Prince Harry and Meghan Markle said “it’s great to be back” as cheering crowds greeted them during their first joint public appearance since returning to the UK.
The couple re-traced their steps by heading to Nottingham, the city they visited after announcing their engagement in December 2017. They were greeted with shouts of “we love you” as they spent time at three community projects in the city.
Visit comes weeks after King's letter
The visit came weeks after the King issued a letter stating Harry and Meghan remained non-working royals and should be treated as private individuals as the couple embarked on public events. The couple returned to the UK after spending six years in America in late August.
Their first stop was the Community Recording Studio, established to give young people access to music and recording facilities, where Meghan was handed two huge bunches of flowers by people in the crowd.
Crowds compare to 2017 walkabout
The scenes looked identical to their walkabout in the city almost a decade ago as the Sussexes spent 25 minutes meeting people, shaking hands and posing for selfies. Among those waiting was Michael Wyer, 36, who had his beard scratched by Harry as he arrived.
Thrilled Michael said he was “overwhelmed” to meet the couple. He said: “It was absolutely brilliant, he shook my hand and scratched my beard. I said ‘I’m going for your look’. It’s actually a privilege, you don’t get to see the royals very often. It's absolutely amazing to see them here, hopefully we’ll get to see them again.”
April Myers and Danny Hewis, from Nottingham Mencap, were delighted to meet the couple as they arrived. April said: “We got to shake both their hands. Harry said about the weather, it’s glorious for October. The sun came out for them. Meghan said she likes my freckles, so we’re on to a winner.”
Fans reunite with couple
Irene Hardman, 90, was there to greet the couple in 2017 and returned with a framed photo from the day. Meghan kissed her and told her: “Oh my gosh how sweet is that. That was our very first walkabout. What a great memory.”
Irene, who kissed Meghan's hand, said: “She said to me 'I remember it well'. It was just after they got engaged. She’s an absolute delight, she’s a pleasure.”
The couple also visited the Himmah food bank. Meghan has worked with them since bringing out her “Together: Our Community Cookbook,” published in 2018 after women affected by the Grenfell Tower fire came together at the Hubb Community Kitchen to cook for their families and neighbours.
However, wellwishers were left disappointed when the couple left via a side entrance. One said: “I’ve been waiting over an hour. I’m really disappointed.”
The final stop on their trip was to Epic Partners, a charity offering sports mentoring for children aged four to 18. As they left they waved to the cheering crowd but didn’t stop to chat before they were driven away.
The couple were being protected by their private security team during the event, but a number of police community support officers were on the scene. Harry and Meghan’s visit came as King Charles and Camilla travelled to Cardiff Bay to formally open the seventh Welsh Senedd.
