'Love your beard, well done!': Harry compliments a red-haired hipster in the Edinburgh crowds as Meghan reveals plans are all set for her hen do
Prince Harry received a rapturous welcome with Meghan Markle from the people of Edinburgh today – but also reserved praise for one well-wisher.
For the 33-year-old royal complimented a red-haired hipster in the crowd during the walkabout on the couple's first official visit to Scotland, pointing at him before saying: 'Love your beard, well done!'
Meghan also revealed to onlookers that her hen do is all planned, although she does not know what it is. She told well-wishers in Edinburgh that it is 'sorted', although party-loving Harry isn't quite as prepared.
'We asked them what they were doing for their stag and hen dos,' said Tom Martin, 30, who was visiting Edinburgh from London with Francesca Short, 27. 'Meghan said 'I'm not sure - it's sorted but it will be fun.' Harry said he didn't know. I'm sure William's got something up his sleeve.'
Prince Harry (left) complimented a red-haired hipster (far right) in the crowd during his walkabout in Edinburgh today
The 33-year-old royal pointed at the man in the crowd in Edinburgh today, before saying: 'Love your beard, well done!'
Prince Harry received a rapturous welcome in Edinburgh todya – but also reserved praise for the red-haired man
Ms Short added: 'They seem really nice, happy and relaxed. She seemed to take it all in her stride.' And Mr Martin said, 'She was introducing herself with 'Hi, I'm Meghan' as if no-one knew who she was.'
They were standing with au pair Josefine Hess, 28, an au pair from Germany - who stood out in a bright jacket. 'Harry said I was very clever for wearing a pink jacket,' she said. 'They were very confident together.' Meghan said to one group: 'Thank you for waiting in the cold for us. It's chilly.'
Pony Major Mark Wilkinson introduced Meghan and Harry to Cruachan IV, a Shetland pony, at the end of their walkabout where they received flowers, posed for pictures and sympathised about the cold conditions.
The nine-year-old pony - the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland - famously tried to eat the Queen's posy during the monarch's visit to Stirling Castle - and this time startled away Harry.
He seemed intent on nibbling Harry's fingers for a treat. Pony Major Mark Wilkinson said: 'They were asking about him saying he's a wee star, he knows he's on parade and is showing off - they said it was lovely to meet him.'
Meghan - who wore a £2,000 Burberry tartan coat, matching that worn by the pony, with trousers by Veronica Beard - was handed an early Valentine's gift on a heart from a young admirer as the couple delighted royal fans.
Harry and Meghan meet Cruachan IV, the regimental mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, outside Edinburgh Castle
Harry and Meghan appeared to be delighted to meet Cruachan IV - and its very impressive hair - outside Edinburgh Castle
Harry and Meghan smile next to Cruachan IV as they make their first visit to the Scottish capital together today
Harry and Meghan meet the pony as they go on a walkabout outside Edinburgh Castle in the Scottish capital today
Harry and Meghan meet Pony Major Mark Wilkinson and regimental mascot Cruachan IV today
Pony Major Wilkinson introduced Meghan and Harry to Cruachan IV, the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
The nine-year-old pony famously tried to eat the Queen's posy once but was on slightly better behaviour for the couple
Harry and Meghan laugh with each other as they meet Pony Major Mark Wilkinson at Edinburgh Castle today
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle smile as they meet well-wishers outside Edinburgh Castle on their visit to Scotland today
One amorous male well-wisher gave Ms Markle a bunch of roses and told her 'Don't marry Harry, marry me' as she and Harry greeted crowds on the castle's esplanade.
Ryan Davey, 32, had his six-year-old daughter Hannah perched on his shoulders so she could get a better look at the couple as they passed by. He said: 'We've come up from Durham to see them, this is the nearest place for us but it's been worth it.'
Hundreds of well-wishers had braved the conditions to stake the best place to spot the royal couple on the esplanade outside Edinburgh Castle this morning, despite the cold and wet weather.
With the centuries-old fortress as a backdrop the couple began shaking hands, saying hello and thanking the well-wishers for coming to see them. Harry and Meghan were also both given gifts by young fans.
Harry and Ms Markle joined Sergeant Dave Beveridge, District Gunner, Royal Artillery for the firing of the One O'Clock Gun. They were given ear defenders before standing behind the gun which dates back to 1861.
The couple also chatted to cadets and took in views across the city, before briefly waving to the crowds as they departed.
Harry later said work done by a cafe supporting homeless people 'needs to be across the UK as soon as possible'.
Harry and Meghan were at Social Bite in Edinburgh to meet those who use and work with the organisation, with the 33-year-old rubbing his hands together after walking in from the 'freezing' conditions outside.
But the weather did not put off a cheering crowd wanting to welcome them, who were waving love hearts and flags - with some of them having queued for more than four hours to catch a glimpse.
Co-founder Josh Littlejohn told the couple how they aim to get people off the streets by giving them employment and helping them find their own accommodation.
Harry said: 'When are you bringing this down south? When you've proved it really works, it needs to be across the UK as soon as possible.'
Harry and Meghan smile during their visit to the Social Bite social enterprise cafe in Edinburgh today
The cafe offers work to those without their own accommodation as part of efforts to end the homelessness issue in Scotland
Harry and Meghan were welcomed at the sandwich shop in the Scottish capital which supports homeless people
Harry and his bride-to-be went inside Edinburgh Castle today to watch as the One O'clock Gun was fired
The couple were given ear defenders at Edinburgh Castle before standing behind the gun which dates back to 1861.
Harry and Meghan greet the crowds during a walkabout on the esplanade at Edinburgh Castle today
Meghan and Harry were greeted by Frank Ross, Edinburgh's Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost, who represented the city
Speaking afterwards, Mr Littlejohn said they were willing to share what they have learned with other organisations to tackle the issue elsewhere.
But he said Social Bite's focus was on eradicating homelessness in Scotland first. He said: 'If we can make real inroads, there's no reason we can't pass that on down south.'
Harry and Meghan spoke with the organisation's volunteers, customers and also staff who have been affected by homelessness.
When speaking to volunteers Liz Cann and Alice Smith as well as customer George Whyte, Harry went on to talk about his love of food's ability to bring people together.
He said: 'Meals are supposed to be an opportunity to bring people together, time to share, time to give and time to have a conversation.'
The soon-to-be husband and wife also met with other staff at the Edinburgh cafe, with Ms Markle saying she would like to work there as it seemed fun.
Sonny Murray, 38, was homeless for two years and rough sleeping for four months. He said working for Social Bite had helped him to turn his life around and told the couple he urged homeless people to get involved with the organisation.
Mr Murray described the pair as a 'really lovely couple' who 'sat and spoke away to us' about their backgrounds.
The firm also plans to open a 'village' for homeless people later this year, which would give people without accommodation a home so they can try to find some security.
Harry and Meghan later arrived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in their final public engagement on their visit to Edinburgh.
The couple were attending a reception to celebrate youth achievements as part of Scotland's Year of Young People 2018. Crowds lined the approach to the palace as the royal couple arrived.
Harry and Meghan smile as they arrive at Edinburgh Castle at lunchtime today for their first official joint visit to Scotland
Meghan looks at the gifts she has been given by admirers during the walkabout on the esplanade at Edinburgh Castle today
Meghan stretches out her hand to meet that of a young boy as she meets people outside Edinburgh Castle
Meghan puts her hand on Harry's back as they meet members of the crowd after arriving for a visit to Edinburgh today
Ben Mason, nine, and the First Minister's mentee Charlotte Liddell, 21, took the royal couple around the reception for the Year of Young People 2018.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was also in attendance as Harry and Meghan spoke to representatives from youth groups and charities on the final public engagement of their Edinburgh visit.
Sarah Coronado, 28, a masters student from Mexico studying at Edinburgh University, was one of the first well-wishers to arrive at the castle's esplanade.
She said: 'Seeing the couple is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We don't have these visits in Mexico or my hometown of Monterey.
'They are also the hot couple of the moment because of their marriage coming up. I also 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.'
Ashley Torres, 25, a law student at Edinburgh University, had brought a bunch of tulips for the couple.
She said: 'I bought these last night, I don't mind if Meghan or Harry takes them. It's such a cute love story ... being set up by mutual friends. And it will be nice to see an American part of the British monarchy.'
Friends Maggie Binnie, 29 and Alice McCourt, 23, both Scottish students, had staked a place on the esplanade against the crash barriers and waved Union flags featuring a picture of the prince and his fiancee.
Ms Binnie said: 'I really do admire Meghan, she's got a good head on her shoulders and I also admire Harry for the mental health work he does and his work with military veterans.'
Carolyn Chisholm, 43, from Airdrie, gave her some heart-shaped potato scones from the bakery she runs with her husband, and a favour of artificial flowers from her wedding 17 years ago. I just thought for Valentine's the scones were a wee gift of Scottishness.'
Her mother had the mildest complaint, however. 'She gave them to her aide, saying they were scones,' said Lynda Clark, 70 – pronouncing the word to rhyme with 'Gone'. She added: 'The correct pronunciation is 'Scone' – to rhyme with bone.
Thea Ward, nine, came all the way from Preston with her mother Danielle, 35, and brought with her a fluffy white dog to give Ms Markle. Harry, however, got there first. 'He said, was it for me?' said Mrs Ward. 'Diplomatically, she said 'Both of you.'
Maya Moss, 22, from Sweden, who is studying law at the university, said: 'She said she was freezing. She told someone, 'You're cold too.'
How Meghan Markle wore Black Watch tartan for her Scots trip
Meghan looks emotional as she meets royal well-wishers outside Edinburgh Castle with Harry today
As the band of HM Royal Marines Scotland played outside the entrance to the castle, two young girls gave Harry a hand-made sign decorated with hearts and the couple's names – albeit with a slightly premature promotion for Ms Markle.
'It said, 'Princess Meghan and Prince Harry',' said Orlaidh Connors, 10, from Edinburgh. 'They both said thank you.' What did she think of Harry and Meghan? 'They're cool!' she said enthusiastically.
Harry and his bride-to-be met well-wishers before heading inside the historic fortress to watch as the One O'clock Gun was fired, a tradition started in 1861 to mark time for ships in the Firth of Forth.
First they had what one royal aide described as a 'five minute warm up' in the Governor's house before watching the firing of the gun. The loved-up couple adorably held hands as they strolled onto the ramparts to watch the 105 millimetre L118 Light Gun go off.
After a briefing from Sergeant Dave Beveridge, of the Royal Artillery, who fires it daily from Tuesday to Saturday, they put in ear defenders and waited for the blank to send a powerful explosion ringing out.
Sergeant Beveridge then pulled the still smoking 'cartridge case' - which had been packed with six ounces of gun powder from the chamber.
He said: 'I gave Prince Harry and Meghan a very brief history of the 1 o'clock gun and why it was still firing. Harry asked me about my history, so I told him I did 24 years in the army and then I got this job.
'He asked about the gun and where it's been - I was very conscious of the time though because the gun still does have to go off at 1pm. I was worried I'd have to stop talking.'
Pony 'claims Harry was teasing me' as Twitter account insists it was 'greeting' the Prince... not biting his hand
The tradition dates back to 1861 and is intended to help ships in the Firth of Forth keep time. After the blast, Meghan and Harry chatted to cadets and their instructor. The US actress said: 'Scotland is wonderful.'
Instructor Colour Sergeant William Millar said: 'Meghan was saying how lovely Scotland was. It's the first visit she's been but she would like to come back. It's definitely a lovely place. She just said 'Scotland is wonderful'.'
Una Mallon, a mother of four, 47, from Belfast, was excited as she tried to catch a glimpse of the couple. She said: 'We are expecting to see Meghan and Harry, we are so excited.
'My prediction is that Meghan is going to be our new Diana. A wee touch of Meghan adds a bit of sparkle. She's already working behind the scenes as she's doing secret visits.
'She is passionate about her causes and I think Harry and her are going to be the perfect team. I always have a soft spot for Kate and William but I think together the boys are doing a great job and their partners show great support.
A view of the crowds who have gathered for the visit by Harry and Meghan to Edinburgh Castle today
Despite cold and wet weather, and with the arrival some time away, royal fans braved the conditions to stake the best place
Well-wishers Aoife Mallon, 13, Sarah Mallon, 10 and Grace Mallon, 14, wait to see Harry and Meghan at Edinburgh Castle today
Well-wishers have been lining up to spot the couple on the esplanade outside Edinburgh Castle today
Crowds gathered in Edinburgh today for Harry and Markle's first joint official visit to Scotland
Some people in Edinburgh hold flags as they wait for the royal couple to arrive in the city this morning
Three women wait to see Harry and Meghan at Edinburgh Castle today for the couple's first official joint visit to Scotland
Royal fans await the arrival of Harry and Meghan outside Edinburgh Castle as the couple make their first joint visit to Scotland
Royal fans laugh as they wait for Harry and Meghan to arrive at Edinburgh Castle today for their hotly-anticipated visit
Harry and his bride-to-be went on a walkabout, meeting well-wishers before heading inside the historic fortress
'We are big fans of the Royal Family. We are visiting Edinburgh for the half term and we are actually considering moving to Edinburgh soon.'
Kim Cameron, 55, from Danderhall, Midlothian, added: 'I just want to see them because I love the Royal Family. I want to show them love and support. Harry is our favourite, he seems more down to earth.
'He could be your best friend, just the kind of guy you want to have a beer with. Both of them are like that. They seem happy and they try to be as normal as possible. It's just very exciting and I love the energy too.'
The trip to Scotland is the fourth public appearance Meghan and Harry have made together and follows successful visits to Nottingham, Brixton in south London and Cardiff in the months that followed their engagement announcement in November.
Also on the esplanade were the Royal Marines Band Scotland who played for Meghan, the former Suits actress, and the Prince who became Captain General of the Royal Marines in December 2017.
Kensington Palace had said: 'Throughout the day Prince Harry and Ms Markle will have the opportunity to meet members of the public, learn more about organisations that work in the local community and nationwide, and celebrate youth in the Scottish Year of Young People 2018.'
Crowds line the barriers as they gather ahead of the visit by Harry and Meghan to Edinburgh Castle today
The trip to Scotland was the fourth public appearance Meghan and Harry have made together
Crowds hold flags with a picture of the couple ahead of the visit by Harry and Meghan to Edinburgh Castle today
Two young women await with anticipation for the visit by Harry and Meghan to Edinburgh Castle today
Three young royal fans await the arrival of Harry and Meghan outside Edinburgh Castle this morning
Well-wishers wait to see Harry and Meghan at Edinburgh Castle for their first official joint visit to Scotland today
Hannah Davey, six, gets a good vantage point as she joins crowds ahead of the visit by Harry and Meghan to Edinburgh today
The couple's first stop was at the esplanade in front of Edinburgh Castle, where they were officially welcomed to the city
Two royal fans hold flags with the couple's picture on as they await their arrival at Edinburgh Castle today
Royal fans braved the conditions to stake the best place to spot the couple on the esplanade
Earlier this morning, the One o'clock Gun is cleaned ahead of the visit by Harry and Meghan to Edinburgh Castle
Inside the castle at the historic Edinburgh Garrison, which looks out across the city, the couple watched as the One o'clock Gun was fired, a tradition started in 1861 to mark time for ships in the Firth of Forth.
The couple also went to the New Town to visit Social Bite, a social enterprise cafe which distributes 100,000 items of food and hot drinks to homeless people across Scotland each year, as well as employing staff who have experienced homelessness themselves.
They were the latest in a string of high-profile visitors to Social Bite premises.
Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio stopped for lunch at Social Bite venture Home in Edinburgh's west end in November 2016 while the Duchess of Cornwall and George Clooney have been to Social Bite's Rose Street branch.
Prince Harry and Ms Markle will round off their visit by attending a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to celebrate youth achievements marking Scotland's Year of Young People 2018, an initiative that aims to inspire Scotland through its young people.
How Shetland pony Cruachan IV has a rather naughty history... and once tried to eat the Queen's posy!
Cruachan IV is a Shetland pony and mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland with a very naughty history when it comes to the Queen.
The nine-year-old pony famously tried to eat the Queen's posy during the monarch's visit to Stirling Castle in July 2017.
And disaster also nearly struck in August 2014 when the naughty pony rolled his top lip back as the Queen approached and appeared to try to bite her.
The pony Cruachan IV famously tried to eat the Queen's posy during the monarch's visit to Stirling castle in July 2017
Pony Major Mark Wilkinson introduced Meghan and Harry to the pony at the end of their walkabout around Edinburgh today.
He said: 'They were asking about him saying he's a wee star, he knows he's on parade and is showing off - they said it was lovely to meet him.'
The Queen meets the previous Cruachan at Howe Barracks in Canterbury, Kent, in November 2004
But last July the Queen was filmed telling Cruachan IV to 'go away' when he tried to take a bite out of her posy during a visit to Stirling Castle.
The Queen, who has a lifelong love of horses, swiftly pulled the blooms behind her back before saying to the pony's minder: 'They always try to eat the flowers'.
The minder could be heard telling the pony to be 'gentle' as Her Majesty extended her gloved hand towards him.
A month later in August the Queen was reunited with the pony, who was on much better behaviour but did neigh as the Queen turned to walk away.
Three years earlier in August 2014, disaster almost struck when the naughty pony rolled his top lip back as the Queen approached him.
The Shetland mascot tradition began in 1928. The first to march with the regiment was Cruachan I, a jet black Shetland pony gelding, who joined with the title of 'Pony Major'.
Since then, the position has been held by another three black Shetland geldings, with Cruachan III, a pony especially adored by the Queen, retiring at the grand old age of 23 in 2012.
During his tenure, he made regular visits to Balmoral and led the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the Royal Regiment of Scotland, at events and parades, including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
'He's done a lot of parades in his time and he was a real favourite of the Queen,' revealed handler Captain Dougie McDougall at the time of his retirement.
Her Majesty is a long-standing fan of Shetland ponies, having begun her own riding career at the age of four on the back of another Shetland, Peggy.
She is also a fan of another Scottish breed, the Highland pony, which she breeds from a stud attached to Balmoral.
Cardiff, January 18: Harry and Meghan watch a performance while at Cardiff Castle for a day showcasing the heritage of Wales
Brixton, January 9: Harry and Meghan visit the radio station Reprezent FM to learn about its work supporting young people
Nottingham, December 1, 2017: Megan and Harry meet well-wishers on their first public outing as an engaged couple
Kensington, November 27, 2017: Harry and Meghan pose at Kensington Palace after the announcement of their engagement
Social enterprise cafe distributes 100,000 items of food and hot drinks to the homeless each year (plus it's been visited by George Clooney AND Leonardo DiCaprio)
Social Bite is a café network that distributes 100,000 items of food and hot drinks to the homeless each year.
The organisation runs social enterprise cafés throughout Scotland with the aim of tackling homelessness.
It employs staff who have faced homelessness themselves and are working on a housing project for the homeless.
George Clooney takes a selfie with staff as he visits Social Bite, the cafe in Edinburgh which helps the homeless, in November 2015
Leonardo DiCaprio with (from left) Colin Childs, Biffy Mackay and Sonny Murray as he visits Social Bite in Edinburgh in November 2016
The Duchess of Cornwall speaks to Bonnie Burton (right) as she donates money during a visit to Social Bite,in Edinburgh in June 2016
During their visit today, Harry and Meghan are learning more about the social enterprise and touring the kitchen.
The royal couple will be the latest in a string of high-profile visitors to Social Bite premises.
Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio stopped for lunch at Social Bite venture Home in Edinburgh's west end in 2016.
Meanwhile the Duchess of Cornwall and actor George Clooney have been to Social Bite's Rose Street branch.
No clutches and court shoes here! Meghan reinvents royal dressing in androgynous tailoring, all-black outfits and flared trousers (and she's the FIRST to rock a cross body bag)
Royal fans might have expected Meghan Markle to liven up the royal dress code with a touch of Hollywood glamour, but the bride-to-be has been adding her own style stamp by adding 'cool edges' to her chic outfits.
As today's official visit to Scotland proves, the former Suits star, 36, is making subtle but significant style statements, stepping out in an unstructured, adrogynous coat, as opposed to the smart tailored number favoured by the Duchess of Cambridge
This is Meghan's fifth official engagement with Harry and her Veronica Beard flares make it the fourth time she's worn trousers, even donning jeans for her first official visit to Wales in January.
And rather than carrying a neat clutch like Kate or a handbag in the style of the Queen she was the first royal to step out with a trendy cross body bag, opting again for Scottish brand Strathberry.
While the Queen and Kate are never seen in all-black outfits, except for events such as Remembrance Sunday or on the red carpet in the case of the Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan has made it her signature look since taking up royal duties.
Celebrity stylist and designer Lucas Armitage told Femail: 'The cross body bag adds a cool girl edge in keeping with Meghan's signature style.
'Overall it's a chic looks but with a few cool edges. The tartan gives some added interest to an extremely polished appearance. She's being appropriate but definitely retaining her own look.'
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