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on their first royal engagement of the new decade at Canada House in London today

The Duchess of Sussex steps out of the car outside Canada House in London today as the royals arrive for their visit

They also posted a picture on Instagram of a delighted Harry holding his son, Archie, taken during their holiday to the delight of fans on New Year's Eve.

After meeting with the High Commissioner today Harry and Meghan will visit the Canada Gallery and view a special exhibition by Indigenous Canadian artist, Skawennati.

The duke and duchess will also meet different members of the High Commission team who work in a range of sectors supporting the partnership between Canada and the UK.

The couple last visited Canada House on Commonwealth Day in March 2019, when Meghan was still pregnant, where they met and spoke with young Canadians from a wide range of sectors including fashion, business and academia, about their experiences as expats.

The Sussexes are likely to have spent the US Thanksgiving celebrations with the duchess's mother Doria Ragland

Meghan, a former actress, lived and worked in Toronto during her time starring in the popular US drama Suits

The couple travelled to Canada House to meet staff and were warmly greeted by High Commissioner Janice Charette

The couple arrived at Canada House from a private visit to the Hubb Community Kitchen, run by a group of Grenfell women

The Duchess of Sussex smiles as she arrives for a visit to Canada House in London today to meet with the High Commissioner

Harry and Meghan are today meeting different members of the High Commission team who work in a range of sectors

Meghan smiles as she brushes her hair while meeting staff outside Canada House in London this afternoon

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit Canada House in London today following their six-week visit to the country

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Canada's High Commission in London to thank staff for their warm hospitality

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are greeted by High Commissioner Janice Charette as they visit Canada House today

Harry and Meghan are welcomed by Janice Charette, Canada's High Commissioner, and her deputy Sarah Fountain Smith

The Sussexes spent around six weeks away from Britain on an extended holiday and based themselves in Canada

Harry and Meghan have recently returned from an extended private break in Canada with their eight-month-old son Archie

The couple made the visit because they wanted to express their gratitude to the Commonwealth nation and its people

On their visit, the couple are touring the Canada Gallery and viewing an exhibition by indigenous Canadian artist Skawennati

Harry and Meghan returned to Britain after spending six weeks away enjoying private family time with their son Archie

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for their visit to Canada House in London this afternoon

During their time away, the couple missed the Queen's traditional pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace

Prince Harry and Meghan arrive at Canada House in London for their royal visit this afternoon

During 2019, Harry and Meghan faced reports of a rift, first between Meghan and Kate and then between Harry and William

Harry and Meghan Markle spent their first Christmas with baby Archie in a $14.1million mansion on Vancouver Island

Up to 500,000 Canadians currently live in the UK, a figure that reflects the strong, historic and enduring bond between the two countries.

Thanks for the break! Meghan and Harry stayed in beautiful waterfront mansion and even helped hikers with their selfie stick on Canada trip By LARA KEAY FOR MAILONLINE The Duke and Duchess Sussex jetted off to Canada after being given permission by the Queen to spend Christmas apart from the rest of the royals at her estate in Sandringham. The couple, baby Archie and Meghan's mother Doria Ragland stayed in a $14.1m waterfront mansion in Vancouver for their six-week Christmas break. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed they were staying in the country, where Meghan, 38, used to live when she worked on the Netflix series Suits. A couple hiking in the area also revealed the Sussexes helped them take a photo after they spotted them struggling with their selfie stick. The royals approached Iliya Pavlovic and Asymina Kantorowicz on New Year's Day in Vancouver Island's Horth Hill Regional Park. At first they didn't recognise them, but when they realised who it was they 'froze'. During their stay at the eight-bedroom mansion on Vancouver Island, they enjoyed the use of two private beaches and four acres of sprawling grounds. The pair were also away for Thanksgiving on November 28. Advertisement

Speaking after that visit Ms Charette said she kept dropping hints about them visiting Canada soon but got no firm commitment. 'I think their priority is the baby first,' she said at the time.

It is now believed that the couple are almost certain to undertake an official tour of the country sooner rather than later, possibly this year.

During their time away, the couple missed the Queen's traditional pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace and the gathering of royals at Sandringham on Christmas Day.

The Queen was said to have been supportive of the Sussexes' plans and it followed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's past decision to spend Christmas with Kate's parents and not with the monarch.

During 2019, Harry and Meghan faced reports of a rift, first between Meghan and Kate and then between Harry and his brother William.

In a TV documentary broadcast last October, Harry, when asked about the situation, said he loved his brother dearly but they were 'on different paths at the moment' and have 'good days' and 'bad days' in their relationship.

William, the Queen and other senior royals were said to have been left 'very worried' about the Sussexes after their emotional appearance on the ITV programme, filmed during their tour of Africa last autumn.

Harry described his mental health and the way he deals with the pressures of his life as a matter of 'constant management'.

Meghan admitted feeling vulnerable, and spoke of the difficulty in coping with intense media interest, saying: 'It's not enough to just survive something, that's not the point of life. You have got to thrive.'