On International Women's Day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Birmingham to learn more about two projects supporting women and young people.
It's been an eventful week for Meghan thus far; over the weekend she enjoyed a bridal shower at Soho House in Oxfordshire, complete with a spa, cinema and tennis courts. Meghan's actual 'hen party' is still to come though. On Tuesday evening, Meghan was reportedly joined by Harry, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace where she was baptised by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The service observed the full ritual of the Church with holy water from the River Jordan from the private Royal Family font poured on Miss Markle’s head. The baptism was followed immediately by her confirmation, which means she will be able to join Harry at Holy Communion. Meghan had two supporters, the equivalent of godparents. It is thought one was close friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney who revealed she's been in London this week on social media. Richard Kay reports "it is not thought Miss Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, or her father, Thomas Markle, travelled from the US for the service." The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were also not in attendance. It is understood the 18 guests walked to Clarence House afterwards, where Charles and Camilla hosted a dinner.
As with the majority of Harry and Meghan's pre-wedding visits, the day kicked off with a walkabout. Their tour of engagements around the UK are very much focused on meeting as many people as they can.
A video from Victoria Murphy.
Schoolchildren waiting to meet the couple.
Prince Harry met ten-year-old Sophia Richards and asked her what she wants to be when she grows up. When she replied 'an actress' he took her by the hand over to Meghan.
Sophia told People “Meghan told me that I can achieve whatever I want to achieve. And Meghan said she would like to see me on TV when I become an actress,” Richards says. “It was a dream come true. I will never forget this day.”
Before she returned to her classmates, Meghan gave her a hug. A very sweet moment!
Meghan enjoyed chatting and joked that after living in Canada the weather in London doesn't seem bad at all.
Meghan noted she was delighted to visit Birmingham on International Women's Day.
A video from Jack Royston.
A very nice video with several moments from the walkabout.
It seem very fitting for Meghan to make an appearance on International Women's Day. She has been passionate about supporting women throughout her life. In 2015, to mark the day, she gave an inspiring speech on gender equality. Last year, she wrote a powerful essay for Time: How Periods Affect Potential to discuss an often forgotten issue on Women's Day. It is thought women's issues will be an important focus of her royal work in the years ahead.
This year's campaign theme is #PressforProgress.
More on the campaign:
At Millenium Point, they attended an event which aims to inspire the next generation of young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Hosted by social enterprise Stemettes, the event brought together female students from local secondary schools.
The event included interactive activities, a panel discussion, speed networking opportunities with local businesses, and information on work experience, apprenticeships, A-level choices, and university degrees in STEM.
Prince Harry and Ms. Markle joined the young women as they participated in building apps and touchpads.
They heard more about their motivations to pursue STEM subjects.
A video from the chat.
More on Stemettes ultimate vision for the organisation:
Co-Founder and CEO Anne-Marie Imafidon was honoured with an MBE from Her Majesty in 2016 for her services to young women within STEM careers.
Hannah Furness reports 'Meghan Markle particularly keen to hear about Hack The Web, programme that lets girls 'edit' websites. "So you can change something untrue into something positive?" she asked. "That's so cool!"
More from the Mail Online:
The couple posed for photos with young scientists.
Next, Harry and Meghan visited Nechells Wellbeing Centre to join Birmingham's Coach Core apprentices as they took part in a training masterclass led by Create Development.
The Coach Core apprenticeship scheme was designed by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry to train young people aged 16 - 24 with limited opportunities to become sports coaches and mentors within their communities. During the year-long apprenticeship, which now operates in ten cities across the UK, the apprentices learn technical sport skills alongside an inclusive and holistic approach to coaching, with an emphasis on employability and mentoring skills.
Prince Harry and Ms. Markle chatted to the apprentices about their experiences of the programme – which launched in Birmingham in March 2017 – before joining them in the sports hall as they deliver practice training sessions.
KP posted this image on their Twitter account.
I loved Meghan's relaxed but professional look today. The styling of the individual pieces and the tailored fit of the trousers made this my favourite ensemble since the engagement announcement.
Meghan looked chic in the £330 J Crew Two-Tone Wool-Blend Coat. The white and navy coat features a slightly loose shape which makes it easy to layer over shirts and knits, while the contrasting white edges nod to the brand's signature stripes.
It's available in very limited sizing at Zalando, Net-A-Porter. You can also view on the J Crew website.
Giulia identified Meghan's sweater as the ALLSAINTS Ridley style. The £168 'chalk white' garment is made from a wool and cashmere blend. It features a slouch funnel neckline to contrast with fitted sleeves. It's available on the ALLSAINTS website, in black and navy at John Lewis and House of Fraser.
Meghan's carrying the Altuzarra Ghianda Saddle Bag (with thanks to Perths Fashion). It's available in black at Matches Fashion discounted to $957.
In fact, she loves it so much she has two. Meghan was spotted carrying the tan version last year. It's discounted by 40% at My Theresa.
Meghan wore her Manolo Blahnik BB pumps.
Meghan's trousers are by Alexander Wang.
Meghan accessorised with a new silver bracelet by Birks. It is thought it may be have been a gift to celebrate her baptism.
Happy International Women's Day to you all!
We'll see Meghan and Harry on Monday afternoon for the Commonwealth Day service.
It's been an eventful week for Meghan thus far; over the weekend she enjoyed a bridal shower at Soho House in Oxfordshire, complete with a spa, cinema and tennis courts. Meghan's actual 'hen party' is still to come though. On Tuesday evening, Meghan was reportedly joined by Harry, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace where she was baptised by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The service observed the full ritual of the Church with holy water from the River Jordan from the private Royal Family font poured on Miss Markle’s head. The baptism was followed immediately by her confirmation, which means she will be able to join Harry at Holy Communion. Meghan had two supporters, the equivalent of godparents. It is thought one was close friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney who revealed she's been in London this week on social media. Richard Kay reports "it is not thought Miss Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, or her father, Thomas Markle, travelled from the US for the service." The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were also not in attendance. It is understood the 18 guests walked to Clarence House afterwards, where Charles and Camilla hosted a dinner.
As with the majority of Harry and Meghan's pre-wedding visits, the day kicked off with a walkabout. Their tour of engagements around the UK are very much focused on meeting as many people as they can.
A video from Victoria Murphy.
Meghan and Harry greet the crowds in Birmingham pic.twitter.com/5c3dq7vyD7— Victoria Murphy (@QueenVicMirror) March 8, 2018
Prince Harry met ten-year-old Sophia Richards and asked her what she wants to be when she grows up. When she replied 'an actress' he took her by the hand over to Meghan.
Sophia told People “Meghan told me that I can achieve whatever I want to achieve. And Meghan said she would like to see me on TV when I become an actress,” Richards says. “It was a dream come true. I will never forget this day.”
Before she returned to her classmates, Meghan gave her a hug. A very sweet moment!
Meghan enjoyed chatting and joked that after living in Canada the weather in London doesn't seem bad at all.
Meghan noted she was delighted to visit Birmingham on International Women's Day.
A video from Jack Royston.
Meghan Markle praises International Women's Day on her Birmingham walkabout. pic.twitter.com/fUd9DUlToH— Jack Royston (@Jack_Royston) March 8, 2018
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle urge schoolgirls to break gender stereotypes on International Women’s Day— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 8, 2018
Read more: https://t.co/jJUdz5mBHz pic.twitter.com/iRTMzAkERe
The Telegraph reports:
Harry also caught up with Karen Anvil, a royalist who took an outstanding photo of the 'Fab Four on Christmas Day which made the cover of newspapers and magazines all over the world. Harry told Karen he "hoped she made lots of money from it".
'Two elderly sisters, Irene Gould, 82, and her younger sibling June Dickinson, 78, were also ecstatic after meeting Harry and his fiancee. Mrs Gould said: "We were just so pleased to meet them, and how beautiful Meghan is. We thanked Harry for coming to see us and wished them all the best for their marriage."
Student Charlotte Highsmith, from Oxford, was overcome with excitement after meeting Meghan and said: "Oh my God, it was worth the wait - I've missed my lecture." The 20-year-old, who is studying criminology and policing at Birmingham City University, added: "Meghan just thanked us for waiting in the rain for her, but it wasn't a problem."
Harry also caught up with Karen Anvil, a royalist who took an outstanding photo of the 'Fab Four on Christmas Day which made the cover of newspapers and magazines all over the world. Harry told Karen he "hoped she made lots of money from it".
It seem very fitting for Meghan to make an appearance on International Women's Day. She has been passionate about supporting women throughout her life. In 2015, to mark the day, she gave an inspiring speech on gender equality. Last year, she wrote a powerful essay for Time: How Periods Affect Potential to discuss an often forgotten issue on Women's Day. It is thought women's issues will be an important focus of her royal work in the years ahead.
This year's campaign theme is #PressforProgress.
More on the campaign:
'With the World Economic Forum's 2017 Global Gender Gap Report findings telling us that gender parity is over 200 years away - there has never been a more important time to keep motivated and #PressforProgress. And with global activism for women's equality fuelled by movements like #MeToo, #TimesUp and more - there is a strong global momentum striving for gender parity. And while we know that gender parity won't happen overnight, the good news is that across the world women are making positive gains day by day. Plus, there's indeed a very strong and growing global movement of advocacy, activism and support.'
At Millenium Point, they attended an event which aims to inspire the next generation of young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Hosted by social enterprise Stemettes, the event brought together female students from local secondary schools.
The event included interactive activities, a panel discussion, speed networking opportunities with local businesses, and information on work experience, apprenticeships, A-level choices, and university degrees in STEM.
Prince Harry and Ms. Markle joined the young women as they participated in building apps and touchpads.
They heard more about their motivations to pursue STEM subjects.
A video from the chat.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have had a look at the VR and watched girls making a banana into bongos pic.twitter.com/oLBpHPdHQV— Hannah Furness (@Hannah_Furness) March 8, 2018
"All girls will be able to make informed decisions about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), so that eventually women can be proportionally represented in the field. So that we can have 30%+ of the UK's STEM workforce being female, as opposed to just 21%.".
Co-Founder and CEO Anne-Marie Imafidon was honoured with an MBE from Her Majesty in 2016 for her services to young women within STEM careers.
Hannah Furness reports 'Meghan Markle particularly keen to hear about Hack The Web, programme that lets girls 'edit' websites. "So you can change something untrue into something positive?" she asked. "That's so cool!"
Meghan Markle particularly keen to hear about Hack The Web, programme that lets girls 'edit' websites. "So you can change something untrue into something positive?" she asked. "That's so cool!" pic.twitter.com/ZrSSK4rmj5— Hannah Furness (@Hannah_Furness) March 8, 2018
More from the Mail Online:
'Prince Harry told pupils: 'You must have brains the size of a planet. And you can't just come in today, do this and leave. You've got to carry it on.' Watching girls placing wires from a laptop computer to a bananas, to connect it to make it work as digital bongos, he told his fiancée: 'I was going to try and help but...' before laughing and showing her the instructions. 'Oh wow,' said Meghan.
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon said seeing the couple embrace Stem subjects would make a significant difference to how science, technology, engineering and maths are perceived.
'How many photos do you have of princesses doing technical things?' she said. 'You barely see pictures of women doing technical things, let alone princesses. You can't be what you can't see. 'To see her do it and see that she's enjoying it, it sends a message. In the same way that when she wears a dress we all buy it, here she's picked up a Makey Makey (an inventing kit), so let's try it. We could follow a different kind of fashion for once.'
The couple posed for photos with young scientists.
Next, Harry and Meghan visited Nechells Wellbeing Centre to join Birmingham's Coach Core apprentices as they took part in a training masterclass led by Create Development.
The Coach Core apprenticeship scheme was designed by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry to train young people aged 16 - 24 with limited opportunities to become sports coaches and mentors within their communities. During the year-long apprenticeship, which now operates in ten cities across the UK, the apprentices learn technical sport skills alongside an inclusive and holistic approach to coaching, with an emphasis on employability and mentoring skills.
Prince Harry and Ms. Markle chatted to the apprentices about their experiences of the programme – which launched in Birmingham in March 2017 – before joining them in the sports hall as they deliver practice training sessions.
KP posted this image on their Twitter account.
I loved Meghan's relaxed but professional look today. The styling of the individual pieces and the tailored fit of the trousers made this my favourite ensemble since the engagement announcement.
Meghan looked chic in the £330 J Crew Two-Tone Wool-Blend Coat. The white and navy coat features a slightly loose shape which makes it easy to layer over shirts and knits, while the contrasting white edges nod to the brand's signature stripes.
It's available in very limited sizing at Zalando, Net-A-Porter. You can also view on the J Crew website.
Giulia identified Meghan's sweater as the ALLSAINTS Ridley style. The £168 'chalk white' garment is made from a wool and cashmere blend. It features a slouch funnel neckline to contrast with fitted sleeves. It's available on the ALLSAINTS website, in black and navy at John Lewis and House of Fraser.
Meghan's carrying the Altuzarra Ghianda Saddle Bag (with thanks to Perths Fashion). It's available in black at Matches Fashion discounted to $957.
In fact, she loves it so much she has two. Meghan was spotted carrying the tan version last year. It's discounted by 40% at My Theresa.
Meghan wore her Manolo Blahnik BB pumps.
Meghan accessorised with a new silver bracelet by Birks. It is thought it may be have been a gift to celebrate her baptism.
Happy International Women's Day to you all!
"It is said that girls with dreams become women with vision. May we empower each other to carry out such vision" -Meghan Markle #InternationalWomensDay pic.twitter.com/17s2ZvAOPQ— HELLO! Canada (@HelloCanada) March 8, 2018