Meghan wore a Blackwatch tartan coat by Burberry for today’s engagements with Prince Harry in Edinburgh, Scotland.
It is the couple’s first official visit to Scotland.
There were lots of people eager to meet them as they arrived at Edinburgh Castle.
Here you see the historic Castle; it is located right in the heart of the city.
It was shortly after noon when Meghan and Harry arrived and were welcomed by the Royal Marines Scotland Band.
Prince Harry was appointed Captain General of the Royal Marines in December, a position held by his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, for more than 64 years.
In this photo, you will see Prince Philip and Harry both wear the Royal Marines tie.
Also on hand to welcome them, Corporal Cruachan IV, the mascot of the British Army’s Royal Regiment of Scotland. He is seen with Pony Major Corporal Mark Wilkinson.
The nine-year-old pony famously tried to eat the Queen’s posy during the monarch’s visit to Stirling castle but was on his best behaviour for the couple.
Pony Major Mark Wilkinson said: “They were asking about him, saying he’s a wee star, he knows he’s on parade and is showing off – they said it was lovely to meet him.”
Meghan and Harry spent time greeting many of the well-wishers who were waiting to see them. From The Daily Mail’s coverage:
Hundreds of well-wishers had braved the conditions to stake the best place to spot the royal couple on the esplanade outside Edinburgh Castle this morning, despite the cold and wet weather.
With the centuries-old fortress as a backdrop the couple began shaking hands, saying hello and thanking the well-wishers for coming to see them. Harry and Meghan were also both given gifts by young fans.
The One O’Clock gun firing dates back to 1861 when it was originally used to alert personnel on ships nearby so they could set their maritime clocks.
The gun is still fired every day, with the exception of Sunday.
The next stop for the pair was a Social Bite Café.
Social Bite operates a number of cafés throughout Scotland, with all profits going to help the local homeless population. Below you see Harry and Meghan with Josh Littlejohn, the organization’s CEO.
The Scotland Herald explains that Social Bite “….employs homeless people and asks customers to “pay it forward”, paying extra to buy food for those who can’t afford their own.”
Social Bite’s work has gained international attention. More from a CBS News story:
Ms. Markle is not the most famous Hollywood star to visit, with George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio already counted among Social Bite’s fans. But while founder Josh Littlejohn had courted the Hollywood royalty, the request from actual royalty came as a surprise.
“Just got an email saying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to visit Edinburgh on this particular day and can they come and visit Social Bite,” Littlejohn told CBS News.” His reaction? “Wow!”
Meghan and Harry spent time with those helped by the charity, as well as volunteers and staff.
The organization also launched its “Housing First” Campaign today. That program’s goal is to ultimately help at least 500 homeless people in Edinburgh and Glasgow get into mainstream housing.
The duo’s final engagement was at the Palace of Holyrood House, the monarch’s official residence in Scotland. The Queen stays at the palace every year during Royal Week. Meghan and Harry attended a reception celebrating Scotland’s Year of Young People.
The event celebrated achievements by young people. Holyrood magazine explains the year is “designed to provide a platform for those aged eight to 26 and give them the opportunity to influence decision making around issues affecting their lives.”
Meghan wore the Adley Button Detail Pants ($395). The fabric is referred to as a stretch gabardine; it is a viscose/elastane crepe material. The pockets you see front and back are faux, decorative only. Here is a closeup of the buttons to give you a sense of how big they are.
The trousers are available at Veronica Beard ($395) and also at Shopbop ($395).
Meghan also wore a turtleneck sweater today that we are still looking at before we say anything more about a designer or retailer.
UPDATE 1/23/19: We have not yet had a good look at Meghan’s shoes. It’s possible she is wearing Meghan is wearing the Luther Suede Cutout Bootie by Jimmy Choo. It is a style Meghan was seen wearing in October 2014 while attending the Jimmy Choo store opening in Toronto.
Meghan carried another bag from Scotland-based Strathberry, the East/West bag in the mini size. The color is called bottle green. It measures 7″ x 5″ x3″ deep; it can be worn on the shoulder or carried as a crossbody the way Meghan used it today.
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Also today, news that Meghan has been privately spending time with Grenfell Tower victims. More from Victoria Murphy and Matthew Young’s Daily Mirror story:
Prince Harry ’s fiancee has twice been to comfort those affected by the inferno that left 71 people dead and a community shattered.
The actress appeared at the Al Manaar community mosque, which lies in the shadow of the charred shell of Grenfell Tower at North Kensington, West London.
Many readers will remember the horrific fire this summer that killed 71 people.
More from the article:
It is understood the US actress arrived without Harry but was flanked by a royal protection officer and one of the prince’s aides.
A leading Grenfell community member said: “Meghan’s visits mean so much to us. She has a special place in our hearts.”
The Daily Mirror story also notes that Meghan has been “making private visits to organizations as she gets to know the charity sector.”
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One other note comes via KateKateKate on the WMW Facebook page: she is going to be in London and heading to Windsor for the wedding. She is organizing a meet-up for WMW / WKW folks who are also going to be in town. She has created an Event on Facebook, click here to visit the page.
We’ll leave you with this photo of Harry and Meghan at Edinburgh Castle.
LINKAGE:
- Read more on Social Bite at the organization’s website here; its Facebook page is here; follow the Twitter feed here
- Learn more about the Palace of Holyrood House by visiting The Royal Collection Trust’s website
Vicky says
I love them holding hands…. Beautiful couple! And congratulations for the site!