Overnight Icon Meghan Captures Hearts

Harry’s girl charms on her first royal outing

At high school, she was known as “Markle Sparkle” due to her popularity and peppy personality – and that dazzling charm was in full display as princess-in-waiting Meghan Markle joined her new fiancé Prince Harry for her first-ever official royal engagement in Nottingham.

Throngs of fans chanted, “Meghan, Meghan, Meghan!” as the couple, walking arm-in-arm, arrived at an event to mark World Aids Day just four days after confirming their plans to tie the knot at Windsor Castle in May.

“Hi, I’m Meghan,” the humble Suits actress, 36, repeated as she introduced herself to well-wishers in a half-hour walkabout, adding, “I’m so happy. It’s such a thrill to be here.”The brunette beauty obliged in showing off her engagement ring, made a special effort to chat to children, admired the bravery of those standing out in the cold and even gave away the hand warmer she kept in her pocket.

At times, Meghan broke with royal protocol and walked in front of Harry, 33, to shake the hands of dignitaries, but she did stick to the Windsor rule of no selfies, apologising, “We’re not allowed.”

Throughout, Harry beamed. When asked by a fellow redhead, “How does it feel to be a ginger with Meghan?” the laughing prince replied, “Great, isn’t it? Unbelievable!”