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Prince Harry attends first public engagement since royal family crisis talks

London(CNN) Prince Harry has made his first public appearance since he and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, announced they are going to step back as senior royals last week.

The Duke of Sussex hosted the draw for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 at Buckingham Palace today.

It is the first time the prince has appeared on royal duty since he and his wife took the world by surprise when they announced they want to become financially independent and split their time between Britain and North America.

The midday event saw Harry join Dame Katherine Grainger, chair of UK Sport, and former England rugby player Jason Robinson to draw the group teams for the men's, women's and wheelchair tournaments.

Prior to the televised draw, the Duke met with children from a local school, as well as representatives from the 21 nations participating in the tournament -- which kicks off on October 23, 2021.

Dressed in a suit and tie, Harry smiled and shook hands with the youngsters, who gave a rugby demonstration on the palace lawn.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, meets youngsters ahead of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 draws.

According to the PA news agency, Harry joked with the children about how some had been more active than others. "Some of you are really warm... Some of you haven't been running around," he said.

"Look after the grass though yeah? Otherwise I'll get in trouble," he joked, PA reported.

Prince Harry poses with schoolchildren and Rugby League World Cup 2021 ambassadors James Simpson, right, and Jody Cunningham in the gardens at Buckingham Palace.

Prior to the draw, Harry said that the impact sport has had on both him and others -- especially young people -- is "remarkable."

"Not only do I continue to see sport actually changing lives, but it's saving lives as well," he added.

The Duke of Sussex has been Patron of the Rugby Football League since December 2016 when he inherited the role from the Queen.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement ahead of the event: "The Duke of Sussex has always strongly believed in the role of sport to bring communities together and change people's lives.

"Rugby League World Cup 2021 is keen to ensure a real social impact from the three tournaments, focusing on communities across some of the most deprived areas in England."

Ahead of his appearance, The Duke of Sussex voiced his support for the launch of the Rugby League Mental Fitness Charter, which aims to provide training for players, match officials and volunteers to look after their mental health, the Rugby League said Thursday.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, visited a women's center in Vancouver, Tuesday, making her first public appearance since she and her husband made the bombshell announcement.

She has spent recent days in Canada with baby Archie, while the royal family has attempted to deal with the ongoing crisis.

Harry attended crunch talks with the Queen and other members of the family on Monday.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the Queen said the family would have preferred the couple to "remain full-time working members of the royal family," but that they "respect and understand" Harry and Meghan's "wish to live a more independent life."

On Wednesday, Harry used the sussexroyal Instagram account to announce that the German city of Düsseldorf will host the sixth Invictus Games in 2022.

The Invictus Games are a multi-sport event specifically held for wounded or disabled veterans to participate in.

Harry -- who spent a decade in the UK armed forces -- said in a message posted on Instagram: "I hope everyone in Germany is ready for what will be an incredible week of sport! I have no doubt that the German public will get right behind these Games and that every single competitor can expect a warm welcome and an amazing atmosphere."

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