We knew a visit to Northern Ireland was on the cards for Harry and Meghan's pre-wedding tour of the UK, and due to security reasons it had to be kept under wraps until the last minute. This morning we got a royal surprise as the couple arrived in Belfast for a day of engagements.
Kensington Palace said: "Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle are visiting Belfast today for their first official joint visit to Northern Ireland. Throughout the day, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle will have the opportunity to meet members of the public, to learn how young people are shaping the future of Northern Ireland, and to visit some of the city's most loved sites."
The couple flew in from London.
Harry and Meghan began a packed day with a visit to he Eikon Centre in Lisburn.
They were greeted upon arrival.
They attended an event to mark the second year of youth-led, peace-building initiative Amazing the Space.
Funded by the Northern Ireland Executive Office and organised by Co-operation Ireland, Amazing the Space was launched by Prince Harry in September 2017 and empowers young people across Northern Ireland to become ambassadors for peace within their communities.
Listen to the reaction when Harry and Meghan take to the stage :)
Meghan chatted with students about 'Peace Pledges'.
A student discussed ongoing projects with the future royal.
Prince Harry and Ms Markle watched performances by local schools to celebrate how the arts can unite different communities.
A round of applause.
Harry and Meghan heard from young people about the reconciliation work going on across Northern Ireland.
Harry said: 'Over the years religion has divided us but we're all the same underneath.'
Next, Harry and Meghan traveled to one of Belfast's most historic buildings, the Crown Liquor Saloon.
As you can see (and hear) a warm welcome awaited them.
When trade and industry were booming in Victorian times, grand saloons were built for Belfast merchants, shipbuilders and craftsmen to socialise in. Many are still doing business, with well-preserved interiors and friendly, chatty clientele. One of these 19th-century drinking dens, the Crown Liquor Saloon, remains one of Belfast’s finest gin palaces.
Owned by the National Trust, the atmospheric former Victorian gin palace is bursting with character, including period gas lighting and private snugs, featuring the original metal plates for striking matches and an antique bell system for alerting staff.
More from the Mail Online:
After a bite to eat, Harry and Meghan met members of the public gathered on Great Victoria Street.
A very sweet moment when Meghan ran over to a young girl in the rain.
A video from Simon Perry.
From royal reporter Chris Ship: "Jude Campbell is 5 years old. He had a Cadbury Easter Egg for Prince Harry. Watch how Jude quickly convinced Harry and Meghan that he’d rather keep the egg for himself. Harry did order him to share it with his sister though."
Harry and Meghan's next stop was the Belfast campus of Northern Ireland’s next generation science park, Catalyst Inc, to meet some of Northern Ireland's brightest young entrepreneurs and innovators.
An independent, not for profit organisation, Catalyst Inc is on a mission to build a community of innovators in Northern Ireland, providing the home, support and networks to nurture innovators and entrepreneurs to aim higher and succeed faster. In a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship talented young people showcased their products and inventions to the couple, talking them through the entrepreneurial journey, from the original idea through to development of the product and onto successful, growing companies.
Rebecca English reports Meghan talked babies during the visit:
You can hear Meghan's comment below.
Finally, Harry and Meghan visited the iconic Titanic Belfast.
They were welcomed by Leyton and Rosie Jackson.
Meghan was given a lovely posy.
A replica of the ship for Prince Harry.
Voted the World's Leading Tourist Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards, Titanic Belfast tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to its maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.
The couple were guided through the interactive galleries, which explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of RMS Titanic, as well as the city and people who made her.
During the visit, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle also heard about how the regeneration of the Titanic Quarter has provided Belfast with an exciting new urban space.
They were both very interested to learn more about the 'ship of dreams'.
KP shared a video.
Who doesn't remember this?
Admiring the view.
They enjoyed a five-minute cable car ride around the museum privately.
Signing the visitors book.
A great photo from the visit.
Emily Andrews shared a look at their signatures.
The couple departing.
CEO Judith Owens spoke about the significance of the royal visit.
When asked how her first visit to Northern Ireland was Meghan replied: "It's been lovely. Everyone has been so warm and friendly".
Now, a look at what Meghan wore today!
Meghan's wore the Mackage Mai Coat (with thanks to Meghan's Mirror). The $750 style is a maxi-length, straight-cut, hand-stitched, double-faced wool coat. It features a waterfall collar and asymmetrical wrap closure. The Canadian brand has been a staple in Meghan's wardrobe for years.
The Mai coat also comes in black, gold and light grey.
Meghan brought back the Victoria Beckham sweater she wore for the engagement portraits.
Made in the UK, the Cashmere Sweater is described: "Embroidered initials leave Victoria Beckham's signature mark on an otherwise classic crewneck sweater in sumptuously soft cashmere."
And Meghan's chic green skirt is a Greta Constantine SS18 style.
Meghan added another stylish bag to her drool-worthy collection! The £175 Charlotte Elizabeth Bloomsbury is available for pre-order and you can have it personalised.
It is described: "The Bloomsbury has a gold foil logo on the back, an internal pocket made for a perfect fit to any small make-up items, credit cards and change, a new gold front clasp and a sturdy handle."
Indeed, the British brand has a special connection to Meghan's future father-in-law:
I imagine the connection to the Prince's Trust was one of the reasons Meghan chose to support the brand.
The Telegraph reports:
Meghan's velvet pumps are the Jimmy Choo Romy 100. The burnt orange colour is currently unavailable.
Another terrific day of engagements for the couple!
Kensington Palace said: "Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle are visiting Belfast today for their first official joint visit to Northern Ireland. Throughout the day, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle will have the opportunity to meet members of the public, to learn how young people are shaping the future of Northern Ireland, and to visit some of the city's most loved sites."
The couple flew in from London.
Harry and Meghan began a packed day with a visit to he Eikon Centre in Lisburn.
They were greeted upon arrival.
They attended an event to mark the second year of youth-led, peace-building initiative Amazing the Space.
Funded by the Northern Ireland Executive Office and organised by Co-operation Ireland, Amazing the Space was launched by Prince Harry in September 2017 and empowers young people across Northern Ireland to become ambassadors for peace within their communities.
Listen to the reaction when Harry and Meghan take to the stage :)
Meghan chatted with students about 'Peace Pledges'.
A student discussed ongoing projects with the future royal.
Prince Harry and Ms Markle watched performances by local schools to celebrate how the arts can unite different communities.
A round of applause.
Harry and Meghan heard from young people about the reconciliation work going on across Northern Ireland.
Harry said: 'Over the years religion has divided us but we're all the same underneath.'
Harry, 32, spoke passionately as he met school children who were involved in the project's direction. The royal said: 'The previous generations have caused such problems but with your help it can never happen again. 'You're trying to educate the older generation which is just amazing. 'Well done. Clean the slates guys, you got this!' Meghan laughed at Harry's passionate outburst and joked: 'No pressure...'
Harry replied that 'over the years religion has divided us but we're all the same underneath'.
Next, Harry and Meghan traveled to one of Belfast's most historic buildings, the Crown Liquor Saloon.
As you can see (and hear) a warm welcome awaited them.
Watch: excited crowds raising their camera phones as Meghan and Harry arrive @CrownBarBelfast. There are about 500 people on both sides of the road waiting for them pic.twitter.com/IqZtSMk4AG— Simon Perry (@SPerryPeoplemag) March 23, 2018
Owned by the National Trust, the atmospheric former Victorian gin palace is bursting with character, including period gas lighting and private snugs, featuring the original metal plates for striking matches and an antique bell system for alerting staff.
The Saloon is known for it's architectural marvel of ceramic tiles, carved mahogany and stained glass.
The couple chatted with staff and National Trust representatives about the pub's heritage.
The couple chatted with staff and National Trust representatives about the pub's heritage.
More from the Mail Online:
Harry joked with Heather McLachlan, the National Trust's director for Northern Ireland, asking 'Are you open?', before declaring 'We want food'.
His fiancee added: 'We saw the menu last week, and said "We'll have this".'
The couple marvelled at the pub, which features period gas lighting, a red marble-topped bar, mosaic tiled floor and snugs - ornately carved wooden booths with stained glass where Victorian drinkers could sit in private. Looking up at the ornate ceiling, Harry said: 'It's amazing, it really is.'
After a bite to eat, Harry and Meghan met members of the public gathered on Great Victoria Street.
In the afternoon, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle meet members of the public gathered on Great Victoria Street. pic.twitter.com/xxbP9M6dea— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 23, 2018
Meghan was given a beautiful posy.
Watch the adorable moment Meghan Markle runs over to greet a young girl while out meeting Belfast residents in the rain. #royalvisit #royalwedding pic.twitter.com/E2lY76zVh3— On Demand News (@ODN) March 23, 2018
Meghan Markle on walkabout after her lunch with Harry at the Crown Bar, Belfast pic.twitter.com/b0RMx1Vlpf— Simon Perry (@SPerryPeoplemag) March 23, 2018
Jude Campbell is 5 years old. He had a @CadburyUK Easter Egg for Prince Harry.— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) March 23, 2018
Watch how Jude quickly convinced Harry and Meghan that he’d rather keep the egg for himself.
Harry did order him to share it with his sister though ... 🥚 🍫 🐣 pic.twitter.com/tdwkVZNSC2
An independent, not for profit organisation, Catalyst Inc is on a mission to build a community of innovators in Northern Ireland, providing the home, support and networks to nurture innovators and entrepreneurs to aim higher and succeed faster. In a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship talented young people showcased their products and inventions to the couple, talking them through the entrepreneurial journey, from the original idea through to development of the product and onto successful, growing companies.
Rebecca English reports Meghan talked babies during the visit:
'On their surprise visit to Northern Ireland today they visited Catalyst Inc science park, she gestured at an array of baby equipment and said: 'I am sure at one point we will need the whole thing.'
The couple were being shown some of the items made by Shnuggle, a firm that makes innovative baby products. They included a baby bath which allows them to sit up, a changing mat and Moses basket.
'It's very sweet,' said Ms Markle. Sinead Murphy, who founded the company with her husband Adam, said: 'They seemed very engaged with the products.'
You can hear Meghan's comment below.
Are more royal babies in the near future?! 👑👶 Meghan Markle dropped a baby hint while chatting with locals in Belfast. https://t.co/9IkaRSgC02 pic.twitter.com/TSzWkajof2— People (@people) March 23, 2018
Finally, Harry and Meghan visited the iconic Titanic Belfast.
They were welcomed by Leyton and Rosie Jackson.
Meghan was given a lovely posy.
A replica of the ship for Prince Harry.
Voted the World's Leading Tourist Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards, Titanic Belfast tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to its maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.
The couple were guided through the interactive galleries, which explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of RMS Titanic, as well as the city and people who made her.
During the visit, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle also heard about how the regeneration of the Titanic Quarter has provided Belfast with an exciting new urban space.
They were both very interested to learn more about the 'ship of dreams'.
KP shared a video.
Prince Harry and Ms. Markle walked through @TitanicBelfast’s interactive galleries which tell Titanic’s story - from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch to her maiden voyage. pic.twitter.com/RJ0FZEG5GR— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 23, 2018
Admiring the view.
They enjoyed a five-minute cable car ride around the museum privately.
Signing the visitors book.
A great photo from the visit.
Emily Andrews shared a look at their signatures.
The couple departing.
CEO Judith Owens spoke about the significance of the royal visit.
“The visit was great. It was very exciting.”— Northern Ireland Office (@NIOgov) March 23, 2018
Judith Owens, CEO of @TitanicBelfast, on the visit from Prince Harry and Ms. Markle to the world's largest Titanic visitor experience.@belfastcc @love_belfast @BelfastLive @VisitBelfast @NITouristBoard @TourismIreland @DiscoverNI pic.twitter.com/bFlOYV2iHe
Now, a look at what Meghan wore today!
Meghan's wore the Mackage Mai Coat (with thanks to Meghan's Mirror). The $750 style is a maxi-length, straight-cut, hand-stitched, double-faced wool coat. It features a waterfall collar and asymmetrical wrap closure. The Canadian brand has been a staple in Meghan's wardrobe for years.
The Mai coat also comes in black, gold and light grey.
Meghan brought back the Victoria Beckham sweater she wore for the engagement portraits.
Made in the UK, the Cashmere Sweater is described: "Embroidered initials leave Victoria Beckham's signature mark on an otherwise classic crewneck sweater in sumptuously soft cashmere."
And Meghan's chic green skirt is a Greta Constantine SS18 style.
Meghan added another stylish bag to her drool-worthy collection! The £175 Charlotte Elizabeth Bloomsbury is available for pre-order and you can have it personalised.
It is described: "The Bloomsbury has a gold foil logo on the back, an internal pocket made for a perfect fit to any small make-up items, credit cards and change, a new gold front clasp and a sturdy handle."
Indeed, the British brand has a special connection to Meghan's future father-in-law:
'Charlotte Elizabeth is an all British-made handbag business, proudly supported by The Prince's Trust. We believe in supporting British craftsmanship, which is why every Charlotte Elizabeth product is sourced and stitched in Great Britain.
In the North of the UK, we discovered a prestigious leather tannery, where each locally-sourced leather hide is treated by the hands of an expert. Each hide is then carefully transported to our factory in Buckinghamshire, who put the best care, love and attention into making Charlotte's designs into a reality.
A lady’s handbag should be the best part of their outfit, which is why we aim to continue to use the finest British leather, brassware and craftsmen that we can find to make Charlotte's products the very best that they can be.'
I imagine the connection to the Prince's Trust was one of the reasons Meghan chose to support the brand.
The Telegraph reports:
'Charlotte Elizabeth Jones, a 23-year-old from Hertfordshire, is the designer of her namesake label (it is by pure coincidence that she shares a name with Princess Charlotte of Cambridge), which she launched in 2016 with support from The Prince’s Trust.
In 2014, when she was 19, Charlotte had attended a four-day course in entrepreneurship run by the organisation (which is headed up by Markle’s father-in-law to-be, Prince Charles) and had learned how to set up a fashion business. She had left school at the age of 16 due to heart complications, and this course gave her the valuable skills she needed to set up shop, however two weeks after the training, she suddenly became paralysed.
“I had a heart operation in 2012 and I had to leave school at 16 because of it,” Jones previously told The Telegraph. “I couldn't get A Levels or go to uni, and it was hard to find employment because of my physical health conditions.”
Jones has done a phenomenal job of starting her label - something that many recovering from such difficulties with their health might not have attempted - and with support from The Prince’s Trust, she has developed her product line, made with leathers sourced at a British tannery, and stitched in Buckinghamshire.
“I had such a clear a vision of what I wanted it to be,” she says of her design ethos. “Very clean cut, minimal and inspired by classic 50s handbags, when it was an experience to have a handbag."
Jones has had a long journey to get to this point and, as Markle’s endorsement today will undoubtedly launch her label into a different league, it feels like a reward that was worth the wait. Her thoughts on it all? Simply, “It is wonderful.”
Meghan's velvet pumps are the Jimmy Choo Romy 100. The burnt orange colour is currently unavailable.
Another terrific day of engagements for the couple!