Harry and Meghan make their first joint public appearance in the UK amid tensions with Buckingham Palace

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, made their first joint public appearance on Thursday since returning to the United Kingdom, during a visit to several charities in the English city of Nottingham.

According to the AFP news agency, the youngest son of King Charles III, 42, and Meghan, 45, were greeted with applause by supporters, with whom they chatted, posed for photos and exchanged gestures of affection.

The couple visited three organizations dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people and communities through music, film, sports and food assistance programs. Nottingham holds special significance for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as it was there that they made their first joint public appearance after announcing their engagement in 2017.

A visit that reignites tensions with the monarchy

The reappearance comes amid disagreements with Buckingham Palace over the public role of Harry and Meghan, who stepped down from their official duties within the royal family in 2020.

In September, the Palace clarified in a letter that the couple now hold a status equivalent to that of private citizens and should not use the title "Royal Highness" in their activities.

The statement also reiterated that their business and charitable initiatives are independent of the Crown and do not constitute official engagements of the monarchy.

Harry and Meghan returned to live in the United Kingdom in August, after six years living in California, along with their children Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5.

Although the prince has managed to mend fences somewhat with his father, Charles III, he remains estranged from his older brother, Prince William, heir to the British throne.

The visit to Nottingham thus marks a new phase in the public presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in England, though they have not resumed their former duties within the royal family.