MEGHAN MARKLE FIGHTS BACK TEARS AS SUPPORTERS DELIVER EMOTIONAL MESSAGE IN NOTTINGHAM — ‘WE’RE PROUD OF YOU. WE SUPPORT YOU’

Meghan Markle appeared visibly moved as supporters gathered to welcome her and Prince Harry to Nottingham, with one woman revealing the heartfelt words she shared with the Duchess during their first joint public appearance in the UK since returning to Britain.

Around 150 people reportedly turned out to greet the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, bringing flowers and balloons as the couple arrived at Nottingham’s Community Recording Studio at around 10.30am.

Harry and Meghan shook hands and embraced members of the crowd, many of whom were eager to show their support for the couple.

For one supporter, the visit was an opportunity to deliver a personal message to Meghan after years of intense media scrutiny.

‘WE’RE PROUD OF YOU. WE SUPPORT YOU’

Ria Miller, who waited outside to see the Sussexes, told the Daily Express that she wanted Meghan to know that people appreciated her beyond the online criticism and headlines surrounding her.

“I’m a Sussex supporter, as a woman and a mother, I see what Meghan goes through daily, multiple articles written about her often false and debunked,” Miller said.

She explained that she wanted the couple to see that their supporters were real people who cared about them.

“They are real people that see her, appreciate and love her, respect her. Give her the love,” she said.

Miller managed to hand Meghan a bouquet of flowers, describing it as a physical expression of the affection she and other supporters wanted to convey.

She also spoke about the criticism directed at the Duchess, saying: “She’s a woman of colour. There’s a lot of microaggressions around it. What has she done? Has she killed anybody?”

Miller said she spoke directly to Meghan and told her: “We’re proud of you. We support you.”

Recalling the exchange, she added: “She had water in her eyes. It was a beautiful reception. Very proud of Nottingham today.”

A DAY OF COMMUNITY VISITS

The Nottingham trip included visits to three local organisations, with the Community Recording Studio among the first stops.

Meghan was scheduled to join young girls for a confidence-building and bracelet-making workshop, while the couple were also due to visit Himmah Hub.

At the community organisation, Harry and Meghan were expected to take part in a cooking class and help pack food parcels for donations.

The engagements placed the focus on local communities and charitable work, with supporters welcoming the couple as they met members of the public.

The visit also marked Meghan’s first public UK event in four years, according to the report.

THE ROYAL STATUS QUESTION REMAINS

Despite the warm reception, the Sussexes’ return has taken place against the backdrop of continuing questions about their relationship with the Royal Family.

King Charles has made clear that events involving Harry and Meghan should not be presented as official royal engagements or affiliated with the Royal Family. The couple are to be treated as private citizens.

Harry and Meghan reportedly said they were “surprised” by a letter sent to UK officials on the King’s behalf, while maintaining that they consider themselves “public figures”.

Their Nottingham appearance therefore carried significance beyond the visit itself: it offered a glimpse of how the Sussexes are continuing their public and charitable activities in Britain, while operating outside the official royal framework.

For the supporters waiting in Nottingham, however, the message was more personal. Flowers, embraces and a few heartfelt words gave Meghan a welcome that one woman described as a moment of pride for the city.