The Duchess of Sussex is believed to have already left the UK when allegations about her father, Thomas Markle, broke last week.
Despite some reports that Meghan "fled" abroad after allegations that child sex images were reportedly found in her father's former home in the Philippines, HELLO! understands that she was already out of the country for the October half-term with her family.
Some schools in the UK have two weeks off for half-term, meaning Meghan, alongside Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, were already abroad.
HELLO! understands the timing is coincidental, rather than a deliberate decision to escape the headlines.
© AFP via Getty ImagesA friend told us this week that Meghan is "incredibly upset" and has been in tears, but is being supported by those closest to her.
Many friends, both in the UK and abroad, have been reaching out to offer their support.
Andrea Caamano, who co-hosts HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast, told Page Six: "Being away from the intense media scrutiny has no doubt been a small blessing in disguise during this incredibly distressing time."
How long will Harry and Meghan stay out of the spotlight?
Harry and Meghan were always expected to have a quiet October, though their visit to Nottingham – their first joint outing in the UK in six years – changed things.
However, they're said to have no upcoming outings in the next couple of weeks, due to the half-term holiday and to avoid clashing with King Charles's tour in the Caribbean.
Meghan is continuing to work hard on her As Ever lifestyle business, recently launching a new holiday collection.
© NetflixThe family is expected to return to the UK towards the end of the week, in time for the children to return to school after half-term, HELLO! understands.
Meanwhile, a report in The Times suggested that Harry and Meghan are expected to have one more outing together before Christmas.
A source said that Harry is "mindful" not to draw attention from the royal family's official engagements and aims to time them not to clash where possible.
The Duke has continued his charitable endeavours since his return to Britain, attending events for WellChild and Invictus in September.
What are the allegations against Thomas Markle?
According to The Sun, Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., alleged that he found a stash of images belonging to their father at his former home in the Philippines.
He reportedly told police in the country that he discovered the child abuse pictures and videos mixed up with innocent family mementos.
© GC ImagesThe newspaper said he also contacted FBI investigators in the US in July.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Thomas Sr denied possessing child sex images, calling the accusations "sick lies".
On Friday, Meghan said she was made aware of "disturbing allegations" about her father in 2018.
She said she was shown a letter sent to Scotland Yard eight years ago making "troubling" allegations against Thomas Markle Sr and she was assured that these were being investigated.
