Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make dazzling return to royal duties after extended break - see best photos

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to royal duties on Tuesday as they visited Canada House in London. Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, have been on a six-week break and were last seen in public for the Remembrance Day services in November.

During that period, the couple enjoyed some extended family time with their baby son Archie, who is now eight-months-old, and Meghan's mother Doria Ragland. They based themselves in Canada and during Tuesday's engagement, the royals met with Janice Charette, High Commissioner in Canada to the UK, as well as staff to thank them for the warm hospitality and support they received during their stay in the country.  

The couple arrived at Canada House from a private visit to the Hubb Community Kitchen, whose recipes were featured in a cookbook backed by the Duchess in 2018. Meghan wowed in a neutral-toned outfit with her hair styled in loose waves for the visit, while Harry looked smart in a navy suit. 

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted by a crowd of excited well-wishers as they arrived at Canada House in London. The couple were greeted by Janice Charette, High Commissioner in Canada to the UK, upon arrival at Canada House. 

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Before heading inside Canada House, Harry and Meghan stopped to chat with members of public who had gathered outside with Canadian flags. 

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Meghan looked elegant in a camel coat from Reiss, a light brown roll-neck jumper with a satin midi skirt, both from Massimo Dutti, and her velvet Jimmy Choo heels.

Meghan wore her brunette locks in loose waves, with natural make-up and a berry lip. 

Following their meeting with the High Commissioner, Harry and Meghan visited the Canada Gallery to view a special exhibition by Indigenous Canadian artist, Skawennati. The Duke and Duchess also met different members of the High Commission team who work in a range of sectors supporting the partnership between Canada and the UK.

During their visit, the Duke and Duchess posed for a group photo with staff at Canada House. 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.

He added: "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."

The couple last visited Canada House on Commonwealth Day in March 2019 where they met and spoke with young Canadians from a wide range of sectors including fashion, the arts, and business and academia, about their experiences as expats as well as opportunities for young people working in the Commonwealth. It was one of the last engagements the Duchess carried out before giving birth to son Archie in May 2019.

Kilvir Buttar, an IT worker at Canada House, who spoke to the couple outside, told Meghan she was from Vancouver, where the couple stayed during their six-week break. The Duchess told her she thought it was 'so beautiful.'

Before leaving, Harry prompted further laughter by suggesting that Meghan would speak to everyone in French, to which she exclaimed: "No!" The Duchess then told 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."

She added: "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…”

Harry and Meghan were all smiles as they left Canada House following their engagement on Tuesday afternoon.