Spotlight on Harry-Meghan as they prepare for royal bow

Britain's Duchess of Sussex said it was 'very nice to be back' as she made her first public appearance in the United Kingdom since she and her husband Prince Harry announced they were stepping down as senior working royals.

The couple put on a confident display as they arrived in pouring rain at the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at London's Mansion House on Thursday, smiling broadly as they stepped out of their official car.

The couple were there to honour the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women who have taken part in remarkable sporting and adventure challenges over the last year.

All eyes were on Meghan, 38, who has not been seen in this country since she and Harry made the dramatic announcement that they were quitting public life in early January, much to the distress of the Queen.

She presented the Celebrating Excellence Award during the event and said: “It’s very nice to be back. It’s the third year I've had the incredible fortune of joining my husband here. It's just the most inspiring space.

“When we were watching the [nomination] videos all the way in Canada we had the same moment of "how are you going to choose?" Well, we've done our best.”

The evening event was the couple's first joint official appearance since announcing their decision to step down as senior royals, which takes effect on March 31.

Meghan looked gorgeous in a bright, sky blue dress by Victoria Beckham. The Duchess wore her hair slicked back in a ponytail for the event.

The couple were greeted mostly by cheers, but there was one loud boo, as Meghan and Harry embarked on their first joint engagement as they wind down their royal duties in the coming days.

The Duchess of Sussex has been in Canada since January when she returned to be with the couple’s son Archie, who had been staying with a friend, after briefly returning to London.

Meghan and Harry announced they were quitting as senior royals on January 8 and around 24 hours later the Duchess of Sussex left for Canada.

Meghan and Harry have a number of official engagements lined up in next few days with the Duke of Sussex joining Lewis Hamilton for the official opening on the Silverstone experience on Friday.

On Saturday Meghan will join Harry for the Mountbatten Music festival and she is also expected to take part International Women’s Day tributes on Sunday, although the exact details have yet to be confirmed.

Meghan and Harry will then attending the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster on Monday afternoon with the Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Kate.