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Meghan Markle's touching tribute to Prince Harry's late friend.

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The Duchess of Sussex has appeared in public for the first time since nasty gossip surrounding a “rift” between her and Kate Middleton emerged to deliver a moving speech at charity event in honour of her husband’s late friend.

Meghan and Harry were photographed arriving at St Luke’s Church in London at a Christmas carols event held in memorial of Prince Harry’s school friend, Henry van Straubenzee, who tragically died in a car accident in 2002, The Sun reports.

Harry’s dear friend Henry died instantly in the passenger seat of a car that collided with a tree outside Ludgrove preschool in Berkshire.

He and his older brother Thomas were close with both Prince Harry and Prince William growing up. The four were even described as “inseparable”, according to the MailOnline, and the Duke of Sussex once described his late friend as a “surfing legend and ladies’ man”.

The foundation which hosts the carols event was set up in his name in 2007, and helps more than 28,000 children across 40 nursery, primary and secondary schools in Uganda.

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Meghan took to the stage in support of her husband, delivering a speech which struck a chord with the crowd.

A guest of the service told the MailOnline: “Meghan spoke very clearly, it was a fantastic service.”

Meghan and Harry are smitten as ever (and so are we). Post continues after video.

The event was the tenth annual carol service, and in a forward letter received by guests of the event, Prince Harry wrote:

“My brother and I are proud to have been patrons of the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund since it was established in 2007.

“Since it’s inception, the mission of the charity has remained the same to improve the quality of schools in impoverished rural Uganda by investing in buildings and resources.”

Meghan’s address to the crowd comes just days after stories about the pregnant duchess’ “difficult behaviour” ahead of her wedding, and “rude” treatment of palace staff began to circulate.

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There have also been reports from anonymous royal sources that Harry allegedly took issue with his brother for failing to “roll out the red carpet” for Meghan.

Prince William and Kate Middleton did not attend the carols service – they were at a reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace held at the same time.

However, Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton, her brother James Middleton and parents Carole and Michael were in attendance at the St  Luke’s service, despite the rumoured tension between sisters-in-law.

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