© Photo: Getty ImagesOn Friday 1 December, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle carried out their first joint engagement as a couple. The soon-to-be-married pair delighted crowds as they spent the day in Nottingham, arriving just before noon to cheers and applause. Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, smiled and waved to members of the public as they alighted their car, taking the time to shake hands and speak to a few lucky locals, before heading to the National Justice Museum.
It was Meghan's first outing as a royal-to-be, but the actress showed no signs of nerves as she greeted adoring fans. Her Prince stayed close by her side, affectionately putting his hand on the small of her back as they made their way inside the venue.
After spending time in the museum, the couple then made the short journey to the Nottingham Contemporary to attend the Terrence Higgins Trust charity fair, in honour of World Aids Day - a cause very close to Princess Diana's heart.
Click through to see all the photos from Harry and Meghan's first engagement...
© Photo: Getty ImagesNatural beauty Meghan looked picture perfect on her first outing. The 36-year-old actress waved to crowds and showed off her stunning engagement ring. The trilogy ring features a large central diamond, flanked on either side by two smaller jewels set on a gold band.
The stones were specially selected by Harry; the central diamond is from Botswana, where the couple recently holidayed together, and the other two diamonds are from his late mother Princess Diana's personal collection. The band is made of gold and the ring was made by Cleave and Company, Court Jewellers and Medallists to Her Majesty The Queen.
© Photo: RexMeghan showed off her sartorial prowess, wrapping up in a navy coat by Mackage. Underneath, Meghan wore a black roll-neck and cream skirt combo, teamed with boots and a burgundy handbag. She wore her long raven hair loosely around her shoulders, and kept her make-up to a minimum.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe couple were clearly thrilled to be visiting Nottingham and sharing their engagement news with the nation. Harry's communication's secretary, Jason Knauf, said the Prince was looking forward to introducing Meghan to a community that had "become very special to him", adding that the actress "could not wait" to meet people she had heard so much about.
The former Suits actress, who has quit acting and will focus her energy and time on being a full-time royal, was a natural in front of the crowds and the cameras.
© Photo: PAHarry played a very protective role, holding on to his future wife as they made their way to the National Justice Museum.
© Photo: RexThe couple looked blissfully happy and displayed their love for one another by holding hands and putting their arms around each other. Public displays of affection have previously been avoided by the royal family at official events, due to their position as working representatives of the British monarchy.
Although there is no specific rule forbidding royals to show their affection in public, the unspoken instructive would explain why Prince William and Kate rarely show their affection for one another in public, and have been photographed holding hands less than a dozen times in the past ten years.
Hundreds of people had lined the streets in the hope of catching a glimpse of the engaged couple. Members of the crowd chanted "Harry, Harry" and "Meghan, Meghan" as they walked past Nottingham well-wishers.
© Photo: RexHarry and Meghan, who are due to marry in May, didn't hesitate to show their affection for each other as they walked through Nottingham. "We're two people who are really happy and in love," Meghan famously said in the summer.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHarry and Meghan split up to chat with people lining both sides of the route, accepting everything from bars of chocolate to cards of congratulations. The crowds were a sea of mobile phones, as people strained to capture the royal rite of passage for the TV star.
© Photo: Getty ImagesSome members of the public waved American Stars and Stripes, alongside the Union flag, to make LA-born Meghan feel more at home.
