Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have stepped out for their first official public engagement as a couple, travelling to Nottingham about 125 miles north of London. The visit comes just days after news of their engagement made headlines the world over.
Meghan looked every bit the royal for her first walkabout opting for an ankle-length navy coat by Mackage. She accented the look with over-the-knee boots and — of course — her stunning three-stone diamond engagement ring.
The successful actress spent around 25 minutes meeting with waiting crowds alongside her husband-to-be, charming members of the public as she introduced herself with a chipper “Hi, I’m Meghan.”
“I’m so happy,” she said at one point. “It’s just such a thrill to be here.”
At one point, someone asked her for a selfie to which she expertly replied: “We’re not allowed.”
Looks like those princess lessons are paying off!
The duchess-to-be was handed a whole range of gifts including bunches of flowers, Haribo – Harry’s favourite lollies – and homemade cards.
Adorably, she made a point of introducing herself to waiting crowds, saying: “Hi, I’m Meghan!”
The 36-year-old paid particular attention to the children who had turned out for the history-making occasion.
She’s a natural!
The duchess-to-be also showed off her engagement ring to interested admirers — set on a gold band, the ring features a diamond from Botswana (a treasured destination for the couple) and two side stones which were taken from Harry’s mother, Diana’s, personal collection.
A crowd of hundreds gathered to catch a glimpse of the newly-engaged couple, with many beginning to line security barriers well before six in the morning. They braved rather chilly conditions to share their well wishes and handover gifts of congratulations including bunches of flowers, Haribo – Harry’s favourite lollies – and homemade cards.
Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, could barely keep their hands off each other at the event. They were snapped holding hands, cuddling and wrapping their arms affectionately one another. And while there’s no hard and fast rule that says royals must refrain from public displays of affection, it’s a departure from what we’ve come to expect — after all, Prince William and Duchess Catherine have been pictured holding hands less than a dozen times in their royal careers.
“While Prince Harry and Megan holding hands is atypical for royal engagements, it is a seemingly welcomed gesture to show unity and celebration of their engagement period,” royal etiquette expert Myka Meier, founder and director of Beaumont Etiquette, explained to People. “There is no protocol that says they can not show affection on official engagements, and this gesture makes them relatable and lovable to the public.”
“Megan and Prince Harry holding hands at a royal engagement is a refreshingly modern approach to their new role both as a couple and as representatives of the royal family,” she continued.
We do love it when the royals let their guard down!
The newly-engaged couple could barely keep their hands off each other, choosing to hold hands and link arms throughout the event.
Harry appeared very attentive of his wife-to-be.
Harry and Meghan’s first stop was the Nottingham Contemporary, an art centre hosting a celebration for World AIDS Day.
During the event, the couple spoke with Chris O’Hanlon — a peer mentor for Positively UK, a charity that helps people newly diagnosed with HIV.
“They are very personable. It is very easy to talk to them because they are so open,” he told People about the encounter. They have a very jokey attitude. They seem amazingly comfortable together. You can see that it’s a perfect match.”
Harry and Meghan’s first stop was the Nottingham Contemporary, an art centre hosting a celebration for World AIDS Day.
Those smiles say it all!
Meghan took off her coat once inside the venue, revealing a black turtleneck and beige fluted skirt. She brought the look together with a thin black belt.
Chris, who spoke with the pair about his own diagnosis and the importance of fitness in dealing with HIV, dubbed the duchess-to-be a natural.
“This may have been her first official engagement, but she was a complete natural at it,” he told the publication. “She was incredibly observant about what we were talking about, and very interested. She picked up on quite a few things that I was saying, particularly in terms of my own diagnosis. She was very empathetic.”
He added: “Not only will she make a good addition to the royal family, she will make an excellent ambassador to any of the causes she puts her heart and her mind to.”
We can’t wait to see more from the beautiful couple!
Obsessed with the royals? Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on Prince Harry, Kate Middleton, Prince William, and all things royal!
The couple announced their engagement earlier this week.
Harry and Meghan will wed in May next year at Windsor Castle.
The American actress is currently in the process of becoming a British citizen.
Meghan has left Suitis to work as a full-time royal.
