Meghan and Harry take on first joint outing since moving back to U.K.: ‘GREAT TO BE BACK’

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first joint appearance since moving back to England last month, and nearly seven years after stepping back as senior working royals.

Harry has made a few solo appearances since their return but Thursday’s outing in Nottingham marked Meghan’s first official engagement.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted by cheering crowds in front of Community Recording Studio, which uses music, performance and athletic programs to help young people develop practical skills and build confidence.

Feeling the love

The couple shook hands, took selfies and chatted with locals, many of whom shouted, “I love you, Duchess Meghan,” as Archie and Lilibet’s mom was presented with bouquets of flowers, according to People.

“It’s great to be back,” Meghan told one fan, the publication reported.

Another woman showed Meghan a photo of the royals from their visit to Nottingham on Dec. 1, 2017, which the former Suits star to tell her, “That’s so special.”

Nine years ago…

Harry and Meghan’s 2017 visit was their first official royal outing as a betrothed couple, after announcing their engagement just four days prior.

Harry has worked with the Community Recording Studio for years but it was Meghan’s first visit on Thursday.

“Harry’s been a few times — we’re used to him coming and always having a big impact when he comes,” Trevor Rose, the studio’s CEO and co-founder, told People.

“But for him to want to bring Meg as well and to hear that she wanted to find out more about what we are and what we do is incredible.”

Rose added: “They don’t just say they’ll visit every year — they ring up every couple of months, they ask what we’re doing and monitor progress and give us suggestions.”

The couple also visited Himmah, the region’s largest food bank, and Epic Partners, which offers sports, education and mentoring programs for disadvantaged youth.

Harry and Meghan are still considered non-working members of the Royal Family, and their public appearances are not considered official engagements undertaken on behalf of the Crown.

Ahead of their return, King Charles III instructed U.K. government officials in a letter that his son and wife would not be using their titles, His/Her Royal Highness, and any charitable work Harry and Meghan do would be as “private citizens.”

The couple, suffice it to say, were blindsided by the Palace’s letter, but appear to have taken it all in stride.

Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet moved back to the U.K. in late August, about a week before the start of school.

Now that the kids are settled, the royal couple is shifting their focus back to their work, a source told People.

“After they first arrived in England, their focus was on establishing a routine and getting the kids settled into school,” the insider said. “Now, they’re both excited to focus more on their work and the projects that matter to them.”

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