MEGHAN BAGS A HEN DO INVITE ON CITY VISIT WITH HARRY
IT WAS the day that proved even being a member of the Royal Family doesn’t make you immune from the scourge of train delays.
But, for the crowds gathered in the cold outside Cardiff Castle, the arrival of an apologetic Prince Harry and bride-to-be Meghan Markle was worth the extra hour of waiting.
The hundreds of waiting well-wishers quickly forgave the couple as they went on a walkabout during a day trip to the capital.
As they shook outstretched hands, the prince said “Sorry we’re late” while the US actress echoed his words, saying: “I’m so sorry.”
Harry and his bride-to-be, who wore a coat by Stella McCartney and trousers by Cardigan-based Hiut Denim, responded to the enthusiasm of the crowds by posing for pictures, patiently chatting to young children, and accepting gifts.
Meghan even received an invitation from royal superfans Anne and Judy Daley, who were holding a balloon printed with the words Happy Engagement, to stage her hen do in the nightclubs of Cardiff – and she accepted.
The couple also came across their namesakes, Megan Taylor, nine, and six-year-old Harry Smith, of Marlborough Primary School, who presented them with a Welsh lovespoon, an early wedding present from the people of Wales.
Meghan, who will marry her prince on May 19, said: “Oh my goodness, wow, it’s beautiful, thank you very much.”
Anne Daley, who had brought her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – named Camilla – to meet the couple, said: “I asked her if she would like to come on a hen night around the nightspots of Cardiff and she said she’d love to.
“It was overwhelming – she was so beautiful and kind and she loved Camilla, she gave her a little squeeze.”
Harry and his fiancee travelled to Cardiff by train from London but were delayed because of a track fault between the London suburb of Southall and Slough, Network Rail said.
When Harry first arrived at the castle he clasped his hands together in front of him as if praying, in a sign of forgiveness, as he was greeted by Morfudd Meredith, the Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, and said “sorry” for being late.
The couple were making their first official visit to Wales and many of the hundreds waiting to greet the royals had been waiting four hours to catch a glimpse of the prince and his fiancee.
Linda Thompson, 66, from Dinas Powys, said after chatting to the prince: “I said to Harry ‘Good choice of bride’ and he said ‘Would you prefer a Welsh lady?” and I said ‘No, she’s beautiful.’
“I told Meghan what I said and she said ‘Thanks very much.’ She said sorry for us waiting so long but it was worth it.”
Self-confessed royal fanatic Cynthia Osborne, from Bridgend, presented Meghan with a posy of daffodils.
The retired nurse said: “Meghan said, ‘It’s lovely to be in Wales.’ I asked to see her engagement ring and she held it out and said, ‘I’m such a lucky lady.’ I told her to come back to Wales.”
Meghan was given the first of a number of Welsh lovespoons by June Haws, from Llandaff, while 11-yearold Polina Patsiakina, from Cardiff, presented the actress with a drawing of the prince she had completed the day before their visit.
The Suits actress was kissed on the hand at one point by a male admirer and she also broke the normal rules of royal behaviour when she wrote in a schoolgirl’s notebook.
When Caitlin Clark, 10, asked: “Can you sign my book?” Ms Markle agreed writing “Hi Kaitlin” – albeit with a K – and adding a heart and a smiley face.
After a 30-minute walkabout the couple spent a further 90 minutes exploring inside the castle – taking the time to sample a Welsh cake.
The couple also met players involved in Welsh sports, receiving signed shirts from the Welsh rugby team and the Welsh women’s football teams.
Later hundreds of well-wishers lined the street outside the Star Hub in Tremorfa and cheered and screamed as they welcomed Harry and his fiancee to the community and leisure centre.
The couple saw how sport is being used to engage young people and aid social development.
While there they watched a dance class, a spin class and Meghan played Jenga with some of the children.
Mary Coffey, 13, who was in the spin class. said: “[Meghan] just said how important it was to go to the gym and keep exercising instead of being at home on your phone. She was so beautiful.”
At the end of the visit, Meghan said: “It’s my first time in Wales ever. I love it. Everyone is so sweet.”