Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were greeted with a warm welcome as they arrived in Nottingham early this morning. The couple were carrying out three separate engagements in the city today, with the trip marking their first joint official outing since their shock return to the UK in late August. Meghan, who wore a deep burgundy outfit, and Harry appeared in high spirits as they spoke to well-wishers who lined the streets.

Between 150 and 200 people arrived to greet the couple as they made their way into their first visit of the day, which was to the city’s Community Recording Studio (CRS). The local community charity that offers various youth development programmes.

“BUT – in my professional opinion, a modest, warm crowd is a far better outcome than a large, divided one, and they no longer have the palace machinery that turns an engagement into a public event. If I were on their team I would take it as a win… POINT HARRY & MEGHAN!!!”

The royal couple were also given presents for seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet. The family of four are now thought to be residing somewhere in the Cotswolds.

Balloons and gift bags were given to Meghan and Harry by Nichola, who arrived early before the visits began, and they appeared delighted by the sweet gifts for their children.

Nichola, who lives in Nottingham, 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. Harry said ‘How do you know she likes unicorns’ and I said, ‘all children like unicorns’.

“I know they get a lot of stick and it’s not justified we love them and show support they are always welcome.”