Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to revisit royal past with Nottingham engagement

The outing is expected to follow a format reminiscent of the couple’s engagements before they stepped away from royal duties in 2020.

Nottingham holds particular significance for the pair, as it was the location of their debut joint public appearance following the announcement of their engagement in 2017.

The charity was initially established to provide young people with access to music and recording facilities but has since broadened its offering to encompass creative programmes, sporting activities, mentoring and youth development.

Its work is aimed at supporting young people who face challenges including poverty, exploitation, violence and instability, helping them gain confidence and build practical skills.

A £1.1million contribution from Harry to BBC Children in Need, revealed during his visit in September 2025, is funding part of the studio’s redevelopment.

That work sits alongside a programme run by Epic, an organisation focused on young people who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.

By March of this year, Epic’s initiative was operating across seven schools, reaching 45 pupils and assisting them in managing difficult experiences, maintaining educational engagement and building stronger relationships.

Harry’s connection to the St Ann’s community dates back to 2013, when he made a private visit to the area.

That trip led to ongoing support for a programme, backed by The Royal Foundation, designed to steer young people away from violence and crime by offering constructive alternatives.

Meghan has also developed her own ties to the initiative. She is understood to have met young people involved in the scheme and to have made private visits to its girls’ nurture group.

Thursday’s engagement will echo the couple’s first joint outing nearly nine years ago, when they visited Nottingham together shortly after confirming their plans to marry.

The itinerary appears deliberately designed to mirror the style of appearances they undertook as working members of the Royal Family.

Since their return, the couple have been embroiled in a public dispute with Buckingham Palace regarding their status and security arrangements.

A letter dispatched on the King’s authority last month stated that Harry and Meghan should be regarded as “private citizens” in the UK, a characterisation that reportedly took the Sussexes by surprise.

The family have settled in the Cotswolds, with their children changing schools after concerns were flagged by their security team about the school run.

Despite the disagreements, both Harry and Meghan have spoken of their happiness at being back in Britain.

They are not expected to join the King and the wider Royal Family at Sandringham for Christmas, with reports indicating they will instead spend the festive period with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, in California.