What Meghan and Harry's first public appearance says about their new life

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made their first public appearance since leaving the royal family, and it says a lot about what their new life holds.

The couple travelled to Miami this week to attend the JPMorgan-sponsored Alternative Investment Summit, where Harry spoke to billionaire attendees about his mother's death and his decision to leave the royal family.

Meanwhile Meghan, who isn't believed to have had a formal role at the event, reunited with celebrity pal Gayle King at the event and reportedly stayed at Serena William's Palm Beach mansion nearby.

Though the appearance was kept relatively "hush, hush", with few details and no pictures emerging of the couple's attendance, it paints a compelling picture of what the Sussexes' future may hold.

Experts have estimated that the pair could have been paid as much as $750,000 for their appearance at the event, which they were reportedly flown to on a private jet.

It's a serious amount of money, but Harry and Meghan could quickly get used to a paycheque like it if they decide to take up more speaking events in their new roles as private citizens.

Despite leaving the royal family in January, the couple are still very much connected to the monarchy and many brands, organisations and individuals that would happily pay the pair to talk about their experiences as members of the monarchy.

At this week's summit, Harry opened up about the death of his mother, Princess Diana, one of the most beloved royals in recent history, telling the crowd that he has been "in therapy" to deal with her loss.

Since announcing that they were seeking financial independence, royal experts have speculated that the Sussexes could stand to make a fortune on the public speaking circuit, and this appearance could be a sign that they're planning to do just that.

But there have also been rumours that Meghan may return to her career in acting, and this appearance could hint that there's some truth to them.

The duchess met up with Gayle King, an American TV icon, who many believe could do the first television interview with the Sussexes since their departure.

With a long career in TV, King could also help Meghan connect with other major players in the film and television industry, helping the duchess along if she does indeed plan to return to acting.

Meghan and Harry are reportedly planning to spend the American summer in Los Angeles, where they are already looking for a holiday home, and the former Suits star is supposedly seeking representation in Hollywood.

Now, as the duchess reconnects with her A-list friends, it seems like a return to the entertainment industry may well be in the cards for her.

It was recently revealed that she and Harry were even invited to this year's Oscars on Sunday (Monday AEST), the royals offered the chance to present the biggest award of the night: Best Picture.

However, the Sussexes reportedly declined the offer, likely out of a desire to steer clear of the media spotlight while their departure from the royal family is still so fresh.