© Photo: PAThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex brought a touch of warmth to what was a chilly and snowy day in Bristol on Friday. The royal visit to the West Country went ahead despite the Arctic conditions that swept the region; dozens of local schools shut for the day, while Bristol Airport was also closed during the morning. Harry and Meghan braved the cold as they met people from local communities and greeted fans on a walkabout.
For her wintery day out, Meghan wrapped up her baby bump in an Oscar de la Renta dress and a black coat by William Vintage. She and Harry started off the day at the Bristol Old Vic theatre, which is undergoing a multimillion-pound restoration. The Duke and Duchess were taken on a guided tour of the revamped theatre, after which they travelled to Empire Fighting Chance, a charity that uses boxing to support children struggling at school to prevent them from drifting into unemployment.
See the best photos from Harry and Meghan's Bristolian outing…
© Photo: WENNHarry and Meghan were given a warm welcome outside the Bristol Old Vic theatre. The couple, who were 20 minutes delayed due to the trains, took part in a walkabout before entering the venue, saying hello to the crowds who had waited in the cold. Harry and Meghan had planned to fly but cancelled their plans due to the snow.
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© Photo: WENNDespite being bundled up in warm clothing, Meghan still managed to look ultra-chic. She nailed her winter look wearing a black coat and olive green suede boots by Sarah Flint.
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© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess switched up her hairstyle, opting to wear her hair down in loose waves instead of her signature bun. She wore light makeup, letting her natural pregnancy glow do all the talking.
© Photo: WENNThe couple spent some time talking to a group of local children from Abbeywood nursery. Meghan greeted them and called over her husband after they asked to see Harry.
Nursery worker India Leachman, 25, said: "They (the children) were so excited to see – we've been saying, the Prince and Princess – it's just easier to explain it to them. They were like 'oh my gosh, they're coming, they're coming' and then I gave them biscuits and they had a little giggle party to themselves, so they (Harry and Meghan) just found that so funny.
"The children beckoned them over, like 'we're excited to see you', waving their flags and as soon as they came over, they were interested in their biscuits. We were just trying to keep the children all calm."
India added of Harry and Meghan: "They were very concerned about keeping them warm. Very happy that we'd come out to see them as well. They looked very interested in all the children and making sure they were warm and thanked them for coming out."
© Photo: PAMeghan's private assistant secretary, Amy Pickerill, rushed to her side to save the Duchess' coat from getting soaked.
© Photo: RexThe couple were given a warm welcome at the Bristol Old Vic theatre. Meghan, a former actress, looked thrilled to be treading the boards, taking a guided tour of the newly revamped theatre that has undergone a £26m restoration. She looked lovely in an Oscar de la Renta dress, which showed off her bump perfectly.
© Photo: PAHarry and Meghan dropped in on a workshop attended by local schoolchildren, which is part of Bristol Old Vic's outreach programme. Mum-to-be Meghan showed just how good she is with kids, joking around with the youngsters and making them laugh.
© Photo: RexThe couple unveiled a plaque at the end of their visit.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe next engagement of the day took Harry and Meghan to charity One25, which helps sex workers come off the streets. The organisation donates food, condoms, blankets and hot water bottles to the workers, as well as giving advice.
Meghan came up with the idea of leaving messages of support for the sex workers, by writing words on bananas. "Oh actually do you have a Sharpie marker? I have an idea," Meghan said. "I saw this project this woman had started somewhere in the States on a school lunch programme. On each of the bananas she wrote an affirmation, to make the kids feel really, like, empowered. It was the most incredible idea – this small gesture."
Meghan wrote a series of messages on the bananas which would be included in the food bags and sent out in the charity's outreach van. Picking up a marker, she said: "I am in charge of the banana messaging!" as she proceeded to write on some of the bananas: "You are strong", "You are loved", "You are brave" and "You are special".
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess helped pack food and warm clothing that will be distributed later on Friday evening.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe royals spoke to staff and volunteers inside the One25 charity outreach van, which distributes food and warm clothing to sex workers.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHarry and Meghan also visited Empire Fighting Chance charity, which runs a boxing club to help young people in difficulty. The royals spoke to coaches who explained the positive impact boxing has on these youngsters, to keep them off the street and out of unemployment.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe couple met some of the young people using the gym and heard first-hand how the charity helps them. The Duke and Duchess also watched a couple of training sessions attended by primary and secondary school pupils.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe royal guests of honour posed for a group photo before leaving back for London.
