The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have kicked off their first day of joint appearances in Nottingham, though they were met by a modest turnout. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived at the city's Community Recording Studio (CRS) shortly before 10.30am to launch their day of engagements.
They were welcomed by approximately 100 members of the public, a sharp contrast to the 60-plus media representatives, predominantly from non-royal, international outlets, who had assembled to cover the couple's visit.
Modest Crowd Compared to Media Presence
Roughly twenty of those present today were from Nottingham's Mencap - a local charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and vulnerable individuals. For context, today's crowds are marginally larger than those who turned out to see Harry during his previous Nottingham visit last year.
The Duke had visited the St Ann's studio in September last year, when he personally contributed £1.1 million to BBC Children in Need to help young people impacted by violence.
Supporters Share Their Reasons
Today, several supporters clutched flowers and balloons while waiting behind barriers for the Sussexes' arrival, reports the Express.
Local person Charlotte O'Neill 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'd ventured out today, Ms O'Neill said: "It's not very often you get to see a real-life Prince, is it?" The local said she is "well for" the former royal couple's visit to the city and is pleased they've returned to the UK. Every family has its ups and downs, don't they?"
Day's Schedule and Status
Margaret Langdon said the couple coming to Nottingham shows "it's not all about London" and "small cities matter as well".
The 67-year-old, from the Carlton area of the city, 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."
Today, Harry and Meghan will meet at youth and community charity CRS, with the duke encountering musician and poet Jah Digga, who attended CRS as a youngster, while the duchess will participate with young girls in a confidence-building and bracelet-making session.
The trip to Himmah Hub will feature a cookery class and preparing food-parcel donations, reuniting Meghan with women from the Hubb Community Kitchen.
While the prominent events aren't official royal engagements - with correspondence to Government stakeholders authorised by the King last month clarifying the Sussexes remain "private citizens" - they're likely to display all the characteristics of such occasions. The Duke and Duchess reportedly view themselves as "public figures", and were taken aback by the letter clarifying their status.
Today marks Meghan's first public appearance at UK events in four years - her last being the late Queen's funeral in 2022.
