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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Cotswolds pub outing has sparked claims that the photo-op may have been planned. The couple was photographed holding hands outside The Falkland Arms in Great Tew, Oxfordshire, on October 1. 

It was their first joint public appearance in Britain since returning to the U.K. in August. Markle wore a black sweater, dark pants, and white sneakers. Harry went for jeans, a jacket, sunglasses, and a Santa Barbara Fire Department cap. 

However, celebrity journalist Rob Shuter claimed their “cosy new pub pictures may look spontaneous.” Writing on his Substack, Naughty But Nice, he quoted sources close to the couple. Shuter added, “The photo opportunity was anything but accidental.”

One source also claimed that Markle was behind the pictures. “This has Meghan’s fingerprints all over it. She understands publicity, she understands pictures, and she understands exactly what message a photograph can send. They wanted to be seen together,” they said. 

Another media source noted that they were holding hands, “completely unobstructed and perfectly positioned.” The tipster added that “these pictures say planned photo opportunity.” Meanwhile, a source at the pub told The Sun that the pair behaved like locals. 

“Everyone here gets the royal treatment — it doesn’t matter who you are. We’re lucky to get lots of different people visiting us, and everyone is treated like a local. When they visited, Harry and Meghan just acted like locals,” the tipster stated. 

Markle went for gluten-free beer-battered haddock and chips for £18.25, with mushy peas and tartare sauce. Harry ordered a chicken, ham and leek pie for £17.95. It came with seasonal greens, creamy mashed potatoes, and gravy.

The Duchess had also reportedly been to the same pub with her friend Kelly McKee Zajfen the week before. On September 23, Zajfen shared photos from her U.K. trip with her baby son, Jack. The post showed Markle, Harry, and Jack, along with some moments from a pub meal and their time in the U.K. 

Kelly captioned that she was having “the best time” with her “bestie” and Jack. She also mentioned having “mashed peas and fish n chips.” Recently, Markle’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, shared another update. The brand posted a new Instagram photo of Markle cooking in a different kitchen from her usual Montecito one.

She was standing over a pot on a gas stove, wearing a black outfit and a black-and-white checked apron. The caption teased more products, saying, “The season of giving is almost here, and we have a few surprises in store.” As Ever is also getting ready to drop its ‘Holiday Collection: Chapter One’ on October 6.

It comes with a wicker hostess basket, playing cards, and three chocolate bar flavors. The hostess basket has two scented candles, three jams, three herbal teas, and flower sprinkles. The playing cards are called the ‘Keepsake Double-Deck Parlour Card Set.’

The chocolate bars come in three flavors, which are Ginger Lemon, Lavender Honey, and Hibiscus Rose. The brand has also launched its $148 holiday advent calendar. It has 24 chocolates and was made with Los Angeles chocolatier Compartés. The calendar was also inspired by Markle’s Montecito home and garden.

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