The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to Nottingham for a day of charity visits, but their first quasi-official UK engagement since returning to the country was marked by modest crowds and a heavy media presence.
Harry and Meghan travelled by Range Rover to the Community Recording Studio in St Ann’s, a youth charity the Duke has supported since 2013. The organisation works with disadvantaged young people, helping them build confidence and life skills.
About 200 people gathered outside the centre, although much of the group consisted of journalists and photographers. A small number of supporters brought flowers and balloons, while others watched as the couple greeted children and charity representatives.
One woman told the reporter: “You are that witch from the Daily Mail,” as she carried flowers intended for the Duchess. Another attendee, holding a unicorn balloon and lilies, said she was there to support the charity but did not want publicity.
The couple spoke to a group of schoolchildren in red fleeces. When one asked Meghan whether she was Californian, she replied: “Yes, I am. Have you ever been to California?”
Harry asked the children which class they were missing and encouraged them to spend less time on social media. “No photos, get off social media, get outside,” he said.
The visit formed part of a schedule focused on grassroots organisations across Nottingham. The Sussexes later went to the Himmah Hub, which works on poverty, food insecurity, racism and social exclusion, where they took part in a cooking demonstration and a bracelet-making activity.
They left the Himmah Hub through a rear entrance after a small crowd had waited for around 90 minutes. Asked whether she had enjoyed the visit, Meghan replied: “Yah, it was really meaningful, thank you for asking.”
Harry and Meghan’s return to Nottingham
The day was notable for its contrast with the couple’s previous appearance in Nottingham, when thousands gathered to see them during a 25-minute walkabout in December 2017, shortly after their engagement.
At that time, Meghan was praised for her confident public debut and for engaging with people who had queued in the cold. The couple were greeted with cheering and bunting, and Harry shook hands with members of the crowd.
The latest visit attracted a far smaller public turnout, despite the Sussexes appearing at several community organisations. Supporters expressed enthusiasm, with some women ululating and one person shouting: “We love you Meghan!”
The couple were driven between engagements in two Range Rovers, accompanied by security staff. Nottingham Police also provided support, including an unmarked police car, a traffic vehicle and three community officers, although crowd-control services were not needed.
The final stop was Epic Partners on Edale Road, whose name stands for Empowering Positive and Inspirational Change. The organisation focuses on coaching, employment, family skills, financial hardship and bringing communities together.
A small crowd had gathered outside the centre, where a strip of bunting had been tied to fencing on the roof. The centre’s leader welcomed Meghan at the entrance and told her they were pleased she had come.
The visit left an uncertain impression of the couple’s future public role in Britain. Their programme resembled a traditional royal engagement, but the limited crowds and carefully managed appearances highlighted the ambiguity surrounding their status as working public figures.
