Duchess Meghan is stepping out in Brussels with Prince Harry, despite a troubling weekend.
While Harry delivered remarks about online child safety at an event at the European Parliament as planned, Meghan did not speak in what was supposed to be a joint address from the royal couple.
Their appearance marks the first time they have been seen in public together since Meghan's estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr, was arrested by the FBI in Florida Nov. 6 over alleged child sexual abuse materials.
Meghan donned all black for the event and held Harry's hand as they arrived. The pair ignored questions being called out from the media about the investigation into her father, the Daily Mail reported.
Markle, 82, faces 20 years in prison if convicted. He has
denied the allegations against him.
While in Brussels, the pair are opening the "Lost Screen Memorial," an art installation dedicated to children who have lost their lives after being exposed to harmful content on social media.
Harry's remarks did not reference the Markle investigation, though his comments spoke about the need to protect children using the internet.
"I'm not here as an expert or a politician. I'm here as a father. My wife, as a mother," the prince said. "If technology really can change the world for the better, let’s begin by making it safe for children."
In a statement shared with USA TODAY in October, Meghan said she was "deeply distressed" over the allegations against her father, calling them "sickening." She said she hoped people would finally understand why she cut ties to her father almost a decade ago and said she had known about the allegations since 2019.
Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, has been helping the FBI identify ex-husband Markle in some of the alleged child sex abuse images.
Brussels outing is Harry and Meghan's second joint appearance since UK return
On Oct. 15, the Sussex couple stepped out for their first joint event since returning to the U.K. in August after six years living in California. Harry and Meghan visited the city of Nottingham, more than 100 miles from London and one that holds a special place in their royal love story.
The couple first visited Nottingham in December 2017, marking their first official public outing together. The visit came just weeks after Buckingham Palace announced their engagement and gave Meghan her first taste of life in the royal spotlight.
Upon their return last month, the pair were met with hugs, flowers and requests for selfies as they met with several local organizations including Himmah Hub, a food poverty community action group. Groups of people outside shouted "we love you," as the pair interacted with some of the well wishers.
Their reception in Nottingham came after much debate surrounding their return to Britain, their royal titles, security arrangements and amid an ongoing rift between Britain's royals.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Meghan and Harry step out for online child safety event after Thomas Markle arrest
