Meghan Markle wore tartan for her first official visit to Scotland with Prince Harry, and waiting to greet them was one of the armed forces’ smallest recruits – a Shetland pony.
The couple celebrated Edinburgh and its people during a whirlwind tour of the Scottish capital, which began with a walkabout at the city’s famous castle which dominates the skyline.
The prince and his bride-to-be also met Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and were offered the services of a local band for their forthcoming wedding – if Ed Sheeran does not perform at the bash.
The American actress paid tribute to her Scottish hosts by wearing a Burberry coat featuring a design very similar to the famous Black Watch tartan.
On the eve of Valentine’s Day, 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.
After shaking hands, posing for photographs and sympathising with royal fans for enduring the weather, the couple were introduced to Corporal Cruachan IV, the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, by Pony Major Mark Wilkinson.
But he was on his best behaviour and spent most of his time nibbling on Harry’s fingers in the hope of a treat.
Later inside the castle at the historic Edinburgh Garrison, the prince and Ms Markle joined Sergeant Dave Beveridge, District Gunner, Royal Artillery, for the firing of the One O’Clock Gun – but had earplugs in place.
Prince Harry asked Josh Littlejohn and Alice Thompson, the co-founders of Social Bite, “when are you bringing this down south?” after the pair had explained how homeless people struggle to find employment without an address.
They were the latest in a string of high-profile visitors to Social Bite premises.
The couple ended the day at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where they met the First Minister during a reception to celebrate the achievements of young people in Edinburgh.
Band member Darren Telford said: “What we said was that a little birdie had told us that Ed Sheeran was going to be playing an upcoming wedding and if he couldn’t make it we are free if they wanted.”
