The Duke and Duchess of Sussex applaud enthusiastically as the British flag waves at the top of One Young World

Prince Harry showed his support for his country when the British flag was waved during the One Young World Summit.

Harry, 37, and his wife Meghan Markle applauded enthusiastically as UK flags were waved in front of a 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, were seen clapping loudly at the presentation of Great Britain flags, despite the fact that they had publicly criticized the royal family and claimed they did not feel safe in Britain.

The couple’s apparent excitement for the UK came after they stood while presenting the Ukrainian flag, likely in solidarity with the country amid the Russian invasion. Many of those present at the summit stood in support of Ukraine.

Meghan, 41, delivered her first speech in Britain since Megest during the summit, gushing about Prince Harry and the ‘life-changing’ influence of becoming Archie’s mother. As she told the audience, “It’s so nice to be back in the UK.”

The summit was the couple’s first public appearance in the UK since their return for the Queen’s platinum jubilee in June.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex applauded to the music as the flag ceremony was held on stage.

The couple sat center stage on the bench together as they joined forces with One Young World advisors to watch the flag bearers enthusiastically parade the flags of more than 200 countries during a ceremony.

Meghan, with her hair in a sleek ponytail, her legs crossed and swaying in time for a street dance performance, sat clapping her hands.

The ceremony also included the flag of the refugee country, which has been included in the ceremony since 2016.

Harry and Meghan are in the UK this week for two charity events.

The couple have asked private security firms to provide a “ring of steel” in Manchester for their appearance at the One Young World Forum for Young Leaders, amid a row over who pays for their protection on UK soil.

The couple’s apparent excitement for the UK came after they stood at the presentation of the Ukrainian flag, likely in solidarity with the country amid the Russian invasion.

Attendees stand at the One Young World Summit, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, while the Ukrainian flag is presented

The trip comes amid an ongoing legal battle between Harry and the government over his security while in the UK. He filed a lawsuit after he was told he would not be given “the same degree” of personal protection after he renounced the royal family in 2020.

He said he did not feel safe under the current security arrangements that had brought his family here, and offered to pay British police to act as bodyguards themselves. Last month, he won a bid to file a lawsuit against the Home Office.

In addition to a massive security operation, media access to events in the UK has also been severely restricted, with only select journalists able to cover the couple.

Harry and Meghan have participated in many interviews since leaving royal life, including their controversial encounter with Oprah in 2021 in which they accused the royal family of racism and said the establishment had failed to help Meghan’s suicide bomber.

Meghan Markle was photographed reaching the top of One Young World in Manchester on Monday

Meghan Markle interacts as she listens to Prince Harry during the annual One Young World Summit at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester

During that interview, Meghan revealed that while living in the UK, she didn’t feel safe leaving her at home alone.

She remembered encouraging Harry to skip the Cirque du Soleil event at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019 as she was struggling with her mental health.

I can’t be left alone. ‘I’m afraid of what I might do,’ Megan said to Harry.

The couple attended the show together but Meghan claimed that she cried throughout the performance.

I think it’s very important for people to remember that you have no idea what happens to someone behind closed doors. No idea,’ she told Oprah about the event.

‘Even the people who smile and turn on the brightest lights. You need to empathize with what is actually happening.

Harry also said he was ashamed that he did not know how to help Meghan, and admitted he had not gone to palace officials or other members of the royal family for help.