Meghan Markle steps out without Prince Harry for second time surrounded by celeb pals

The Duchess of Sussex has been spotted at a star-studded charity event in California as she made her second straight public appearance without Prince Harry.

The Duchess of Sussex was spotted visiting Girls Inc as she appeared to support a digital wellness platform called Social Media U.

Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara is the “preeminent girls’ leadership organization equipping girls to reach their full potential,” according to the company’s website.

According to people present, Meghan used her speech to speak children about her personal experiences with online bullying.

Larissa May, founder of #HalfTheStory, who was in attendance, told Vanity Fair: “We did an activity where we talked through a bunch of scenarios, and Meghan talked about being one of the most bullied people in the world.

“We had girls wave these little emoji signs and talk about how each one of these scenarios would have impacted them emotionally.”

“We really wanted to make sure that the teens at #HalfTheStory were able to give their input on the type of experience that we would create.

“Ultimately, we thought the best way to do that was to create a space of vulnerability.”

Arthur Edwards, a royal expert, has observed that the pair are “doing things separately now” following several events that they have each appeared at without the other.

It is believed that Meghan is unwilling to come back into the royal fold and that the separation of professional duties is natural.

Royal correspondent Jennie Bond suggests: “Meghan is not popular. She doesn't want to come back, and they are going their own ways, to some extent.”

A source close to the couple has said that their recent solo appearances are normal and that it does not indicate a problem between them, insisting “It is normal for couples to not do everything together.”

The couple’s business relationships are said to still be running side by side and there is nothing to suggest that the pair won’t be conducting joint engagements in the future.

Last month, Harry made a rare public appearance in London as he attended an awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of young people and their families facing serious health conditions for his charity WellChild.

His solo appearances prompted an attendee of the WellChild Awards to comment: "He looked like the old Harry we knew and loved. He always came alive at events like this, but lately, he has seemed quite glum. He was in good form, full of energy and seemed quite happy to be on his own."