Meghan Markle and Prince Harry got a warm welcome in Nottingham on Thursday, October 15, as crowds gathered to see them. The Duchess of Sussex smiled and chatted with well-wishers outside the Community Recording Studio. According to the Express, she also had a short message for a fan about being back in the U.K.
According to the reported account, Markle said, “It’s good to be back.” The couple stepped out of a dark-colored Range Rover to cheers from the crowd. One woman shouted, “We love you Duchess Meghan, we love you.” Harry and Markle then spent around 20 minutes meeting people, taking selfies, hugging supporters and shaking hands.
Harry and Meghan are back in Nottingham for their first joint public appearance since they moved backed to Britain. It’s where they undertook their first joint public duties after getting engaged in 2017. Of course, these days they don’t represent the monarchy. https://t.co/tZqXgZm8Ob
Markle went all out in burgundy, wearing the color from head to toe. She also chatted with people waiting outside and complimented the sunny weather. “Nice, the weather is so wonderful. It’s so fun, so fun,” she reportedly said.
People came across Nottingham to see the couple, including students and longtime supporters. “It’s a big news event. It’s a big thing for somewhere I grew up. did think there would be more people here,” said Nicola Taylor, 21, from Nottingham. She came with her friend Lisa Marie, also 21.
Taylor added, “This is the first time, as we didn’t see them in 2017. Have liked them since secondary school, Harry and Meghan, for quite some time, and it’s an opportunity to come see them. I will say hello and welcome.”
Another Nottingham local, Nichola, turned up early with a unicorn balloon for Harry and Markle. She said, “I can just go show our complete support for Harry and Meghan; they’ve got children, I’ve got children, and I brought something I thought the children would like.”
She also shared a quick chat she had with Harry. “Harry said, ‘How do you know she likes children?’ and I said, ‘All children like unicorns,’” Nichola then noted. Meanwhile, she also stood up for the couple amid the criticism they get.
“I know they get a lot of stick, and it’s not justified. We love them and show support; they are always welcome. I know Harry has a lot of love for Nottingham,” she stated. The Community Recording Studio was the couple’s first stop.
They were also expected to visit Himmah Hub, which helps tackle food poverty, and Epic Partners, which works with young people through sports, education, and mentoring. Nottingham holds a special place in Harry and Markle’s story.
It’s where they made their first joint public appearance after announcing their engagement in 2017. Harry has also supported the Community Recording Studio and Epic Partners for years. Markle, meanwhile, worked with Himmah through Together: Our Community Cookbook, published in 2018.
The couple returned to England in August 2026 with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. They stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to the U.S. Their Nottingham visit wasn’t an official royal engagement. They’re now carrying out their charity work in a private capacity.
