Prince Harry and his bride-to-be Meghan Markle have begun a whirlwind visit to Northern Ireland, which will see them visit the Titanic visitor attraction and enjoy lunch in a Belfast pub. The couple, who announced their engagement in November, are on the latest leg of a tour of the UK that has already taken them to major centres like Edinburgh, Cardiff and Birmingham. The US actress is being introduced to the people, culture and issues of the regions they visit, and Ulster will provide Harry's bride-to-be with a wealth of new experiences.
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Meghan, 36, looked particularly striking in a nude, blush-pink toned coat by Mackage, a white knit by Victoria Beckham, a green skirt and suede high heels by Jimmy Choo. Not to be outdone in the style stakes, 33-year-old Harry looked dapper in a grey tailored jacket and a royal blue jumper. The pair appeared to be in great spirits as they entered the Eikon Centre.
In keeping with royal visits to Northern Ireland, the details of the engagement were not released in advance. In a statement, Kensington Palace said: "Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle are visiting Belfast today for their first official joint visit to Northern Ireland. Throughout the day, Prince Harry and Ms Markle will have the opportunity to meet members of the public, to learn how young people are shaping the future of Northern Ireland, and to visit some of the city's most loved sites."
Harry and Meghan began their day at the former Maze paramilitary prison outside Lisburn where around 2,500 young people from both sides of the Irish border had gathered for a peace-building event. They were greeted by Londonderry students Amber Hamilton, from Foyle College, and Ryan McCallion, from St Joseph's Boys school, both 17, before meeting a number of dignitaries including Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable George Hamilton.
The cross-community gathering at the Eikon Centre, which is built on the site of the old Maze prison, will see teenagers share their hopes and dreams of a peaceful and reconciled future on the island.
Meghan appeared to be enjoying herself as she sat next to school children at the exhibition centre in Lisburn.
The Reverend Dr David Latimer seen walking alongside Harry and Meghan during their busy morning in Belfast.
The royal couple posed with school children as they visited the Eikon Centre and attended an event to mark the second year of the youth-led peace-building initiative 'Amazing the Space'.
A police officer observes the scene prior to the arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for a walkabout in Belfast City Centre where they will visit the Crown Bar and learn from National Trust representatives about the pub's heritage, and meet bar staff, local comedians and musicians.
Despite the surprise visit, the couple received a very warm welcome in Belfast. Royal fans flocked to catch a glimpse of the lovebirds.
The former Suits actress looked delighted to meet the crowds in Belfast. With a huge smile across her face, Meghan happily spent time to chat away.
Harry and Meghan even paid a visit to the iconic Crown Liquor Saloon.
Andrew Dickinson, pub manager of the Crown, confirmed the former actress had the Crown Bar Irish stew made with lamb shoulder, carrots, onions and potatoes. While Harry picked sausage and champ, three Gloucester old spot sausages with champ, an Irish dish of mashed potatoes, chopped spring onions, butter, milk and cheese.
The pub manager added: "They're two of our most popular dishes and on a hectic day it would have kept them going."
Meghan played with a baby as she greeted well-wishers after a visit to one of Belfast's most historic buildings, The Crown Liquor Saloon, a former Victorian gin palace, now run by the National Trust.
Despite the rain, the former actress met members of the public during a walkabout.
At their third engagement of the day, a hub for young entrepreneurs, the future groom and bride-to-be met a husband and wife team who make innovative baby products, such as hypoallergenic Moses baskets and non-slip baths. In a light-hearted moment, Meghan pointed to the product range and said: "I'm sure at some point we'll need the whole (lot)."
The couple arrived at the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction on the final engagement of their day in the city.
They were also presented with a model of the ship by Lleyton Jackson, 6, and Rosie Jackson, 4, during a visit to Titanic Belfast maritime museum.