Harry, 37, and his wife Meghan Markle gave rapturous applause as UK flags flew in front of the 2,000-strong crowd at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Monday night. The couple, who moved to California after stepping down as members of the royal family, appeared to clap louder as Great Britain flags were displayed, despite having publicly criticized the royal family and claimed they did not feel safe in Britain. The pair’s apparent enthusiasm for the UK came after they stood up as the Ukrainian flag was unveiled, likely in a show of solidarity with the country amid Russia’s invasion. Several participants in the summit stood in support of Ukraine. Meghan, 41, gave her first post-Megxit speech in Britain during the summit as she spoke about Prince Harry and the life-changing impact of becoming a mother to Archie. He also told the audience “it’s great to be back in the UK”. The summit marked the couple’s first public appearance in the UK since returning for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex applaud during the opening ceremony of the One Young World Summit 2022 at Bridgewater Hall The Duke and Duchess of Sussex clapped along to the music as the flag ceremony took place across the stage. The couple took center stage on a bench together as they joined One Young World counselors to watch flag bearers enthusiastically parade the flags of more than 200 countries during a ceremony. Meghan, with her hair in a sleek ponytail, sat cross-legged and swayed in time to a rendition of Dancing In The Streets as she clapped her hands. The ceremony also included the flag of the Nation of Refugees, which has been included in the ceremony since 2016. Harry and Meghan are in the UK this week for two charity events. The pair have asked private security firms to provide a “ring of steel” in Manchester for their appearance at the One Young World young leaders forum, amid a row over who pays for their protection on British soil. The pair’s apparent enthusiasm for the UK came after they stood up as the Ukrainian flag was unveiled, likely in a show of solidarity with the country amid Russia’s invasion Participants of the One Young World Summit, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, stand as the Ukrainian flag is presented The trip comes amid Harry’s ongoing legal battle with the government over his safety while in the UK. He launched legal action after being told he will no longer have the “same degree” of personal protection after leaving the royal family in 2020. He said he did not feel safe under the current security arrangements bringing his family here and offered to pay for British police to act as bodyguards himself. Last month, he won an attempt to bring a High Court claim against the Home Office. As well as a massive security operation, media access to the events in the UK has also been severely restricted, with only select journalists able to cover the couple. Harry and Meghan have taken part in several interviews since stepping down from royal life, including their controversial 2021 Oprah interview in which they accused the royal family of racism and said the institution had failed to help a suicidal Meghan . Meghan Markle is pictured arriving at the One Young World Summit in Manchester on Monday Meghan Markle reacts as she listens to Prince Harry during the annual One Young World Summit at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester During this interview, Meghan revealed that while they were living in the UK she didn’t feel safe being left alone at home. She recalled encouraging Harry to skip a Cirque du Soleil event at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019 as she struggled with her mental health. “I can’t be alone. I’m afraid of what I might do,’ Meghan told Harry. The pair watched the show together, but Meghan claimed she cried throughout the performance. “I think what’s so important for people to remember is that you have no idea what goes on for someone behind closed doors. I have no idea,” he told Oprah about the event. “Even the people who smile and shine the brightest lights. You need to have compassion for what is actually potentially happening.’ Harry also said he feels ashamed that he didn’t know how to help Meghan and admitted he didn’t go to palace officials or other royals for help.
