Meghan Markle declared “it’s great to be back” during her first official joint appearance with Prince Harry since the couple’s return to the United Kingdom.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Markle, 45, and Harry, 42, arrived in Nottingham shortly after 10:30 a.m. On Thursday for a walkabout outside Community Recording Studio. The former actress, wearing a maroon coat with a matching dress and pumps, was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a balloon during the greeting.
One well-wisher produced a throwback photo from 2017, reminding the couple that Nottingham was where they made their first appearance after announcing their engagement. “That’s so special,” the “Suits” alum replied.
Harry paired a gray suit jacket and white button-down shirt with jeans for the occasion. The sentimental location was no accident: “Nottingham is a really special place for them and they are looking forward to getting back out there into the community, together,” a source had shared, which first reported the planned outing.
The couple’s agenda included watching an acting workshop led by André Squire at Community Recording Studio, an organization that works with young people affected by violence. Their second stop brought them to Himmah Hub food bank to meet with Hubb Community Kitchen members. They were also scheduled to visit Epic Partners, a group supporting youth through sports and mentorship.
The pair have been back in England with their two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, since August. Prior to the move, the family lived in a $14 million mansion in Montecito, California, where they relocated in 2020. They have since settled in the Cotswolds.
Before Thursday’s joint outing, the couple had made exclusively solo separate appearances since returning. On October 1, they were photographed holding hands while heading to the Falkland Arms for lunch, marking their first joint public moment. Harry had previously appeared alone at events ranging from the Invictus Spirit Gala to a rugby match. Markle was spotted having tea at Soho Farmhouse in September, then went pubbing with Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi at the Three Horseshoes later that same month.
Archie and Lilibet have remained out of the spotlight while attending private school, switching institutions after only two days due to security concerns. Harry confirmed during a recent CTV interview that the children are “happy” where they are. He told Hello! Magazine that the siblings “very much like” going on “lots of walks” and eating Marmite on crumpets among the “British things” they’ve been enjoying.
