The Duke and Duchess of Sussex began their first joint engagements in Nottingham today, but were met by a small crowd of around 70 members of the public. The couple arrived at the city’s Community Recording Studio (CRS) shortly before 10.30am to start their day of appearances.
Media outnumber supporters
In contrast to the public turnout, more than 60 members of the media, mostly from non-royal, international outlets, gathered to report on the couple. Around twenty of those present were from Nottingham's Mencap, a local charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and vulnerable individuals.
The crowds today were slightly bigger than those who came to see Harry during his last visit to Nottingham last year. The duke visited the studio in St Ann’s in September last year, when he personally donated £1.1 million to BBC Children in Need to support young people affected by violence.
Supporters share their reasons
A few supporters held flowers and balloons as they waited behind a barrier for the Sussexes to arrive. Charlotte O’Neill, waiting outside CRS, said: “I came last year to see him, so I just thought, you know what, I'm just gonna come. I brought my friend along. Hopefully, we'll see Meghan as well.” Asked why she had come, she added: “It’s not very often you get to see a real-life Prince, is it?”
Margaret Langdon, 67, from the Carlton area, said the couple’s visit shows “it’s not all about London” and “small cities matter as well”. She told the Press Association: “I’m a big fan. They’ve come to Nottingham to see us so the least we could do is come out and see them. It’s nice to see Meghan, because it’s not very often you get a woman of colour in that position. So I’ve come out to support her.”
Day’s schedule and context
During the visit, Harry will meet musician and poet Jah Digga, who attended CRS as a child, while Meghan will join young girls for a confidence-building and bracelet-making workshop. The visit to Himmah Hub will include a cooking class and packing food-parcel donations, reconnecting Meghan with women from the Hubb Community Kitchen.
Although the events are not official royal engagements – with a letter to Government stakeholders authorised by the King last month clarifying the Sussexes remain “private citizens” – they are likely to bear all the hallmarks of such. The Duke and Duchess are said to consider themselves “public figures” and were caught off-guard by the letter.
Today marks the first time in four years that Meghan has appeared publicly at events in the UK, the last being the late Queen’s funeral in 2022.
