Meghan Markle couldn’t help but break royal protocol to hug a 10-year-old school girl in Birmingham

published 8 March 2018

Meghan Markle broke royal protocol on an official visit to Birmingham today, when she went in for an emotional hug with a member of the public - just like she did in Edinburgh last month.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were won over by a schoolgirl when she revealed her aspirations to become an actress.

Harry was speaking to 10-year-old Sophia Richards when she told the prince about her aspirations to become an actress in the future. Harry insisted she meet his fiancée Meghan, who gave the young girl a friendly and reassuring hug.

Prince Harry gets Meghan's attention and introduces her to 10-year-old Sophia

Speaking about her encounter Sophia recalled: 'He [Harry] said 'You need to be confident and you can achieve whatever you want to achieve' and Meghan said that one day she will see me being an actress.'

Meghan Markle meets 10-year-old Sophia in Birmingham

Also in the crowd was retired teacher Josie Weeks who got up at 5am to travel from Leeds to see the couple.

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 set to become husband and wife on 19 May but are continuing their official engagements in the run up to the special day.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were in Birmingham to meet the local community and learn about the projects available for young people. This marks the last leg of the couple's official regional tour before they marry.

During the visit, Harry and Meghan also attended an event hosted by Stemettes at Millennium Point.

It aims to encourage schoolgirls to break gender stereotypes and pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) industries.

Harry and Meghan sat down to meet the girls pursuing these ambitions and chatted as the girls built apps and touchpads.

Judith Armstrong, Millennium Point CEO, and the host of the event said: 'Being able to showcase the Stemettes event and the work of Millennium Point and its Trust to Prince Harry and Ms Markle on International Women’s day is a great honour.'

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