Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make first public appearance together since quitting royal family

Couple caused backlash among taxpayers earlier in day after leaving London hotel instead of Frogmore Cottage

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend Endeavour Fund Awards (Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made their first official joint public appearance since announcing their decision to step back as senior members of the royal family.

On Thursday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were seen arriving at Mansion House in London for the annual Endeavour Fund Awards.

During the ceremony, the couple is expected to hand out awards, which honour wounded or injured military veterans who use sports or athletics to aid in recovery.

For the occasion, Prince Harry opted for a blue suit and tie, while Meghan chose a simple turquoise dress with cap sleeves by Victoria Beckham, paired with navy heels.

Prior to their arrival at the awards, the duke and duchess, who are currently in the UK to fulfil their remaining royal duties before officially stepping back at the end of the month, were seen leaving The Goring, a hotel near Buckingham Palace.

Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Endeavour Fund Awards (Getty)

The couple are fulfilling their final royal duties before end of month (Getty)

Duke and duchess are expected to hand out awards during event (Getty)

The photos prompted some to accuse the couple of wasting taxpayer money by staying at a hotel instead of their home, Frogmore Cottage. However, according to royal expert Rebecca English, Meghan and Harry were at the hotel for a private lunch, and are staying at their home in Windsor.

Meghan and Harry pose with attendees at the Endeavour Fund Awards (Getty)

The couple clapped while sitting in the audience (Getty)

Meghan and Harry attend the annual Endeavour Fund Awards (Getty)

"Before everyone goes off on a tangent, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been photographed today at the Goring Hotel in London," English wrote on Twitter. "They were there for a private lunch and are staying at Frogmore, their Windsor home, I understand."

According to an update shared to the Sussexes website, the couple plans to continue to use Frogmore Cottage as their official residence in the UK despite stepping back from their roles in the royal family.

"Frogmore Cottage will continue to be the property of Her Majesty the Queen. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to use Frogmore Cottage – with the permission of Her Majesty The Queen – as their official residence as they continue to support the Monarchy, and so that their family will always have a place to call home in the United Kingdom," the website reads.

Over the next few days, the duke and duchess are also expected to make an appearance at the Mountbatten Music Festival on 7 March, before Meghan marks International Women’s Day with a special event on 8 March.

For the Sussexes final royal engagement, they will join the Queen and other members of the royal family at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on 9 March.