Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Edinburgh: Couple welcomed by cheering crowds on first Royal visit to Scotland

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Robert Jobson13 February 2018

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took their pre-wedding royal roadshow to Scotland today, arriving in Edinburgh just after noon to a warm welcome for their first official joint visit there.

Meghan and Harry were spending the day learning about local organisations and celebrating youth to mark the Scottish Year of Young People.

Meghan, who is making her fourth joint official visit with Harry, wore a green and navy tartan Burberry coat and trousers by Veronica Beard, and carried a bottle-green Strathberry East/West mini bag.

The couple’s first stop was at the Esplanade in front of Edinburgh Castle, where they were officially welcomed by the Royal Marines Scotland Band. Harry is Captain Generak of the Royal Marines after taking over the role when his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, retired in December last year.

Meghan laughs as Prince Harry pets Shetland pony Cruachan
PA

The couple went on a walkabout outside the castle, meeting enthusiastic crowds of people who had braved wet and cold conditions. Ms Markle burst into laughter as a Shetland pony named Cruachan from the Royal Regiment of Scotland nipped at Prince Harry's hand.

Inside the castle at the Edinburgh Garrison, Harry and Meghan watched the firing of the One o’clock Gun, a tradition started in 1861 to give an accurate time to the crews of ships sailing in the Firth of Forth. An 18lb cannon was originally used, but the army now fires a 105mm L118 light gun.

The couple are greeted by well-wishers outside Edinburgh Castle
PA

Harry and Meghan, who are getting married at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 19, were later due to travel to the Social Bite, a business and café in the New Town area of the city.

The organisation runs social enterprise cafés throughout Scotland and uses the platform to distribute 100,000 items of food and hot drinks to homeless people every year, and also employs staff who have experienced homelessness. In the café, Prince Harry and Meghan will learn more about the enterprise, meet members of staff and tour the kitchen.

Meghan sporting a crossbody bag by the Scottish brand in Edinburgh
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Later, the couple will attend a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse as part of the celebrations of youth achievements. The Year of Young People aims to inspire Scotland through its young people: celebrating their achievements, strengthening their voice on social issues and creating new opportunities for them to shine.

Representatives from various charities and organisations that work with and for young people across the country will be present, and the reception will provide an opportunity for them to talk about their aspirations for the Year and the activities that they have been involved in so far.

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