As the U.S. begins to dig out from snow and sub-zero temperatures, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped right into them during a trip to Bristol.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had a wintry welcome to the English city, which is about 120 miles from their London home. Snow flurries fell as the parents-to-be, who are expecting their first child this spring, arrived for a day trip to meet with locals and experience some of the city's culture.
Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37, did not let the near-freezing temperatures and snow stop them from greeting well-wishers, including an adorable group of school children, who also braved the cold to see them.
It’s time for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to meet children from Abbeywood pre-school #RoyalVisitBristol pic.twitter.com/GeKBl1XRqy
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 1, 2019
Meghan calls Harry over to come and meet the local children from Abbeywood pre-school?? pic.twitter.com/TgthEi3xGS
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) February 1, 2019
Meghan is no stranger to cold weather, having lived in Toronto while she filmed the hit legal drama “Suits.” She left the show after getting engaged to Harry in 2017.
Meghan, who was heard telling well-wishers to stay warm, wore a black coat over a colorful Oscar de la Renta dress. She accented her dress with olive green boots that appear to be by designer Sarah Flint and retail for $695.
She and Harry started their visit to Bristol by touring the Old Vic theater, the "oldest continuously-working theatre in the English-speaking world," according to its website.
Thank you @BristolOldVic! #RoyalVisitBristol pic.twitter.com/6fYqZH3l1y
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 1, 2019
The couple also got to watch a workshop with local school children who are part of the Old Vic’s community outreach program.
?? Watching @BristolOldVic’s Young Company performing a song from their production ‘Hercules’ — the Young Company consists of 350 young people aged 5-25 attend weekly drama sessions, and create three productions each year. #RoyalVisitBristol pic.twitter.com/iKVPlNJZZX
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 1, 2019
After watching the performance, Meghan and Harry visited One25, a charity in Bristol that helps women "trapped in or vulnerable to street sex work," according to the charity's website.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited @One25Charity to see how they are helping women to break free from street sex-work, addiction and other life-controlling issues. #RoyalVisitBristol pic.twitter.com/BQVQL0T0bD
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 1, 2019
Meghan helped pack lunches and warm clothing for women. While packing the lunches, Meghan had the idea to write positive messages on the bananas, according to Kensington Palace.
...some of the women working on Bristol’s streets this evening will receive these messages from The Duchess in their food parcels. #RoyalVisitBristol pic.twitter.com/A3i2r1sTYT
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 1, 2019
(MORE: Meghan Markle returns to her acting roots in visit to National Theatre)
Meghan and Harry also visited a boxing studio, Empire Fighting Chance, that uses boxing to reach young people in need.
The @EmpireFightingC charity supports children who are failing at school and in danger of drifting into a life of unemployment or even crime, and helps them turn their lives around. #RoyalVisitBristol pic.twitter.com/9hPGnR2KFs
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 1, 2019
Friday's visit to Bristol is Meghan’s third public appearance of the week, but her first joint appearance with Prince Harry.
Earlier in the week, Meghan visited the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, two of the four charities for which she is now patron.
