Following her return to the States after her debut appearance at Paris Fashion Week, the Duchess of Sussex was joined by husband Prince Harry for a high-glam event on Thursday night (9 October).

Apparently, however, one seemingly unexpected aspect of the royal pair’s attendance at New York City for the Project Healthy Mind Gala has set tongues wagging online.

For those out of the loop with Meghan and Harry’s latest public appearance, the duo rocked up the city’s Spring Studios for the annual event, which is aimed at expanding access to mental health resources across America, as well as breaking stigmas around seeking help.

During the ceremony, the couple were honoured with the Humanitarians of the Year award, with organisers crediting work done by the Archewell Foundation aimed at protecting youngsters on the internet.

The couple appeared in New York this week (Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images)

The rare appearance comes amid reports that the pair are undergoing a ‘professional separation‘, which would see them focusing on separate, solo endeavours going forward.

Making their special joint outing, the 44-year-old former Suits actress opted for a rather low-key get-up – worlds away from the elaborate Balenciaga cream number she sported in France earlier this week.

In photos that are still doing the rounds on social media, Meghan can be seen donning a minimalist all-black suit, which consisted of a plunging blazer and matching wide-leg culottes.

The mother-of-two paired the look with a slicked-back ponytail, as well as hefty gold chains, stud earrings and a black clutch bag.

Harry, meanwhile, donned a simple black tuxedo for the special occasion, mirroring his wife’s dark and demure look.

Interestingly, however, it wasn’t the Sussexes’ keen eyes for fashion, nor their humanitarian efforts, that have since caused quite the stir online.

Fans noticed how loved-up they looked (Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images)

Instead, fans of the couple were apparently astonished by how loved-up the couple appeared on the red carpet, with some comparing them to a pair of teenagers.

Sharing one snap of Meghan gazing adoringly in the 41-year-old prince’s eyes, a Reddit user wrote on the discussion forum: “The way she looks at him. That’s love.”

Another noted the duo’s ‘chemistry’, while a third added: “Even without the hand holding (which could probably not be so ott all the time) it’s very obvious that these two absolutely like being around each other.”

“I honestly love that they always hold hands, I hope they do it when they’re old and grey too,” a fourth went on. “They love each other and very likely physical touch is one of their love languages.”

Upon accepting their latest award, Meghan claimed she and Harry’s inspiration for the mental health work they embark on is inspired by their kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Meghan and Harry accepted an award last night (Rob Kim/Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds)

“Our children, Archie and Lilibet, are just 6 and 4 years old,” she reflected on stage before turning to Harry, and asking him: “Can you believe it?”

Meghan then turned her attention to the risks of today’s digital age.

“Luckily, they’re still too young for social media, but we know that day is coming,” she continued. “Like so many parents, we think constantly about how to embrace technology’s benefits while safeguarding against its dangers.

“And that hopeful intention of separation is rapidly becoming impossible.”