Prince Harry and fiance Meghan Markle arrived in Edinburgh for their first official visit joint visit to Scotland. The visit is also Meghan’s first trip to the country.
On arrival at the majestic Edinburgh Castle, the pair were greeted by the Band of the Royal Marines and members of the Royal Regiment of Scotland – as well as the Regiment’s mascot, a Shetland pony named Cruachan.
Meghan laughed as the cheeky pony nipped Prince Harry’s hand while the royal tried patting it.
They then spent time meeting the crowds of people who had turned up to see them.
“Seeing the couple is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”, Masters student Coronado told BBC. “I think Meghan is a role model, she’s not just a pretty face. I think she’s going to change the face of the monarchy.”
After a tour of the Castle, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle observed the firing of the One O’clock Gun, a tradition dating back to 1861 that signifies time for ships in the Firth of Forth.
The couple then enjoyed a drink at Social Bite, a social business and enterprise cafe in the centre of Edinburgh. Social Bite provides homeless people with hot drinks and food and employs staff who have previously experienced homelessness.
They spoke with staff members about their history of homelessness and how Social Bite has helped them move forward, and met the co-founders of the business.
Next, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018. The initiative creates new opportunities for Scotland’s youth and celebrates their achievements.
Meghan showed her appreciation of Scotland by wearing a tartan Burberry coat paired with a handbag made by Edinburgh brand Strathberry.
Watch the soon-to-be-married couple arrive at the castle in the video below – and see Cruachan nip Prince Harry for yourself!
Prince Harry and Ms. Markle are greeted on arrival at Edinburgh Castle by the Band of the Royal Marines and the mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Shetland pony Cruachan🐴 pic.twitter.com/3nzR9W6ZP5
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) February 13, 2018