The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, returned to Nottingham on 15 October, nearly nine years after their first official royal engagement in the city. Since their previous visit took place just days after they announced their engagement in December 2017, their latest appearance was marked by a wave of nostalgia and excitement among local residents.
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As Meghan and Harry arrived at the Community Recording Studio (CRS) on Thursday, they were met by an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 100 supporters. The couple took the time to engage with the well-wishers, including young schoolchildren, before heading inside the venue. The warm reception mirrored their initial visit, with attendees expressing their joy at seeing the couple once more.
During their walkabout, one enthusiastic fan presented Meghan with a photo from her and Harry’s 2017 engagement visit. The Duchess, visibly touched, responded with, “That’s so special,” highlighting the deep connection the couple has forged with the community over the years. The exchanges during their brief interaction conveyed a sense of fondness and nostalgia that resonated with many present.
On their first outing in December 2017, Markle, then 36, donned a tailored outfit and was met with cheers as excited crowds gathered to congratulate the newly engaged pair. This time, the couple continued that tradition, with Meghan receiving bouquets of flowers and other tokens of affection from fans. She expressed her delight, stating, “It’s great to be back,” emphasising the importance of this visit for both the couple and the community.
In terms of style, the duchess donned an outfit that included a coat and turtleneck from British luxury brand Joseph, alongside a skirt from The Fold London and shoes by Jennifer Chamandi. Interestingly, during her 2017 visit, she also sported a skirt from Joseph, reinforcing the couple’s connection to Nottingham and showcasing the continuity of their fashion choices over the years.
This recent return marks a significant period for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are now back in the UK following six years of living in California. Their visit to Nottingham was part of a broader agenda that included various charitable engagements, allowing them to reconnect with local organisations and community members they had previously supported.
Harry and Meghan’s history with the city runs deep, particularly through their involvement with local initiatives. During their prior visit, the couple was introduced to beneficiaries of the Full Effect programme, a collaboration designed to support children and their families through youth work and educational initiatives. The Duke’s involvement with organisations like Epic Partners has been longstanding, stemming back to 2013, and continues to resonate through ongoing projects aimed at uplifting communities.
In addition to their stop at the CRS, the couple also visited Himmah Hub, a food poverty action group, where Meghan reunited with members of the Hubb Community Kitchen. This was particularly poignant as it harkened back to one of her first initiatives as a royal, where she collaborated with the women from this group to produce a charity cookbook following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.
Their return to Nottingham is not merely a personal homecoming but a testament to their commitment to the causes they have championed over the years. With their latest engagements, Harry and Meghan are demonstrating their ongoing dedication to community work and social responsibility, reinforcing the lasting impact of their early royal service.
As the couple embarks on this new chapter in the UK, the connection they share with Nottingham and its residents remains evident. Their ability to inspire goodwill and enthusiasm among the public reflects their journey together as advocates for various causes, a path that, nearly nine years on, continues to evolve while still honouring their history with the community.