The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were all smiles and waves as they arrived to crowds of fans at their first joint engagement in the UK. Prince Harry and Meghan are set to make three public appearances in Nottingham on Thursday, starting at the Community Recording Studio in St. Ann’s. It is the first public appearance by the pair since they left England six years ago in what was dubbed “Megxit.”
Warm welcome from crowds
The couple posed with members of the public, with one bystander shouting: “We love you Duchess Meghan,” as the former working royals stepped out of their Range Rover - albeit 11 minutes later than anticipated. Prince Harry was pictured crouching down to speak to a young child, while Meghan kissed a lady on the cheek as she accepted a gift.
The couple appeared to be in good spirits, taking selfies with fans and shaking hands with members of the public. Emily Davis, 21, who handed Meghan a bunch of yellow flowers, said it was an honour to meet the Duchess. The pair were also pictured with their arms around each other as they spoke to fans from behind metal fencing.
Private security and upcoming visits
Meghan wore what appeared to be a burgundy £1,495 Joseph coat with black court shoes as she greeted fans. She was heard telling one woman in the crowd, “Oh it’s great to be back!”. The couple accepted flowers and gifts from well-wishers.
The couple will later visit the food poverty community action group Himmah Hub, and Epic Partners, a charity which supports young people through sports programmes. During this series of engagements, the couple have had to fork out for their own private security team.
It comes as controversy around the Sussex family’s security engagements continues to brew, with questions still being asked as to whether the family should be entitled to taxpayer-funded security. The couple are still waiting to hear back on the verdict, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announcing a review for royal security measures last week. The appearance also marks the first time Meghan has appeared publicly at a UK event since the late Queen’s funeral in 2022.
