Prince Harry, Meghan Markle step out on first royal visit as couple

LONDON — All eyes were on Prince Harry and his future wife Meghan Markle Friday as they attended their first official royal event as a couple.

Crowds waving British and American flags lined the streets of the English city of Nottingham to catch a glimpse of the pair, who announced their engagement Monday.

Harry and Markle spent time shaking hands and chatting with members of the crowd. Some offered the American actress flowers.

They were due to visit charities at a fair marking World AIDS Day before going to a school and meeting with teachers and students.

The duo will also meet mentors of a program which aims to stop young people from getting involved in crime and violence.

Harry has been involved with the Full Effect project since 2013 — along with is brother Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge. Harry and Markle were due to meet children who have benefited from its work.

Royal officials said both issues were close to Harry’s heart and that he was looking forward to introducing Markle to a community that was very special to him.

In a televised interview earlier this week, Prince Harry explained that he had proposed to the American actress in November during a cozy night at his cottage on the grounds of London's Kensington Palace.

The couple are due to get married at a chapel at one of Queen Elizabeth II's castles in May.

St. George's Chapel dates to the 15th century. The exact date for the wedding has yet to be announced.

Royal officials confirmed that Markle will be baptized and confirmed in the Church of England at some point beforehand.

They added that she intends to become a British citizen.