The Duke of Sussex has now asked to be addressed simply as "Harry"

Publish Date
Thursday, 27 February 2020, 9:46AM

Prince Harry has returned to the United Kingdom for his final engagements before stepping away from royal life.

However, during his first public appearance since confirming the agreement that he and wife Meghan Markle will be stepping back as senior members of the British royal family, the Duke of Sussex asked to be addressed simply as "Harry".

Yesterday the 35-year-old attended an event at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre for his eco-tourism initiative Travalyst - which he launched last summer along with brands including Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, Trip.com and Visa to try and make tourism and travel more environmentally friendly and make greener options more accessible.

As he stepped on stage he told host Ayesha Hazarika to "call me Harry".

To which she said to the delegates: "He's made it clear that we are all just to call him Harry. So ladies and gentlemen, please give a big, warm, Scottish welcome to Harry."

His request comes just days after he and Meghan released a statement confirming they wouldn't be using 'Royal' in their branding.

READ MORE:
• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle share their first family Christmas snap starring baby Archie
• Prince Harry shares heartbreaking revelation camera flashes remind him of Princess Diana's death

They said: "As The Duke and Duchess will no longer be considered full-time working Members of The Royal Family, it was agreed that use of the word 'Royal' would need to be reviewed as it pertains to organisations associated with them in this new regard ... While there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word 'Royal' overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use 'Sussex Royal' or any iteration of the word 'Royal' in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020."

Harry has spent the past month in Canada with Meghan and their nine-month-old son Archie.

On March 5, Harry will be joined by Meghan at the Endeavour Fund Awards in London and two days later, they will be at the city's Royal Albert Hall for the Mountbatten Music Festival.

It is unclear if Meghan and Archie are currently in the UK or if they will join Harry at a later date.

The couple will officially step back as working royals on 31 March.

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you