Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were greeted with a warm welcome as they arrived in Nottingham early this morning. The couple were carrying out three separate engagements in the city today, with the trip marking their first joint official outing since their shock return to the UK in late August.
Meghan, who wore a deep burgundy outfit, and Harry appeared in high spirits as they spoke to well-wishers who lined the streets. Between 150 and 200 people arrived to greet the couple as they made their way into their first visit of the day, which was to the city's Community Recording Studio (CRS), a local community charity that offers various youth development programmes.
Three engagements across the city
The couple then moved into their second visit: the Himmah Hub, a community action group addressing food poverty in Nottingham. The couple finally made their way to Epic Partners in Nottingham, their last stop of the day.
Speaking of the warm welcome the couple received, Renae Smith, founder of PR and branding agency The Atticism, told the Daily Express that it appears to show exactly where "their popularity sits".
She said: "On the crowds… yes, it is a fraction of what a working royal would draw, and it tells us exactly where their popularity sits with the broader British public. There is no point sugarcoating that."
"BUT - in my professional opinion, a modest, warm crowd is a far better outcome than a large, divided one, and they no longer have the palace machinery that turns an engagement into a public event. If I were on their team I would take it as a win… POINT HARRY & MEGHAN!!!"
Gifts for Archie and Lilibet
The royal couple were also given presents for seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet. The family of four are now thought to be residing somewhere in the Cotswolds.
Balloons and gift bags were given to Meghan and Harry by Nichola, who arrived early before the visits began, and they appeared delighted by the sweet gifts for their children.
Nichola, who lives in Nottingham, said: "I can just go show our complete support for Harry and Meghan; they've got children, I've got children, and I brought something I thought the children would like. Harry said 'How do you know she likes unicorns' and I said, 'all children like unicorns'."
"I know they get a lot of stick and it's not justified we love them and show support they are always welcome."
Delight at fan reception
The couple appeared delighted to be greeted by adoring fans, with Meghan spotted holding a huge bunch of autumnal-coloured flowers. The crowd cheered as the royal couple got out of a dark-coloured Range Rover, before one woman shouted: "We love you, Duchess Meghan, we love you."
Meghan and Harry were also spotted posing for pictures with awaiting fans as they spoke to them. Meghan was heard telling one fan how happy she was to be back in the UK. The couple returned to the UK in August, with news of their return only made public days before they arrived.
