Hundreds lined the streets eager to catch a glimpse and greet the newly engaged couple - just four days after they announced their engagement to the world. 

The couple, who will marry in May, undertook a royal walkabout where they met and greeted a sea of people keen to congratulate them on their royal wedding news with cards and bouquets of flowers. 

Meghan Markle, 36, braved the cold in an oversized navy coat by Mackage and a black polo neck, beige long skirt, teamed with black suede boots. 

She was also without gloves so crowds could catch a glimpse of her dazzling engagement ring. 

Meghan appeared relaxed as she carried out her first royal engagement in the UK, the place she will now call home. 

Familiar with the red carpet, Meghan even split from her prince to go and chat with the hundreds of people who had braved the cold weather to greet her with congratulations. 

As crowds chanted her name, the future duchess responded to messages of goodwill by exclaiming "thank you" and "I really appreciate that". 

The crowd cheered and some waved Union Jack flags as the pair walked down to the Nottingham Contemporary gallery. 

The actress was also pictured resting a reassuring hand on her husband-to-be's back in a very public display of affection.

Members of the crowd chanted "Harry, Harry" and "Meghan, Meghan " as they got out of the car and waved to the Nottingham well-wishers.

The prince even handed out high fives to youngsters who welcomed him into the city alongside his fiancée. 

Ahead of their arrival, hundreds of curious and excited onlookers had packed the streets, including avid fan Irene Hardman.

The 81-year-old is well-known for handing bags of Haribo sweets to Prince Harry, and first presented his father, the Prince of Wales, with two bags - the other for brother William - 20 years ago.

She said: "It is absolutely wonderful and fantastic, and we're privileged they've chosen Nottingham to be their first official engagement."

They will begin their tour with a civic welcome at the National Justice Museum in Nottingham's historic Lace Market district.

The US actress is said to be excited to meet the people that she has heard so much about from her husband-to-be.

The couple visit the Terrence Higgins Trust World Aids Day charity fair, where they will meet representatives from charities and meet people living with HIV and Aids. 

Jason Knauf, Harry’s communications secretary, said the prince was looking forward to introducing his bride-to-be to a community that has “become very special to him”. 

They are understood to have been keen to make the Worlds Aids Day charity fair the key moment for their first outing after Prince Harry previously attempted to help break the stigma by taking a HIV test in public.

The cause was close to the heart of Prince Harry’s late mother Princess Diana, who was hailed for changing attitudes towards HIV and Aids. 

Later, the royal couple will visit Nottingham Academy where they will meet schoolchildren and watch a performance of “Hip Hopera”.