Prince Harry makes last public appearance before he & Meghan Markle take break to spend Christmas with Doria

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PRINCE Harry has arrived at his last public event for six weeks – before he, Meghan and baby Archie take a break from the limelight.

The Duke of Sussex, 35, smiled as he joined the OnSide Awards at the Royal Albert Hall this afternoon.

The Duke of Sussex attends the inaugural OnSide Awards
The YouthZones are spread across the UK and offer young people in disadvantaged areas the chance to take on an activity session every day of the week
Prince Harry is attending the inaugural OnSide Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London

After this evening, the trio will retreat for some private time before the Christmas break – visiting family and “recharging” their batteries.

Today Harry will kick things off at a reception with youngsters who use the charity’s YouthZones, before giving a speech and presenting an award.

It is an organisation he and Meghan, 38, have supported in the past – and it was hoped Meghan may make an appearance this evening.

The Duke opened OnSides first London Youth Zone, in Barking and Dagenham and the royal couple visited The Hive, Birkenheads Youth Zone, in January this year.

The YouthZones are spread across the UK and offer young people in disadvantaged areas the chance to take on an activity session every day of the week.

After this evening the couple won’t be seen in public for a while – following thenews they would be taking a break.

An insider told the Sunday Times: “The Duke and Duchess have a full schedule of engagements and commitments until mid-November, after which they will be taking some much-needed family time.”

The family are expected to fly to the States where they arethought to be spending Thanksgiving as part of their six-week break.

CHRISTMAS BREAK

Meghan, who was born in Los Angeles, will reportedly spend the November 28 holiday with Harry, Archie, and her mother, Doria Ragland, and wants her six-month-old son to grow up aware of his American heritage.

It was thought they would return to the UK and spend Christmas with the rest of the royals at Sandringham, butthe Sun reported last week they are going to stay away.

A palace spokesman said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month.

“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria Ragland.

“This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen.”

The Sussexes could stay at home in Windsor or travel abroad again to be withMeghans mum.

They informedHer Majesty, 93,they will not be joining her andPrince Philip, 98.

A royal source said: They need some time away to recharge and decide their plans for next year.

The family will be taking a break from the limelight ahead of Christmas

After a busy year Harry and Meghan are stepping back for a few weeks to ‘recharge’