On the eve of Valentine's Day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle carried out their first official visit to Scotland, with several engagements in Edinburgh.
The appearance comes after it was revealed last night Meghan has been carrying out a series of under the radar charity visits around the UK since the engagement announcement. The Mirror reports "Meghan has visited the Grenfell Tower site alone to comfort victims of the inferno. Prince Harry ’s fiancee has twice been to comfort those affected by the inferno that left 71 people dead and a community shattered. The actress appeared at the Al Manaar community mosque, which lies in the shadow of the charred shell of Grenfell Tower at North Kensington, West London. It is understood the US actress arrived without Harry but was flanked by a royal protection officer and one of the prince’s aides. A leading Grenfell community member said: “Meghan’s visits mean so much to us. She has a special place in our hearts.” A royal source added: “Ms Markle has regularly been making private visits to organisations as she gets to know the charity sector."
Today's visit was very much planned around "the opportunity to meet members of the public, learn more about organisations that work in the local community and nationwide, and celebrate youth".
The day kicked off with a walkabout.
Meghan was in her element chatting to well wishers.
Meghan told members of the crowd it's her first visit to Scotland. She thinks Edinburgh is "gorgeous".
Over 2,000 locals waited for hours to see the couple.
Red roses for Meghan.
Chat turned to their stag and hen parties. More from People:
It was a fantastic welcome.
Harry and Meghan's first stop was at the Esplanade in front of the iconic Edinburgh Castle, where they were officially welcomed to the city by the Royal Marines Scotland Band.
Prince Harry became Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Marines in December 2017, succeeding his grandfather, Prince Philip in the role.
The couple were greeted by the mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Shetland pony Cruachan.
Like Meghan, Cruachan was sporting tartan for the day :)
The pony gave Prince Harry a nip much to Meghan's amusement.
The Telegraph reports:
Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh from its position on the Castle Rock. Archaeologists have established human occupation of the rock since at least the Iron Age (2nd century AD). There has been a royal castle on the rock since at least the reign of David I in the 12th century. It was recently voted the top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction. The most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War.
The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O'Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.
The magnificent Great Hall.
Inside the castle, at the historic Edinburgh Garrison, which looks out across the city, Prince Harry and Ms Markle observed the firing of the One O'Clock Gun.
The tradition of firing a gun started in 1861 to mark time for ships in the Firth of Forth. Today the British Army fire a 105 millimetre L118 Light Gun, which is the model currently used in operations worldwide.
The gun is fired at 1 pm every day except Sundays, Christmas Day or Good Friday, with crowds gathering to enjoy the spectacle.
Take a look at the spectacular view.
Next, Harry and Meghan travelled on to their second engagement of the day.
They visited Social Bite, a social business and café located in Edinburgh's New Town.
Social Bite runs social enterprise cafés throughout Scotland and use this platform to distribute 100,000 items of food and hot drinks to homeless people each year, as well as employing staff who have experienced homelessness themselves.
In the café, Harry and Meghan learned more about the social enterprise and met staff.
Hannah Furness reports Meghan had a latte and discussed her experiences volunteering at a soup kitchen. She added giving homeless people choice in what they eat is key to "dignity and humanity". Hannah added "Basically, if you think the homeless are being swept off the streets of Windsor for the royal wedding in their name, you’re going to be sorely disappointed".
A short video from the conversation.
They also toured the kitchen.
Back to The Telegraph's story:
Co-founder Alice Thompson told Meghan she was "deeply inspired" by her 2015 UN Women speech. Clearly touched, Meghan thanked and hugged her.
To conclude their visit, they attended a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to celebrate youth achievements, marking Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018.
Prince Harry’s royal standard was raised at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The Year of Young People is an initiative that aims to inspire Scotland through its youth: celebrating their achievements, strengthening their voice on social issues and creating new opportunities for them to shine. Youth representatives from various charities and organisations that work with and for young people across the country were present, and the reception provided an opportunity for them to talk about their aspirations for the year and the activities that they have been involved in so far.
A video of the reception including footage of Harry and Meghan meeting First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Before the couple left, Kensington Palace tweeted "This was Ms. Markle's first visit to Scotland, and she is very much looking forward to returning many times again in the future."
We saw several nods to Scotland in Meghan's choice of clothing and accessories today. She chose Burberry's stylish Double-breasted tartan wool and cashmere-blend coat for the visit (with thanks to Meghan's Fashion). The navy and dark green garment retails for $2,895 at Net-A-Porter. The choice of tartan was a very nice tribute to the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Meghan has been a devoted fan of the British fashion house for years.
More from the product description:
A closer look at the tartan.
Meghan wore the Veronica Beard Adley Trousers. The $395 wide leg pair feature pearl-like buttons and faux pockets. They are available in limited sizes at Veronica Beard (Take 15% off your first order by signing up for the newsletter) and ShopBop.
Launched in the fall of 2010 by sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard, Veronica Beard strikes an easy balance between classic and cool. Meghan has been wearing their designs for years.
And her Wolford Portland turtleneck.
Meghan carried the East/West Mini Bag in bottle green by Scottish brand Strathberry (with thanks to Meghan's Mirror).
The piece is described as "Effortlessly elegant and timeless, the East/West Mini is defined by structured, clean lines and the iconic Strathberry bar closure. Featuring two compartments with one interior pocket, Strathberry branded hardware and a dual length chain shoulder strap. Made in Spain using the finest calf leather and microfiber lining with a suede like finish."
You may recall Meghan carried the Strathberry Midi Tote for her first engagement in Nottingham. At the time, the brand said: "It was a fantastic surprise to see that Meghan selected one of our core Strathberry styles to carry on her first royal engagement. We are delighted at the news of her and Harry’s engagement and wish them all the best for this exciting period."
Meghan accessorised with several stackable rings including her Birks Yellow Gold and Diamond Ring and their $5000 Rose Gold and Diamond Snowflake Ring. What Meghan Wore notes Meghan also wore her Missoma Interstellar Ring.
The Canadian jeweller confirmed via Instagram.
Another great day for the pair!
I expect Harry has something very romantic in store for Valentine's Day tomorrow :)
The appearance comes after it was revealed last night Meghan has been carrying out a series of under the radar charity visits around the UK since the engagement announcement. The Mirror reports "Meghan has visited the Grenfell Tower site alone to comfort victims of the inferno. Prince Harry ’s fiancee has twice been to comfort those affected by the inferno that left 71 people dead and a community shattered. The actress appeared at the Al Manaar community mosque, which lies in the shadow of the charred shell of Grenfell Tower at North Kensington, West London. It is understood the US actress arrived without Harry but was flanked by a royal protection officer and one of the prince’s aides. A leading Grenfell community member said: “Meghan’s visits mean so much to us. She has a special place in our hearts.” A royal source added: “Ms Markle has regularly been making private visits to organisations as she gets to know the charity sector."
Today's visit was very much planned around "the opportunity to meet members of the public, learn more about organisations that work in the local community and nationwide, and celebrate youth".
The day kicked off with a walkabout.
Meghan was in her element chatting to well wishers.
Meghan told members of the crowd it's her first visit to Scotland. She thinks Edinburgh is "gorgeous".
Our reporter @hazelreporting meets Meghan Markle on #RoyalVisit at Edinburgh Castle. #HarryandMeghan pic.twitter.com/4i0TPcJ86q— WestSoundNews (@WestSoundNews) February 13, 2018
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have just arrived at Edinburgh Castle on their first official joint visit to Scotland https://t.co/j8i6grCAhV pic.twitter.com/Ps9VSsor5j— BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) February 13, 2018
Meghan greets crowds outside Edinburgh Castle at start of Scottish visit pic.twitter.com/lCxo3C68Iw— PA Royal Reporters (@PARoyal) February 13, 2018
Chat turned to their stag and hen parties. More from People:
'During the couple’s first joint visit to Scotland on Tuesday, Meghan was asked about her upcoming bachelorette bash. And while she doesn’t know all the details her friends have planned for her, it “is sorted,” she told a crowd of eager well-wishers in Edinburgh.
“We asked them what they were doing for their stag and hen dos,” Tom Martin, 30, who is visiting the Scottish city from London, tells PEOPLE. “Meghan said, ‘I’m not sure — it’s sorted but it will be fun.’ As for Harry, he said he’s also being kept in the dark on specific plans. “I’m sure William’s got something up his sleeve,” Martin said.'
It was a fantastic welcome.
Harry and Meghan's first stop was at the Esplanade in front of the iconic Edinburgh Castle, where they were officially welcomed to the city by the Royal Marines Scotland Band.
Prince Harry became Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Marines in December 2017, succeeding his grandfather, Prince Philip in the role.
The couple were greeted by the mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Shetland pony Cruachan.
Prince Harry and Ms. Markle are greeted on arrival at Edinburgh Castle by the Band of the Royal Marines and the mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Shetland pony Cruachan🐴 pic.twitter.com/3nzR9W6ZP5— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 13, 2018
The pony gave Prince Harry a nip much to Meghan's amusement.
The Telegraph reports:
'As the Prince attempted to give the pony a pat, the disgruntled animal gave him what looked like a sharp nip. Ms Markle was seen laughing as Prince Harry shouted "hey!"
It transpired Cruachan has form for causing mischief at royal events. The nine-year-old pony famously tried to eat the Queen's posy during the monarch's visit to Stirling castle. Its handlers told the Press Association he was on his best behaviour today — but Cruachan's actions said otherwise. Pony Major Mark Wilkinson, who introduced Cruachan to the Royals, said: "They were asking about him saying he's a wee star, he knows he's on parade and is showing off - they said it was lovely to meet him."
Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh from its position on the Castle Rock. Archaeologists have established human occupation of the rock since at least the Iron Age (2nd century AD). There has been a royal castle on the rock since at least the reign of David I in the 12th century. It was recently voted the top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction. The most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War.
The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O'Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.
The magnificent Great Hall.
Inside the castle, at the historic Edinburgh Garrison, which looks out across the city, Prince Harry and Ms Markle observed the firing of the One O'Clock Gun.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are about to watch 1pm ceremonial gun fire at Edinburgh Castle. pic.twitter.com/oOcNhXwu0F— Jack Royston (@Jack_Royston) February 13, 2018
The gun is fired at 1 pm every day except Sundays, Christmas Day or Good Friday, with crowds gathering to enjoy the spectacle.
Take a look at the spectacular view.
Next, Harry and Meghan travelled on to their second engagement of the day.
They visited Social Bite, a social business and café located in Edinburgh's New Town.
Social Bite runs social enterprise cafés throughout Scotland and use this platform to distribute 100,000 items of food and hot drinks to homeless people each year, as well as employing staff who have experienced homelessness themselves.
In the café, Harry and Meghan learned more about the social enterprise and met staff.
A short video from the conversation.
A latte and listen for Meghan Markle @SocialBite_ . She told staff about her experience volunteering at a soup kitchen, and how she thinks giving homeless people choice in what they eat is key to "dignity and humanity" pic.twitter.com/N5KgFgNLOG— Hannah Furness (@Hannah_Furness) February 13, 2018
They also toured the kitchen.
'Ms Markle revealed she would like to work in a cafe after visiting local enterprise Social Bite, telling kitchen workers it looked like "fun."
Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio stopped for lunch at Social Bite venture Home in Edinburgh's west end in November 2016 while the Duchess of Cornwall and George Clooney have been to Social Bite's Rose Street branch. Prince Harry asked the co-founders of Social Bite: "When are you bringing this down south?"
Co-founder Alice Thompson told Meghan she was "deeply inspired" by her 2015 UN Women speech. Clearly touched, Meghan thanked and hugged her.
🎥WATCH: A hug from Meghan Markle for Social Bite staff as #HarryandMeghan continue their #royalvisit in #Edinburgh #HeartNews pic.twitter.com/sxmQbiQsGW— Heart Scotland News (@HeartScotNews) February 13, 2018
Prince Harry’s royal standard was raised at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Prince Harry’s royal standard is raised at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. pic.twitter.com/owlqOkqfAt— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) February 13, 2018
The couple chat with guests.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland. Founded as a monastery in 1128 at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the Palace has a close association with the History of Scotland. Today, the Palace is a close focus for national celebrations and events in Scotland, most notably The Queen's ‘Holyrood Week’, which usually runs from the end of June to the beginning of July every year.
A video of the reception including footage of Harry and Meghan meeting First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Before the couple left, Kensington Palace tweeted "This was Ms. Markle's first visit to Scotland, and she is very much looking forward to returning many times again in the future."
We saw several nods to Scotland in Meghan's choice of clothing and accessories today. She chose Burberry's stylish Double-breasted tartan wool and cashmere-blend coat for the visit (with thanks to Meghan's Fashion). The navy and dark green garment retails for $2,895 at Net-A-Porter. The choice of tartan was a very nice tribute to the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Meghan has been a devoted fan of the British fashion house for years.
More from the product description:
'Burberry's tartan coat is part of Christopher Bailey's latest shoppable runway collection - it shot straight to the top of our wish list the moment we saw it at the show. Made in Italy, it's tailored from navy and dark-green wool and cashmere-blend and has structured shoulders.'
A closer look at the tartan.
Meghan wore the Veronica Beard Adley Trousers. The $395 wide leg pair feature pearl-like buttons and faux pockets. They are available in limited sizes at Veronica Beard (Take 15% off your first order by signing up for the newsletter) and ShopBop.
Launched in the fall of 2010 by sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard, Veronica Beard strikes an easy balance between classic and cool. Meghan has been wearing their designs for years.
 |
| Veronica Beard |
And her Wolford Portland turtleneck.
Meghan carried the East/West Mini Bag in bottle green by Scottish brand Strathberry (with thanks to Meghan's Mirror).
The piece is described as "Effortlessly elegant and timeless, the East/West Mini is defined by structured, clean lines and the iconic Strathberry bar closure. Featuring two compartments with one interior pocket, Strathberry branded hardware and a dual length chain shoulder strap. Made in Spain using the finest calf leather and microfiber lining with a suede like finish."
You may recall Meghan carried the Strathberry Midi Tote for her first engagement in Nottingham. At the time, the brand said: "It was a fantastic surprise to see that Meghan selected one of our core Strathberry styles to carry on her first royal engagement. We are delighted at the news of her and Harry’s engagement and wish them all the best for this exciting period."
Meghan accessorised with several stackable rings including her Birks Yellow Gold and Diamond Ring and their $5000 Rose Gold and Diamond Snowflake Ring. What Meghan Wore notes Meghan also wore her Missoma Interstellar Ring.
The Canadian jeweller confirmed via Instagram.
Another great day for the pair!
I expect Harry has something very romantic in store for Valentine's Day tomorrow :)