Come meet my bride-to-be! Meghan hugs stunned schoolgirl, 10, after Harry pulled her out of the crowd when she said she dreamed of being an actress during International Women's Day visit
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry marking International Women's Day with a visit to Birmingham today
- They are at an event to inspire next generation of young women to pursue careers in 'Stem' subjects
- Harry and Meghan got hands on as they joined girls taking part in building apps and touchpads
- Event was hosted social enterprise Stemettes to bring together female students from local schools
A ten-year-old girl with dreams of becoming an actress had a day to remember today as she was embraced by Meghan Markle on a visit to mark International Women's Day.
Meghan's fiancé Prince Harry pulled astonished Sophia Richards out of the crowd in Birmingham to meet the US actress on the couple's walkabout after she told him of her ambition to follow in the footsteps of the Suits star.
Sophia looked stunned as she became the envy of her classmates this morning, with Harry telling her: 'You need to be confident and you can achieve whatever you want to achieve.'
The schoolgirl, who is a pupil at the Oasis Academy Warndon in Worcester, called it a 'dream come true' to meet Meghan, adding: 'I will never forget this day.'
She said afterwards: 'Meghan told me that I can achieve whatever I want to achieve. And Meghan said she would like to see me on TV when I become an actress.'
Meghan and Harry made the visit with the aim of inspiring young girls to pursue the 'Stem' subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths, attending an event run by social enterprise Stemettes which brought together female students from local secondary schools.
The former Suits actress, who prides herself on being a feminist who is outspoken about female empowerment, then gave advice to aspiring female doctors, engineers and scientists as she encouraged schoolgirls to 'fly in the face of stereotypes'.
Meghan Markle hugs a schoolgirl named Sophia as her fiancé Prince Harry watches at Millennium Point in Birmingham today
Harry pulled astonished Sophia Richards out of the crowd to meet Meghan after she told him of her ambition to be an actress
Meghan hugged the ten-year-old schoolgirl who told Harry she wants to be an actress at the walkabout in Birmingham today
Meghan and Harry both spoke to the schoolgirl, who was holding a Union Jack flag to welcome the couple to Birmingham
Meghan hugs another child as she greets the crowds who have gathered at the royal walkabout in Birmingham this morning
It's no surprise that Meghan, along with her royal fiancé Prince Harry, are marking International Women's Day today
In return, the 'Stemettes' said of her picking up an inventing kit: 'In the same way that when she wears a dress we all buy it, here she's picked up [the kit] so let's try it. We could follow a different kind of fashion for once.'
Meghan was speaking in Birmingham to Tasneem Chihani, 14, who picked Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, the founder of the social enterprise Stemettes, as her inspiring woman.
She nodded and smiled as she said: 'A woman in the face of society is seen as one who has to be pretty, thin and quiet.
'The one who dares to fly in the face of all these stereotypes is the best kind of role model a young female can have.'
Meghan also embraced Pippa Roberts, aged ten, from Mere Green Primary School in Sutton Coldfield after a request from the girl who said: 'I said, can I have a hug and she said yes - it was nice.'
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The former actress also joked about the British weather with Canadian student Brandy Davis, 20. Brandy, from Toronto, said: 'Meghan came over and we exchanged pleasantries, and I said I was from Canada. She told Harry and he said 'Canadians are everywhere'.
'Then Meghan asked me what I thought about the weather. She said people here complain about about the weather, and I said my goodness, they don't know. We Canadians know about the weather. She said 'yes, we're in the same boat'.'
Ms Davis, who is studying at Warwick University on exchange from Queens University, Canada, added: 'She was absolutely lovely. She had a smile on her face the whole time, and she made a point of going to everyone.'
Meghan embraced the girl as she and Harry marked International Women's Day in Birmingham.
Student Charlotte Highsmith, from Oxford, was overcome with excitement after meeting Meghan and said: 'Oh my God, it was worth the wait - I've missed my lecture.'
The 20-year-old, who is studying criminology and policing at Birmingham City University, added: 'Meghan just thanked us for waiting in the rain for her, but it wasn't a problem.'
Two elderly sisters, Irene Gould, 82, and her younger sibling June Dickinson, 78, were also ecstatic after meeting Harry and his fiancee.
Mrs Gould said: 'We were just so pleased to meet them, and how beautiful Meghan is. We thanked Harry for coming to see us and wished them all the best for their marriage.'
Harry and Meghan are on the latest leg in the regional tours the couple are undertaking in the run-up to their May wedding
Harry holds the hand of a delighted woman as he and Meghan go on a walkabout during a visit to Millennium Point today
Harry and Meghan both smiled and laughed as they spoke to well-wishers on a walkabout in Birmingham this morning
Harry and Meghan take part in an event as part of International Women's Day in Birmingham this afternoon
Harry speaks to a schoolgirl as the royal couple attend a Stemettes International Women's Day event in Birmingham today
Hosted by social enterprise Stemettes at Millennium Point, the event brings together female students from local schools
The couple tried on the virtual reality headsets in Birmingham which resembled a virtual rollercoaster
The pupils described the experience as surreal after the couple shook their hands and went on to other workshops
Meghan asked the students what they wanted to do as a career and was impressed with the answers of surgeons and doctors
Meghan holds a pen as she looks across the room at Millennium Point to help celebrate International Women's Day today
Harry and Meghan are trying encourage young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths
Meghan shakes hands with a pupil as she takes part in an International Women's Day event in Birmingham
Chatting with the crowds, Meghan admitted she has been yelling Harry's name and said 'I am shouting it all day.'
Susanne Raybould, 69, from South Wales, said: 'I said to Harry 'my son-in-law is Harry, my grandson is Harry, my father is Harry so I'm shouting Harry is all day'. He said 'and Meghan is'. Meghan said 'I am shouting it all day'.'
Outside the Millenium Point centre in the heart of the Midlands city, the couple spent time chatting to Susanne and her husband Philip Raybould, 68.
Mr Raybould, from Mountain Ash, said: 'They wanted to know why we were here and our daughter works at Millenium Point. We wanted to see them as well so it was both reasons.
'Harry said 'if you're from South Wales how have you managed to get here because it's snow down there?' I said it has been bad but it's all thawed now so we've managed to get here quite easily.'
And Harry later made a promise to a school girl that he may find it hard to keep - as he offered her the crown jewels. Cheeky Aisha, seven, from year two at Victoria Community School, in Burton, got the promise and said: 'I heard this book called Titus Rules OK - this mean one he steals jewellery from the queen and then gets arrested because Titus is the hero. Harry said 'you'll be having a bit of jewellery later'.'
Harry and Meghan arrived to a chorus of cheers and shouts of 'International Women's Day' from hundreds of flag-waving royalists.
Sharon Mokam, 10, a year five pupil, told the couple about her cat called Cybil. She said: 'She said what's my favourite pet and do I have any. I said I have a cat. Meghan asked me when I grow up what do I want to be.
'I said I want to be an artist. Harry came and asked me how's maths at school I said it's good but sometimes can be hard. He said it's good when things are hard so it can be a challenge.'
Phylis Robbins, 72, 'She just said it was lovely to see us all. I said I'd come from Sollihul to see her. I'm a royalist.' Alexandra Lawrence, 25, said: 'I said my family is mixed race too so we really love you and she said happy 'International Women's Day'.'
Harry and Meghan later arrived at the Nechells Wellbeing Centre, joining members of Birmingham's Coach Core programme
The apprenticeship scheme Coach Core is aimed at developing the next generation of sports coaches
Harry and Meghan were at the Nechells Wellbeing Centre. The coaching group had been rapid-fire drilling with a basketball, and as the couple approached Harry mischievously went to push his fiancee into the midst - as she turned, laughing at him
Coach Core has been designed by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry
The scheme takes young people, aged 16 to 24, from different backgrounds, putting them through a year-long course
Harry and Meghan pose with Coach Core apprentices for a photograph at Nechells Wellbeing Centre in Birmingham
Harry and Meghan hold hands (right) as they visit Nechells Wellbeing Centre to continue their tour in Birmingham
The couple were watching 14 city apprentices go through what is the group's final collective training day at the centre
Meghan talks to the Coach Core apprentices during her royal visit with Harry to Birmingham today
Meghan meets the Stemettes! Harry and his fiancée try out virtual reality goggles as they hear from girls dreaming of a career in science and technology
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have celebrated International Women's Day by encouraging young female students to pursue careers in subjects such as science and maths.
The couple arrived at Millennium Point in Birmingham to take part in building apps and touchpads and listening to the students' motivations for pursuing different careers.
Meghan started the event by trying a virtual headset with students from Blessed Edward Oldcorne School in Birmingham
Around 90 female students gathered around a number of tables as the pair encouraged each of them to work in Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) fields.
And in keeping with the theme of technology and science, the couple donned a pair of futuristic virtual headsets.
They started the event by trying the headsets with students from Blessed Edward Oldcorne School in Birmingham before looking at other technology such as pianos made from bananas and how to 'hack the web'.
The pupils described the experience as 'surreal' as both the prince and the Suits star told them how impressed they were with their technical abilities.
The couple also gave prizes to three winners of a speech-writing competition in which they spoke about their most inspiring women.
Harry and Ms Markle nodded in approval after each of the speeches and gave all three a generous clap at the end.
The couple left the event after both were given a goody bag which said: 'I am not just a bag, I am a Stemettes bag.'
They received a huge round of applause from the students as they left for their next event.
Harry and Meghan laugh as they go on a walkabout during a visit to Millennium Point in Birmingham this morning
The visit to Birmingham began with the now familiar walkabout as Harry and Meghan met hundreds of well-wishers
Meghan and Harry are on the latest leg in the regional tours that they are undertaking in the run-up to their wedding
Well-wishers began gathering hours before the prince and his bride-to-be were due to appear at Millennium Point
Harry visited Birmingham with Meghan as part of the latest leg in the regional tours they are undertaking
Meghan is becoming known for dishing out warm embraces to those she meets on her walkabouts
Meghan has been baptised and confirmed in the Church of England at a private service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury
Walkabouts are the royals' closest interaction with the general public, when people wait in the open air to catch a glimpse
Meghan got up close and personal with those she encountered, giving hugs and reaching into the crowd to shake hands
Harry and Meghan have urged teenage girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths as they tried virtual reality headsets and watched bananas being turned into bongos to celebrate International Women's Day.
Harry told schoolgirls they must have 'brains the size of a planet' as they took on projects to create apps, 'hack the web' and an enigma machine made from a Pringles tube.
Meghan, who spent time puzzling over instructions to help the girls with their work, said she was impressed with a programme which allowed them to temporarily edit web pages, saying the ability to change untrue information into 'something positive' was 'so cool'.
The couple, who are both feminists according to Meghan, told the students they must persevere with science, technology, engineering and maths when they left the morning session, run by Stemettes.
Meghan said: 'I love being here to see this on International Women's Day. You're using your brain in a really challenging way.'
Prince Harry told pupils: 'You must have brains the size of a planet. And you can't just come in today, do this and leave. You've got to carry it on.'
Watching girls placing wires from a laptop computer to a bananas, to connect it to make it work as digital bongos, he told his fiancée: 'I was going to try and help but...' before laughing and showing her the instructions.
'Oh wow,' said Meghan.
Keen to help, she picked up instructions to lend a hand, praising her three new companions for saying they aimed to be 'surgeon, doctor, doctor'.
'It's cool that you're so interested in tech,' she told a second group. 'That's really impressive.'
Shown a programme called Hack The Web, which allowed girls to use coding to temporarily change web messages, she said: 'You can hack it and change things that are untrue into something positive? That's so cool.
'It's amazing to see so much young talent, so much confidence. It's such a strong programme.'
As Prince Harry and Meghan travelled between tables of students separately, she asked copious questions about what students were doing and how they planned to developed their skills into a career.
They then took front row seats for a series of speeches, cheering on three star students who delivered messages about their favourite inspirational women.
One, 13-year-old Patience Sabiti, chose Varsha Jain, the 'coolest kind of doctor into the world' who researched subjects including 'what happens when you have your period in zero-gravity' to allow more women to maintain their health in space.
Meghan has previously spoken about period poverty, and the difficulties faced by menstruating women in the developing world.
Crowds had been gathering hours ahead and braved the rain waiting for the couple in Birmingham today
Harry and Meghan shook hands and greeted around 300 well-wishers and schoolchildren ently to meet them
Meghan wrapped up in a chic J Crew coat for the day out in Birmingham with Harry
Harry and Meghan take part in the International Women's Day event in Birmingham today
The American star and Harry met well-wishers amid cold conditions outside Millennium Point in Birmingham city centre
Harry and Meghan leave after their visit to Millennium Point in Birmingham this afternoon
Harry and Meghan get into a car following their visit to Millennium Point on International Women's Day today
Meghan smiles as meets members of the public on a walkabout with Prince Harry during a visit to Birmingham today
Ms Markle wore cropped trousers by Alexander Wang, a white 'slouchy funnel neck' wool and cashmere jumper by AllSaints
Harry and Meghan are in Birmingham for a day celebrating the aspirations of young women on International Women's Day
Meghan holds her palm out to shake the hand of one of the many schoolchildren who greeted her in Birmingham today
Harry meets two members of the public on a walkabout with Meghan in the West Midlands this morning
Meghan shows off her engagement ring as she smiles during her visit to Millennium Point in Birmingham today
Meghan puts her hand on Harry's back as the couple greet well-wishers on their visit to Millennium Point in Birmingham today
Harry poses for a photograph with a well-wisher during a walkabout at Millennium Point in Birmingham today
Harry and Meghan visited Birmingham to learn more about the work of two projects which support local young people
Meghan shakes a well-wishers hand as Harry smiles during their visit to the West Midlands today
Meghan talks to excited schoolchildren waving Union Jack flags as she arrives in Birmingham
Meghan became the queen of hugs when she embraced young school girls in Birmingham today
Harry and Meghan visit an event this morning at Millennium Point in Birmingham that aims to inspire young women
Lauren-Mae Sparrow, 13, caught the interest of Prince Harry after telling an audience she aimed to be an army officer engineer, winning a round of applause as she sakd: 'Should our gender define who we are and what jobs we are allowed to do? I think not.'
Tasneem Chihani, 14, picked Stemettes founder Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon as her inspiring woman. Meghan nodded and smiled as she said: 'A woman in the face of society is seen as one who has to be pretty, thin and quiet.
'The one who dares to fly in the face of all these stereotypes is the best kind of role model a young female can have.'
The Prince and Meghan handed out prizes to the girls on stage, shaking their hands to congratulate them.
They were also given canvas bags and Stemettes T-shirts to take home.
Some of the 90 girls at the event had only found out Harry and Meghan were attending this morning.
The programme has been running for five years, and has taught 40,000 girls.
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon said seeing the couple embrace Stem subjects would make a significant difference to how science, technology, engineering and maths are perceived.
Meghan greets children waving Union Jack flags as she and Harry arrive for an event hosted by social enterprise Stemettes
Meghan's face was animated as she moved along the crowds and greeted well-wishers in Birmingham today
Harry and his Meghan are greeted by flag-waving school children as they arrive to take part in the event for young women
Meghan's black heels for the walkabout in Birmingham were Manolo Blahnik BB Pointy Toe Pumps
The bride-to-be's handbag was the Ghianda Saddle Bag by Altuzarra, which costs around £1,150
Meghan talks to schoolchildren as she arrives with her fiancé Prince Harry to take part in the International Women's Day event
The American sfilm tar and Harry met well-wishers amid cold conditions outside Millennium Point in Birmingham city centre
Harry and Meghan visit an event that aims to inspire the next generation of young women to pursue careers in 'Stem' subjects
Meghan waves as she and Harry greet schoolchildren during their visit Birmingham this morning
The royal couple were greeted by John Crabtree, Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, as they arrived in Birmingham
Well-wishers try to grab a picture of Meghan on their smartphones as she greets the crowds in Birmingham this morning
Harry and Meghan met identical twins Elliott Rainbird (left) and Luke Rainbird (right), 19, at a Coach Core project in the city
'How many photos do you have of princesses doing technical things?' she said. 'You barely see pictures of women doing technical things, let alone princesses. You can't be what you can't see.
'To see her do it and see that she's enjoying it, it sends a message. In the same way that when she wears a dress we all buy it, here she's picked up a Makey Makey (an inventing kit), so let's try it. We could follow a different kind of fashion for once.'
Also today, Harry did a double take as he and Meghan met a pair of identical twins in Birmingham. But it was Meghan who worked out how to tell them apart – because one was wearing a pair of fluorescent yellow trainers.
The couple met Elliott Rainbird, 19, at a Coach Core project in the city where he was one of a group of apprentices who told the couple about their experiences with the scheme, which trains young people to become sports coaches.
In the gym at the Nechells Wellbeing Centre they then met Elliott again – with his twin brother Luke.
Elliott, from Solihull, said: 'He came over and stood back – he had to take it in. He knew me from upstairs. He said, 'Which one is Elliott?'
However it was Meghan who spotted the garish footwear sported by Luke. Elliott said: 'She said, 'I can tell the difference between you by your shoes.' I turned round and said 'Yeah, you can see his shoes in the dark.'
He added: 'Coach Core gave me another chance in doing what I love, which is coaching. I have got a lot out of it. It has been an amazing opportunity.'
He said Meghan was a familiar figure because he is a longstanding fan of Suits. 'I watched the show when it first started. I have sat there watching Suits, thinking I want to meet the entire cast. And now I have met one.
'I want to know what happens to her in the next series. Does she die or what?'
As the couple watched different groups doing various sports drills, Harry gave Meghan a playful shove as if to encourage her to join in the basketball group. It did not work, but it elicited a laugh from Meghan.
She was persuaded to show off her engagement ring by Daniele Brunetti, 46, who said: 'I asked her to show me the ring. We all wanted to see it.'
Isa Abdou, 19, said: 'She said it was designed by him personally. She was quite proud. We complimented her, and she was like, thank you.'
They also met Kelly Hill, 18, who is training to be a boxing coach. She said: 'I have had mental health issues, and Coach Core has improved it and made me more confident. They said how much more of a stronger person I am.'
Harry and Meghan received a rapturous welcome as they began their visit to the city.
Their trip to the Midlands is the latest leg of their tour of the country, which has seen them travel the length and breadth of the UK from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
Crowds had been gathering hours ahead and braved the rain waiting for the couple under a sea of umbrellas at Millennium Point. But the sun came out a few minutes before the couple arrived.
Stephen McNally, 61, from Stourbridge, said he travelled with a group of friends, with many of them carrying bouquets for Meghan.
Commenting on Harry's engagement to the American actress, he said: 'I think he's been allowed to do, really, what he wants. He is old enough now and nobody can tell him what to do - not at his age - and I just hope they will be happy.
'It will be different for her but I think they've learnt a lot from the past and that is why Meghan is doing these walkabouts and going round the country before she's getting married. I think it's really nice, rather than keeping things a secret like they used to do.
'We hope to be going to Windsor for the wedding, on the streets or in the castle precinct.'
The couple were greeted by John Crabtree, Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, and Meghan wore a coat by J Crew, trousers by Alexander Wang and an AllSaints Ridley jumper.
Harry and Meghan later arrived at Millennium Point to meet the next generation of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem).
Around 90 female students had sat at tables in the university building in anticipation of the couple's arrival.
The purpose of their visit is to meet the students, take part in building apps and touchpads, and learn about the work of local schools and 'Stemettes'.
The event marks the celebration of International Women's Day 2018 and will attempt to inspire the young students who would like to work in Stem careers.
Harry and Meghan are visiting Birmingham to learn more about the work of two projects which support local young people
Harry and Meghan hold hands as the prince speaks to people who arrived to greet the couple in Birmingham today
Harry and Meghan went on a walkabout shaking hands and greeting around 300 well-wishers and schoolchildren
Harry and Meghan put a hand on each other's backs as they wave to the crowds during the walkabout in Birmingham
Harry and Meghan speak to two women during their walkabout on a visit to Millennium Point in Birmingham this morning
Harry and Meghan wave and smile at the crowds as they visit Birmingham for an event at Millennium Point today
Meghan smiles as they couple undertake another of their regional tours in the run-up to their wedding in May
Meghan laughs as she with Harry arrives in Birmingham to meet and greet hundreds of well-wishers today
Meghan talks to children as the royal couple arrive in Birmingham for their visit to the West Midlands this morning
Harry and Meghan started the event by trying virtual headsets with students from Blessed Edward Oldcorne School in Birmingham. The couple tried on the headsets which resembled a virtual rollercoaster.
Meghan asked the students what they wanted to do as a career and was impressed with the answers of surgeons and doctors.
The pupils described the experience as surreal after the couple shook their hands and went on to other workshops.
After finishing talking through various pieces of technology with the students, the pair sat together to listen to speeches from inspiring women in Stem industries.
Meghan was shocked by some of the technology on display, including pianos made out of bananas and how to 'hack the web'.
She told some students that the coding they were working on was very impressive, saying: 'Wow, that's really cool.'
Prince Harry shared his finance's thoughts and encouraged the talented students to go into careers in science and maths.
The couple left the event after both were given a goody bag which said: 'I am not just a bag, I am a Stemettes bag.'
They received a huge round of applause from the 90 female students as they made their way to their next event.
The couple also gave prizes to three winners of a speech-writing competition in which they spoke about their most inspiring women.
Harry and Meghan nodded in approval after each of the speeches and gave all three a generous clap at the end.
Harry and Meghan later arrived at the Nechells Wellbeing Centre, joining members of Birmingham's Coach Core programme for a training masterclass.
The apprenticeship scheme, designed by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, is aimed at developing the next generation of sports coaches.
It takes young people, aged 16 to 24, from different backgrounds, putting them through a year-long course. The couple were watching 14 city apprentices go through what is the group's final collective training day at the centre.
The prince also met twins Elliott and Luke Rainbird, both 19, from Solihull, West Midlands, with Meghan joking she was only able to tell the identical pair apart by Luke's fluorescent trainers.
Looking down, she said: 'I can tell the difference between you two by your shoes.'
The coaching group had been rapid-fire drilling with a basketball, and as the couple approached Harry mischievously went to push his fiancee into the midst - as she turned, laughing at him.
Children await Harry and Meghan's visit to Birmingham this morning as they wave Union Jack flags
Members of the public wait to greet Harry and Meghan outside Millennium Point in Birmingham this morning
Today is the couple's latest leg in the regional tours the couple are undertaking in the run-up to their May wedding
Crowds waiting for Harry and Meghan to arrive for a visit to Millennium Point in Birmingham this morning
Crowds waiting for Harry and Meghan to arrive for a visit to Millennium Point in Birmingham this morning
Schoolgirls look excited as they await the arrival of Harry and Meghan outside Millennium Point in Birmingham today
Crowds wait for Harry and Meghan to arrive for a visit to Birmingham, with many having stood in advance for several hours
A woman looks out from the crowd as hundreds of people wait for Harry and Meghan in Birmingham this morning
As they chatted to the apprentices, Daniele Brunetti asked Meghan: 'Show us the ring.'
He added: 'She told us Harry had designed it, and we said it was lovely, and she said 'thank you very much'.'
Retired teacher Josie Weeks, 62, from Leeds, got up at 5am to travel to Birmingham for the royal visit and carried a posy of white blooms for Meghan.
She said: 'I met the couple in Nottingham and just wanted to see them again and take some photographs. I think Harry's really coming into himself now with his charity work - he's stepped it up in the last few years.
'The main thing is if he's happy with Meghan, that's all you want for him.'
The couple are making their first stop an event which aims to inspire the next generation of young women to pursue careers in the 'Stem' subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths.
Hosted by social enterprise Stemettes at Millennium Point, the event will bring together female students from local secondary schools.
It will include interactive activities, a panel discussion, speed networking opportunities with local businesses, and information on work experience, apprenticeships, A-level choices, and university degrees in Stem.
Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, who is wearing a J Crew coat, plan to get hands on as they join the girls taking part in building apps and touchpads, before hearing more about their motivations to pursue Stem subjects.
Afterwards they will travel on to the Nechells Wellbeing Centre to join Birmingham's Coach Core apprentices as they take part in a training masterclass led by Create Development.
The Coach Core apprenticeship scheme was designed by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry to train young people aged 16 - 24 with limited opportunities to become sports coaches and mentors within their communities.
During the year-long apprenticeship, which now operates in ten cities across the UK, the apprentices learn technical sport skills alongside an inclusive and holistic approach to coaching, with an emphasis on employability and mentoring skills.
Harry and Meghan will chat to the apprentices about their experiences of the programme – which launched in Birmingham in March 2017 – before joining them in the sports hall as they deliver training sessions in rugby, football and tennis.
Today's visit continues Meghan's promise to 'hit the ground running' as a member of the royal family, and visit as many communities as possible around the UK before her wedding to the Queen's grandson on May 19.
The trip comes after the Daily Mail revealed today that Meghan has been baptised into the Church of England in a secret ceremony with Prince Harry at her side at the Chapel Royal on Tuesday evening.
The intimate 45-minute service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury - and were joined by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, but neither Prince William nor the Queen were present.
Meghan's baptism, which formally introduces her into the Anglican faith ahead of her wedding to Harry in two months, marks an important step on her transformation from divorced American actress to future granddaughter-in-law to the Queen. The ceremony was a closely-guarded secret with only a handful of royal aides involved.
'I hope you made lots of money from it!' Harry meets mother who took THAT photo of the 'Fab Four' royals on Christmas Day (and she snaps another one of Meghan)
Hospital worker Karen Anvil tweeted a picture of Meghan after speaking to the royal couple in Birmingham this morning
The single mother who took a now-famous picture of the royals on Christmas Day said she was today told by Prince Harry: 'I hope you made lots of money from it.'
Karen Anvil, 39, of Watlington, Norfolk, said she met Harry and Meghan Markle on their walkabout in Birmingham and shook the prince's hand before asking him if he liked the photograph she took last December.
The hospital worker tweeted a picture of Meghan, saying: 'Got to speak to Meghan today! Also shook Prince Harry's hand and asked him if he liked the Xmas photo! He said he hoped I made lots of money from it! I'm absolutely buzzing!'
She added: 'I did speak to her - she is absolutely stunning! Unfortunately someone dropped their photo lens and she picked it up for them so she got a little distracted. Was so, so cool though!'
Ms Anvil added that Harry's words mean 'more to me than anything', before tweeting a love heart emoji.
The mother shot to fame after getting a candid shot of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Harry and Meghan as they walked to St Mary Magdalene Church, on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk on December 25.
After 'screaming like a fan-girl' to get their attention, she managed to take a close-up that ended up on front pages around the world – and later said the photo had changed her and daughter's lives forever.
The picture Ms Anvil took ended up on the front of nearly every British newspaper and more than 50 publications worldwide then contacted her asking to use the photograph after she posted it on social media.
Ms Anvil shot to fame after getting this candid shot of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Harry and Meghan as they walked to St Mary Magdalene Church, on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk on December 25 last year
Ms Anvil says she was using the royalties she gets from the image to pay for her 17-year-old daughter Rachel's university fees. She wants to study nursing, which will cost them £27,000 in tuition, plus maintenance.
The mother-of-one told the Eastern Daily Press at the time: 'Rachel wants to go to work for the NHS in some capacity. I want to save money for my daughter for uni and if I can get that opportunity that's amazing.
'I'm just someone who takes photos on their iPhone, I'm not a photographer by any means. I don't know how much I'm expecting to get. It's all going to go to my daughter and her education.'
Meghan's 'take me seriously' uniform: Bride-to-be steps out in a navy coat and cropped trousers as she strives to keep the public focused on her royal work and not her outfits
By Siofra Brennan For MailOnline
Meghan Markle arrived in Birmingham this morning wearing a $298 navy Italian stadium-cloth wool coat by J Crew teamed with an unstructured £168 jumper from All Saints
She's getting into the stride of a busy schedule of royal engagements, and Meghan Markle seems to be sending out a very clear signal with her new work uniform.
The bride-to-be arrived in Birmingham this morning wearing a $298 navy Italian stadium-cloth wool coat by J Crew teamed with an unstructured £168 jumper from All Saints and black cropped trousers by Alexander Wang.
While she looks suitably chic on royal engagements the former Suits star is sticking to a formula that guarantees her outfits don't steal the show - especially as a committed feminist on International Women's Day.
She accessorised with Manolo Blahnik heels and a Ghianda leather shoulder bag by Altuzarra, but chanelled the queen by ditching the long strap and carrying it by the handle.
Celebrity stylist and designer Lucas Armitage told Femail: 'Whilst most of us are used to dressing for the office for Meghan this look is out of her comfort zone as she is more used to rocking a gown on a red carpet.
'Whilst she looks suitably chic perhaps she wants her important work to take centre stage today.'
Earlier this week it was reported that Meghan's dress will cost £400,000 so it's no wonder the bride-to-be is eager to remain accessible to the public.
'With news just in of the wedding dress it's great to see her rocking a more attainable look for us mere mortals to emulate,' Lucas said.
He added: 'A court shoe and skinny cropped trousers is a fail safe look for her she has previously gone to before. The large lapels on the coat and monochrome details give this fairly ordinary look her typical fashion edge.
'7/8 trousers have been seen on many catwalks for Spring/Summer 18 and Meghan give us a lesson in how we can translate this catwalk trend to real life.'
Those hoping to copy Meghan's look can still buy her coat from net-a-porter although J. Crew previously sold out of the design.
Today's outing proved that Meghan is determined to stick to a chic but understated uniform for her public appearances.
Today is her seventh official engagement with Harry and she has worn trousers on five occasions, including jeans on her first visit to Wales.
And she eschewed a glamorous dress for her first evening appearance with Harry at the Endeavour Fund Awards in February, opting for an Alexander McQueen tuxedo.
Public trip 4: Harry and Meghan meet Pony Major Mark Wilkinson and mascot Cruachan IV in Edinburgh on February 13
Public trip 3: Harry and Meghan clap after watching a performance in Wales during a visit to Cardiff Castle on January 18
Public trip 2: Harry and Meghan speak to presenters on a community radio station in Brixton, South London, on January 9
Public trip 1: Harry and Meghan go on their first public walkabout together in Nottingham on December 1 last year
The subtle tweak that made Meghan look like a REAL princess: How a side parting and bigger curls is the perfect hairstyle for her 'symmetrical features'
By Siofra Brennan For MailOnline
She's been sticking to a uniform of smart coats and trousers for her royal engagements, but today Meghan Markle did mix things up with a subtle change to her hair.
The bride-to-be usually wears wear her long, dark hair parted in the centre with very gentle waves.
But today she switched things up by moving her parting a little to the side and sporting bigger, more defined curls as she visited Birmingham with Prince Harry.
Celebrity hairdresser Jay Birmingham who owns an eponymous salon in the city she's visiting said that the effect of the simple tweak shouldn't be underestimated as it suits her face shape perfectly.
He told Femail: 'Meghan has changed her parting from the middle to the side that frames her symmetrical face, shows off her cheekbones and diffuses her jaw line.
Meghan Markle, 36, switched things up by moving her parting a little to the side and sporting bigger, more defined curls as she visited Birmingham with Prince Harry
The bride to be usually wears her hair with a centre parting and styles it in soft, subtle waves
'This is a great look on Meghan. It is a subtle change and holds focus on one side of her face, rather than the width of her whole face.
'It creates a classic, elegant look and perfectly balances her stunning facial features.'
The former Suits star also switched her loose waves for bigger curls for a much more 'princess' style.
According to Jason, her stylist most likely achieved the look by using a wider barrel hair tongs.
According to Jason, her stylist most likely achieved Meghan's more defined curls by using a wider barrel hair tongs
Celebrity hairdresser Jay Birmingham said a centre parting suits Meghan's symmetrical face perfectly
'She pulls off these bigger curls magnificently as they draw attention to her eyes and cheekbones when paired up with her side-sweeping parting,' he said.
'The wider curls minimise the length of her face keeping focus on her killer cheekbones and leaves weight in the hair to balance proportions of her face.'
The bride-to-be arrived in Birmingham this morning wearing a $298 navy Italian stadium-cloth wool coat by J Crew teamed with an unstructured £168 jumper from AllSaints and black cropped trousers by Alexander Wang.
While she looks suitably chic on royal engagements the former Suits star is sticking to a formula that guarantees her outfits don't steal the show - especially as a committed feminist on International Women's Day.
She accessorised with Manolo Blahnik heels and a Ghianda leather shoulder bag by Altuzarra, but channelled the Queen by ditching the long strap and carrying it by the handle.
The bride-to-be looked chic in a a $298 J Crew coat, Alexander Wang trousers and an AllSaints jumper
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