Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 'were asked to present Best Picture Oscar award'

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were asked to present an award at this year's Oscars, it has been reported.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex turned down the invitation, Hello reports.

The award they were invited to present was the big one - Best Picture, which has such hits as the Irishman, Joker and 1917 in the running for the awards show this Sunday.

A source told the magazine: “They were honoured by the request, but declined the invitation."

Had they taken up the offer to be a part of Hollywood's biggest annual event, it would have been their most high-profile public appearance since sensationally splitting from the Royal Family.

This comes as it was today revealed that Meghan and Harry made a "hush hush" appearance yesterday in their first public engagement since stepping back as senior royals.

Organisers wanted the pair to present a major award (AFP via Getty Images)

The Sussexes were both at a JP Morgan event at swanky £1,500-a-night 1 Hotel in Miami’s South Beach on Thursday night, however the

A source said: “It was all very hush-hush, with a lot of security."

Harry reportedly told the conference that he feared for son Archie and wanted to protect him from a childhood like his own.

He is said to have told the Miami gathering he has been in therapy over the death of his mother Princess Diana for the past three years.

Harry and Meghan have attempted to step away from the spotlight (Getty Images)

After stepping back from being senior royals, Harry and Meghan have begun to make their first appearance in North America (Getty Images)

Wife Meghan Markle did not speak at the JP Morgan-sponsored Alternative Investment event.

But she was said to have been introduced to the crowd, and then watched as Prince Harry opened up about his personal life to a crowd of investors and billionaires.

He even touched on Megxit, according to a source at the event, who said Harry described the furore over the pair's relocation to Canada and exit from royal life as 'difficult.'

Oscar statues are seen during preparations for the 92nd Annual Oscars on Hollywood Boulevard (AFP via Getty Images)

Photographers cover the red carpet arrivals (Getty Images)

It is not yet known how much they were paid for attending the event.

A source told Page Six: “Harry spoke about mental health and how he has been in therapy for the past few years to try to overcome the trauma of losing his mother.

“He talked about how the events of his childhood affected him and that he has been talking to a mental health professional.

“Harry also touched on Megxit, saying while it has been very difficult on him and Meghan, he does not regret their decision to step down as senior royals because he wants to protect his family. He does not want Meghan and their son Archie to go through what he did as a child.”