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The Sussexes

Meghan Markle conducts her first ever engagement alongside Prince Harry in Nottingham

Meghan Markle made her debut royal appearance this morning as she and her fiancé, Prince Harry, conducted a walkabout in Nottingham.

It was announced on Monday that the 36-year-old actress and the fifth-in-line to the throne would be getting married in May, and since then people have been desperate to get a glimpse of the couple.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CHARLIE PROCTOR/ROYAL CENTRAL

 

Harry and Meghan’s first stop in the city was at Nottingham Contemporary where a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair was being held.

As they arrived at the venue, much to the delight of the thousands of well-wishers who took to the street, Harry and Meghan conducted a walkabout outside and met members of the local community.

Some locals had been waiting since the early hours of the morning to meet the young couple who took the time to greet as many people as possible.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CHARLIE PROCTOR/ROYAL CENTRAL

They then met representatives from Terrence Higgins Trust Nottingham, the African Institute for Social Development and Champions for Change. These three organisations support local communities in Nottingham focusing on HIV/AIDS.

Harry and Meghan also met representatives from The Food Chain and BHIVA, who try and end the stigma which surrounds HIV/AIDS.

The subject of HIV/AIDS is of huge importance to Prince Harry, and the Prince is an active campaigner to end the stigma attached to the condition.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CHARLIE PROCTOR/ROYAL CENTRAL

Last month, he said it is “irresponsible” to not be tested for HIV and the 33-year-old has so far taken two tests in public, including one alongside singer Rihanna.

Following their visit to the Contemporary, the couple travelled on to Nottingham Academy in relation to the Full Effect programme. This scheme has been supported by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry since 2013.

The programme supports children and young people in the St Ann’s area of Nottingham, ensuring they stay away from crime.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CHARLIE PROCTOR/ROYAL CENTRAL

On Tuesday, Kensington Palace confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be getting married in May 2018 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

The Royal Family will pay for most of the costs of the wedding. It will likely be televised, however, there are no plans for there to be a bank holiday to mark the occasion.