Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Make First Joint Appearance Since UK Return
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Nottingham, a city holding sentimental value for the couple.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle embarked on their first official joint outing in the United Kingdom on Thursday since their return, visiting Nottingham. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in the city around 10:35 a.m., with Markle telling a well-wisher, “it’s great to be back.”
Nottingham holds significance for the couple, as it was the location of their first public appearance together after announcing their engagement in 2017. One individual present at Thursday's event reminded Markle and Harry of this by showing them a throwback photograph from that earlier visit.
Markle, who was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a balloon, responded to the reminder by calling the moment "so special." For the outing, the Duchess wore a maroon coat, a matching dress, and pumps, while the Duke opted for a gray suit jacket, white button-down shirt, and jeans.
The Sunday Times had previously reported the couple's planned visit to the city. A source told the outlet that Nottingham is a "really special place" for them and they were looking forward to engaging with the community together.
Their itinerary for Thursday included observing an acting workshop led by André Squire at the Community Recording Studio, an organization that assists young individuals affected by violence. The couple's subsequent engagements were scheduled to include meetings with members of the Hubb Community Kitchen at the Himmah Hub food bank and a visit to Epic Partners, an organization that supports youth through sports and mentorship.
The couple and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, returned to the UK in August. Prior to their relocation, the family resided in Montecito, California, in a mansion purchased in 2020. The children have largely remained out of the public eye while attending a private school, having switched institutions shortly after the term began due to security concerns. Harry has stated that his children are happy and have been enjoying "lots of walks" and Marmite on crumpets since their return to the UK.