Video: How Meghan’s first taste of royal life unfolded.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won Nottinghamshire hearts on their first official engagement together.
The couple were in the city on Friday to visit the National Justice Museum on High Pavement, before heading to Nottingham Contemporary, where a Terrence Higgins Trust World Aids Day charity fair is being held.
The couple also headed to Nottingham Academy’s Mapperley site to see the impact of the Full Effect programme, which works to prevent youth violence and gang culture in the city.
Their visit came days after it was announced they will get married at Windsor Castle next May.
See how the day unfolded on our live blog below. Live reporting came from from Danielle Hall, Ellie Beetham, Charlotte Swindells, Jake Brigstock and Sean Endicott.
16:05 Notts Police have now re-opened roads which were closed around the city centre, including Weekday Cross and other streets in and around the Lace Market. Should make for a smooth rush hour journey home. Possibly. That concludes our live blog for the day – see all the highlights in our video report and below.
All roads have now re-opened. Thank you for your patience and co-operation #RoyalVisit #Nottingham #KeepingYouSafe pic.twitter.com/cjnkL8b0ze
— Notts Police (@nottspolice) December 1, 2017
15:57 Lovely moment for this city business. Now we want an office dog.
Here’s Prince Harry and Meghan visiting #Nottingham earlier today, taking time to talk to Gertie the Torse Office Dog #RoyalVisit #RoyalWedding #harryandmeghan #Notts pic.twitter.com/OJsS1qjGHi
— Torse (@Torse_Ltd) December 1, 2017
15:42 There’s no doubt Meghan Markle’s fashion sense is about to undergo world scrutiny, like it or not. Sally Longden from Stick & Ribbon boutique, Bridlesmith Walk, met the couple and had this to say: “They looked so together in their almost matching outfits. Meghan wore her double breasted trench style Elodie coat by Canadian designer Mackage – and indeed she needed the warmth of the cashmere and wool mix.
“There was a hint of her camel skirt underneath which just happened to match Harry’s scarf. To finish off the look, Meghan wore boots from Kurt Geiger and her handbag was from Scottish handbag designer Strathberry.
“Once inside the Contemporary, Meghan revealed her black top and camel skirt. Her skirt by Joseph apparently sold out within minutes. Truly elegant but equally relaxed. Was a pleasure to be part of the whole day.”
15:22 Reaction from Chris Leslie, Labour MP for Nottingham East: “Harry’s links with Nottingham have been of great support to local good causes in recent years and it is really positive that he is continuing to help give a boost to facilities and services which would never normally get such worldwide attention.”
15:10 The royal couple have left Nottingham Academy, bringing their visit to Nottingham to an end. We’ll be bringing you more, including full video reports here shortly.
14:43 Some more footage from the walkabout on Weekday Cross in the city centre earlier as Harry and Meghan meet Councillor Michael Edwards, the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, and supporters of the Terrence Higgins Trust.
14:25 Here are some photos from the palace of the visit at Nottingham Academy
Next, HRH and Ms. Markle visit @NottinghamAcad to see the work of @wearefulleffect – a programme established by Prince Harry through The Royal Foundation to prevent young people getting involved in crime. pic.twitter.com/orXWgqOkyj
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 1, 2017
14:04 More on our campaign to get Harry to hold his stag do in Nottingham. Charlotte Swindells has been out and about in the crowds asking for your reaction and suggestions.
13:40 The Prince and Meghan are at the Academy to see the impact of Full Effect – an organisation set up by the Prince to help change the lives of young people in St Ann’s.
A few facts about Full Effect.
- It supports children and young people from becoming involved in youth violence and crime through a combination of early intervention, mentorship, and training.
- Harry’s last visit to Full Effect was in February this year, again when he met young people at Nottingham Academy, Ransom Drive, before seeing them perform lyrics they had written themselves.
- The first Full Effect project to be delivered, a broadcast quality short film called Guillemot, was started in April 2014 and premiered in Nottingham in early 2015.
13:29 Sally Longden, who runs Stick and Ribbon Boutique, Bridlesmith Walk, met Harry on Weekday Cross. “What a beautiful couple they are, and he shook my hand.”
13:16 The Royal car arrives at Nottingham Academy
13:05 We’re LIVE on Facebook at Nottingham Academy now as we await the Royal Couple’s arrival.
12:54 Here’s the crowd gathering at the entrance to Nottingham Academy, Ransom Drive,
12:43 We’re hoping to bring you a live stream over on our Facebook page shortly when the couple arrive at Nottingham Academy.
12:41 Kensington Palace tweeted: “Prince Harry has been to Nottingham many times before and is delighted to be introducing the city to Ms. Markle.” Go Nottingham!
12:35 Meghan seemed very happy and comfortable mixing with the well wishers, as this video from Frankie Linsley shows.
12:21 More pictures now, official shots from Kensington Palace, showing the size of the crowds. Thousands turned out from 10am onwards.
12:08 Here the couple, arm in arm, are greeted by Sir John Peace, Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire.
12:06 Several people asked them to stop for pictures and pose together, which both seemed happy to do. They spent a good 25 minutes talking to the public before going inside the Contemporary.
12:03 The couple were given lots of flowers and presents by the crowds outside. Much of the world’s media was also there, including German, US, and Spanish television representatives.
11:58 Inside the contemporary now. Harry and Meghan have both been seen wearing red ribbons, which is a symbol of solidarity on World Aids Day.
We’re privileged Prince Harry and Ms Markle’s first official royal engagement is on #WorldAIDSDay!
They’re wearing their red ribbons today in solidarity with all those living with and affected by HIV. #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/jtXrd4AAD8
— Terrence Higgins Trust (@THTorguk) December 1, 2017
11:43 The couple have arrived at Nottingham Contemporary, where a Terrence Higgins Trust World Aids Day charity fair is being held.
Whilst the @WeAreCoachCore apprentices are hard at it in schools and communities across #Nottingham #PrinceHarryAndMeghan are cruising round town – have a great day, what a cool couple!! pic.twitter.com/wkeyN7qOYh
— TeamNottm (@TeamNottm) December 1, 2017
