Prince Harry Seen for First Time amid News of U.K. Return, Attending Event in Washington, D.C.

Prince Harry attended an event supporting veterans in Washington, D.C., on the same day it was revealed that he, Meghan Markle, and their kids are moving back to the U.K.

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Prince Harry stepped out on the same day that news broke of his move back to the U.K. with Meghan Markle and their kids

The Duke of Sussex attended an event for veterans in Washington, D.C.

Harry — who served in the British Army for 10 years and created the Invictus Games, an adaptive sporting competition for service personnel and veterans — chatted with guests and spoke at the podium adorned with a Union Jack

Prince Harry was all smiles as he met with veterans in Washington, D.C., shortly after the news about his family’s move back to Britain was made public.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, attended a roundtable event discussing increased support for veterans in the United States’ capital on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Harry — who served in the British Army for 10 years and created the Invictus Games, an adaptive sporting competition for service personnel and veterans — chatted with guests and spoke at the podium, which featured a Union Jack.

The outing marked the first time that Harry had been seen since it was revealed the same day that he and Meghan Markle would return to the U.K. this month, six years after they stepped back from the royal roles and relocated to California.

Their son, Prince Archie, 7, and daughter, Princess Lilibet, 5, are set to attend school in Britain beginning in September. The location of the family’s private, non-royal home and the children’s school is being kept private.

Harry and Meghan, 45, will maintain their home in Montecito, California, and their vacation property in Portugal while establishing a home base in Britain for an extended period.

King Charles was made aware of the couple’s plans on Sunday, August 16, PEOPLE understands, and welcomes the opportunity to see more of his son and his family in a private and personal capacity.

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Despite the move back to the U.K., King Charles is said to have been clear that there will be no change to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s status as private individuals and non-working members of the royal family, keeping with the wishes they expressed and the agreement reached when they stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

With a base in Britain, Harry will be able to spend more time with charities including Scotty’s Little Soldiers and WellChild, as well as the Invictus community. The 2027 Invictus Games are set to be held in Birmingham, England, and Harry recently visited the site of the event for the one-year countdown festivities.

Meanwhile, Meghan continues leading her lifestyle company, As Ever, and pursuing future projects.

While Prince Harry built a life for his family in Montecito, California, an insider recently told PEOPLE the Duke of Sussex has “always had one foot” in Britain.

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“He’s never lived a life here where he hasn’t been entangled in his past life,” said the insider.

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