Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped out for a morning of official engagements in Birmingham, England, for International Women’s Day on Thursday.
Upon arrival, the duo took the time to chat with those who had waited patiently to catch a glimpse of their outing — including one particularly lucky young girl.
Harry plucked Sophia Richards, a 10-year-old student, out of the crowd to meet his bride-to-be after hearing about her ambition to become an actress. Meghan, a former actress, was only too happy to share some words of encouragement with the youngster before offering a loving cuddle.
Harry pulled the 10-year-old student out of the crowd to chat with his wife-to-be after hearing about her ambition to become an actress.
“Meghan told me that I can achieve whatever I want to achieve,” Sophia said of their chat. “And Meghan said she would like to see me on TV when I become an actress.”
The royal-to-be’s words clearly had a big impact on the budding actress, who said she’ll remember their conversation for the rest of her life.
“It was a dream come true. I will never forget this day,” she said.
Meghan looked typically chic for the engagement in a two-tone belted wool coat by J. Crew. She completed the look with black cigarette trousers, a simple pair of black pumps and a navy saddle handbag by Altuzarra.
Meghan, a former actress, was only too happy to share some words of encouragement with the young girl.
Meghan broke royal protocol to share a cuddle with the youngster.
Following the walkabout, Harry and Meghan, who will tie the knot in just a matter of months, worked with an organisation called Stemettes, which encourages young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Next, the couple dropped by the Nechells Wellbeing Centre where they took in a Coach Core apprenticeship programme. They chatted to the youth involved in the programme, before joining them in the sports hall for a quick practice training session.
The outing follows the duchess-to-be’s secret baptism into the Church of England.
The Daily Mail reported the intimate 45-minute service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Chapel Royal on Tuesday evening.
While Prince Harry, Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla and one of Meghan’s friends were all present at the baptism, the passionate humanitarian’s mother Doria Ragland and father Thomas Markle were not in attendance. Prince William and Duchess Kate were also not at the ceremony.
Her baptism was followed immediately by her confirmation, which means she will be able to join Harry at Holy Communion.
The important occasion, which brings Meghan one step closer to joining the royal family, was then celebrated with “supper” at Clarence House.
Harry and Meghan’s outing followed the duchess-to-be’s top secret baptism into the Church of England.
Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, will marry at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday, May 19.
As Kensington Palace recently announced, following the ceremony, the newlyweds will undertake a tour of the town as their first trip as man and wife to greet well-wishers from all over the world who have come to see them.
It will no doubt remind fans of similar scenes that played out during Prince William and Duchess Catherine’s 2011 wedding.
WATCH: Relive the magic from Prince William and Duchess Catherine’s wedding day.
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