Meghan Markle attends solo event in Australia without Prince Harry

On Tuesday afternoon, Meghan Markle embarked on her first solo engagement of the Australian tour as she visited a women’s homeless services center in Melbourne.

The Duchess of Sussex, who is 44, put on an apron and served frittata to the facility’s visitors.

"Is anyone else getting hungry?" she asked after handing out meals, appearing relaxed as she interacted with journalists and guests.

She then sat with the women enjoying their lunch, sharing that she hadn't yet felt the effects of jet lag since their morning arrival.

This visit marks their first trip back to Australia since their 2018 royal tour, with the couple privately funding this journey and leaving their children at home.

The center is managed by McAuley Community Services for Women, a group focused on aiding women and children facing domestic violence, homelessness, and other related challenges.

The establishment provides essential assistance to some of Melbourne's most at-risk individuals, helping those in difficult situations.

Prince Archie, age six, and Princess Lilibet, age four, did not join their parents on this trip to Australia.

The Duchess of Sussex, who is 44, donned an apron and served frittata to the facility’s visitors.

Earlier in the day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, where excited crowds gathered in the hallways and on balconies to greet them.

The hospital holds special significance, having been visited by Princess Diana during her 1983 tour of Australia.

Several young patients had special interactions with the royal pair. Novalie Morris, a 12-year-old patient who gave Harry flowers, shared with People: "I gave Harry flowers and he said 'thank you' and encouraged me to 'keep on being brave.' It really lifted my spirits and I'll continue to remember that."

Also there was six-week-old Millie, who had just been released three days prior and returned for a check-up.

Mother Zoe described the visit as a joyful event after a challenging time, telling People: "One day, I'll tell her she met the prince."

Earlier in the day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, where excited crowds gathered in the hallways and on balconies to greet them.

Four-year-old Lily, a patient, made the couple a handmade welcome sign and gave Meghan a flower.

The duchess responded affectionately, hugging Lily and saying: "Oh my gosh, this is adorable. I love it." Harry complimented the young girl’s "beautiful" sign and asked her about the time it took to make it.

Their schedule in Australia includes both public and private appearances. Meghan is planned to lead a "girls weekend" retreat in Sydney organised by the Her Best Life podcast, while Harry will present a keynote on mental health in the workplace at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne.