The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made their first joint public appearance in Britain since returning from the US, visiting a Community Recording Studio in Nottingham last week. The couple were greeted by fewer than 200 people during the engagement.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were pictured meeting fans who had lined up to welcome them. In a statement on their website, they paid tribute to those who came out and highlighted the work underway in the Nottingham community.
Statement on Nottingham visit
The statement said: “For The Duke and Duchess, returning to Nottingham was an opportunity to reconnect with a community close to their hearts and reflect on what comes next.”
It added: “Across the work here, a common thread emerged: opportunity grows through relationships built over time, the commitment of people who support one another, and places where everyone feels a sense of belonging.”
Former friend's advice
However, one of Meghan's former friends, brand expert Nick Ede, has urged her to "forget her royal title" now she has returned to the UK with her husband.
Speaking to Cafe Casino, Nick said: "Meghan has an opportunity to reclaim her place in Britain without needing the Palace. She's a different woman from the one who arrived in 2017, and this could be the start of a new chapter if she does it well. I think this was far better than her photo op with Malala which set very contrived. She is a Hollywood celebrity, and she needs to play more into that and forget her title."
Reception and future prospects
The TV presenter believes the Nottingham trip was a huge success for the couple, particularly Meghan. He explained: "Meghan looked relaxed, confident and genuinely happy to be there. Her smiles, hugs and natural engagement with the crowds showed the charm that made her so popular when she first joined the Royal Family. She seemed to be pleased with the reception she received, and she went out of her way to talk to everyone who was there."
Nick added: "Nottingham was a real turning point for Harry and Meghan. The warmth of the crowds reminded us of the couple Britain first fell in love with, before everything became so complicated. It was good to see them so radiant and full of life."
He said: "Nottingham felt like the Sussexes pressing the reset button. They're reminding people of the good they can do rather than the controversies that have dominated their story. It's a clever move, but consistency will be key to their success."
Nick continued: "I think this is the beginning of a much more visible Harry and Meghan in Britain. They've realised that actions speak louder than interviews, and charitable work is their strongest route to rebuilding public trust. They are both very altruistic and have always wanted to show their support to organisations by shining a light on them and using their star power."
However, he admitted it was unlikely Prince Harry's brother would "ever forgive" the couple, who took part in a series of high-profile interviews about their time in the royal family and had their own Netflix series, Finding Freedom, about their role in the monarchy after they left their roles and the UK and relocated to Montecito in California.
Nick said: "A warm reception doesn't mean a royal reunion is around the corner. I think we'll see a private family reconciliation with Charles and Camilla long before we ever see the Fab Four together again. I don't think William and Kate will ever forgive them."
