Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are back at London awards gala; witness sweet proposal

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan of Sussex's farewell tour (of sorts) of the United Kingdom was underway in London Thursday evening when the soon-to-exit couple appeared at the annual Endeavour Fund Awards for wounded warriors.

They even got to witness a surprise proposal.

It was a fitting venue for one of the last official engagements by the Sussexes, especially for Harry, the former Army officer who has made campaigning for military veterans and wounded personnel a major focus of his philanthropy.

The two arrived under pelting rain and a huge umbrella, to be greeted by a mob of reporters and flashing camera lights.

Meghan was sleek in a turquoise crepe pencil dress by Victoria Beckham and her hair, clasped behind her in a low ponytail, was noticeably longer since the last time she was photographed in public in London.

The Endeavour Awards, held at Mansion House in the City of London (the building is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the capital's financial district), celebrate the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women who have taken part in sporting and adventure challenges over the last year.

There was little sign during the awards of the turmoil that has swirled around the Sussexes for the last two months, especially in the British tabloids where their decision to step back from royal duties has been vehemently condemned as "Megexit" and as a slap at his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

In his addressing the enthusiastic crowd of veterans and wounded warriors at the awards, Harry acknowledged their service, dedication and bravery in lavish terms.

"Meghan and I are so happy to be back here with you, to celebrate each and every one of you for your achievements, your service and your resilience," Harry said. "I feel lucky to be able to count myself as one of you; and am deeply proud to have served among you as Captain Wales.

"A lot of you tonight have told me you have my back; Well, I’m also here to tell you, I’ve always got yours."

The Sussexes recapped the night on their official Instagram account with a video montage set to the upbeat tune of Otis Redding's "Down In The Valley."

The highlight reel included footage of the couple warmly greeting attendees and presenting awards to deserving veterans during the ceremony. One winner even proposed to his girlfriend in front of Meghan and Harry.

After winning the Recognising Achievement award, veteran Danny Holland called his girlfriend onstage and dropped to one knee. Meghan put both hands over her heart in excitement, as she and Harry smiled and clapped as the crowd burst into applause when she said yes.

"Congratulations to all those who participated in endeavours over the last year and inspired others to push the boundaries of what’s possible!" the Sussexes captioned the video.

The awards engagement is one of several in the couple's diary as they wind down their roles as senior working royals and prepare for new lives in Canada as financially independent "free royals." Their status change officially takes effect on April 1.

The two are also expected to appear together on Saturday at the Mountbatten Festival of Music, which features military bands, at the Royal Albert Hall in London; and on Monday at the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, which will include all the senior members of the royal family like Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William and Duchess Kate.

In addition, Harry will officially open The Silverstone Experience, an immersive museum on the history and future of British motor racing, on Friday, and Meghan is expected solo to mark International Women's Day in some way on Sunday.

Harry has already made two appearances in the U.K. since he arrived back from Canada last week: He went to Scotland to appear at a sustainable travel conference in Edinburgh to talk about Travalyst, his project with major travel companies aimed at promoting environmentally-friendly travel, and he visited Abbey Road Studios with Jon Bon Jovi to witness the recording of a single to benefit his Invictus Games Foundation.

Harry and Meghan are back in the U.K., staying at their former home at Frogmore House on the Windsor Castle estate, which they have said will remain their base when they are in the U.K.

So far baby Archie, who will turn 1 in May, has not been seen.

The Endeavour Awards, now in their fourth year, will feature four prizes, according to Buckingham Palace:

The Recognizing Achievement Award will be awarded to the individual who has best utilized their endeavor to promote and catalyze their recovery.

The Celebrating Excellence Award will go to the individual who has endeavored to achieve excellence in their chosen sport or adventure challenge.

The Henry Worsley Award will go to the individual who has best inspired others through the demonstration of determination in the face of adversity while helping to support others with their recovery through sport or adventurous challenge.

The Community Impact Award, a new award, will be given to the team that has contributed the most to their community and used the experience from their endeavor to make a positive impact on those around them.

Contributing: Cydney Henderson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry shine at London gala, watch sweet proposal