Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step out after six week hiatus

The couple visited Canada's High Commission to thank them for their 'hospitality'. Photo / Getty Images

Harry and Meghan have made their first appearance of 2020 - and put on a very public display of affection.

After a six-week hiatus, the couple stepped out to visit Canada's High Commission in London to thank staff for the "warm" hospitality while on holiday in the country.

The pair were seen holding hands and walking very closely during the meeting with commissioner Janice Charette.

The couple recently returned home from their extended break, having celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with their eight-month-old son Archie out of the public eye.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at Canada House. Photo / Getty Images

It was their first official engagement since they were last seen at Remembrance Day services in November.

During their visit, the couple toured the Canada Gallery and viewed a special exhibition by indigenous Canadian artist Skawennati, an award-winning new-media artist based in Montreal.

The Duke and Duchess also met different members of the High Commission team who work in a range of sectors supporting the partnership between Canada and the UK.

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Today, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Canada House in London to thank the High Commissioner Janice Charette and staff for the warm hospitality during their recent stay in Canada. The Duke and Duchess have a strong connection to Canada. It’s a country The Duke of Sussex has visited many times over the years and it was also home to The Duchess for seven years before she became a member of The Royal Family. Thank you Canada 🇨🇦! • Video © SussexRoyal Music © Raphael Lake

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Jan 7, 2020 at 9:57am PST

The Sussexes last visited Canada House on Commonwealth Day last March, when they met and spoke with young Canadians from a wide range of sectors including fashion, the arts, business and academia, about their experiences as expats as well as opportunities for young people working in the Commonwealth.

The Duchess, particularly, has strong ties to Canada, having lived and worked in Toronto whilst starring in the US television drama Suits.

The couple were first pictured together in the city when she joined her then-boyfriend, Prince Harry, at the 2017 Invictus Games.

They are expected to have a busy few months as they formally launch their own charitable foundation.