PRINCE Harry is tackling his decision to quit royal life head-on today as he hosts the Rugby League World Cup draw in his first public engagement since “Megxit”.
The Duke of Sussex urged men suffering from mental health issues to not just “grin and bear it” ahead of the event at Buckingham Palace.
Harry has delayed a reunion with Meghan Markle and baby Archie in Canada to honour his commitment as patron of the Rugby Football League.
He will meet representatives of the 21 nations taking part and watch local kids playing rugby in the Buckingham Palace gardens.
The prince will also host the 2012 draw from the palace for the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments.
Speaking ahead of the draw, Harry launched a “Mental Fitness Charter” aimed at training players, officials and volunteers to look after their own mental health and the mental health of those around them.
‘DON’T GRIN AND BEAR IT’
He said: “It is not just about being physically fit but more importantly mentally strong.
“The perception of rugby league is that you need to be tough.You can’t show your feelings, you need to grin and bear it.
“But something like the Mental Fitness Charter will help us make real progress in getting rid of the stigma associated with mental illness.”
The draw will be his first official public engagement since he stepped down as a senior royal with wife Meghan and announced the pair would be splitting their time between the UK and Canada.
Harry had been expected to join his wife at their 11million Canada hideaway but it emerged last night he will be staying in the UK until next weekto sort the couple’s royal exit bombshell.
And he broke his silence on the Sussex Royal Instagram page to reveal the location of the 2022 Invictus Games would be in Dusseldorf.
BROKE COVER
Harry said: “I hope everyone in Germany is ready for what will be an incredible week of sport.
“I have no doubt that the German public will get right behind these games and that every single competitor can expect a warm welcome and an amazing atmosphere.”
He also confirmed 20 countries joining in for the 2020 games, adding: “The story continues.”
Meghan meanwhile has been snapped looking relaxed as she visited another women’s charity in Vancouver.
TheDuchess of Sussex was pictured chatting with women at Justice For Girls – a charity promoting an end to violence and racism against teenage girls living in poverty.
ROYAL CRISIS
She was seen for the first time since announcing she and Harry want to quit royal life as she boarded a seaplane from Vancouver Island to Vancouver to carry out the charity visits on Tuesday.
There was no sign of nine-month-old son Archie, who was believed to have been left with a nanny.
She was escorted to the plane by a bodyguard. An airport source said: She didnt have to sit and wait with other passengers inside the terminal.
It came after Harry was locked in crisis talks with the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William over their future.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussexgot their way at the summit but the Queen made it plain she is deeply upset they are quitting.
Afterthe Sandringham talks, Her Majesty released a statement saying the couple will be allowed to step down from their duties and spend time in Canada.
But she said: Although we would have preferred them to remainfull-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life.
