Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Birmingham to support young women
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have visited Birmingham today to encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM subjects.
The couple greeted crowds at Millenium Point where Ms Markle also hugged a girl who said she dreamed of becoming an actress.
They greeted about 300 well-wishers and school children before meeting young women who are pursuing science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.
Harry and Meghan then travelled to 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.
While at Millenium Point, Harry pulled out 10-year-old Sophia Richards from the crowd after she said she wanted to be an actress.
The pupil, from Oasis Academy in Worcester, was then hugged by Ms Markle.
Speaking afterwards, Sophia said:
When Harry and Meghan left Millenium Point, they were given a goody bag which said: 'I am not just a bag, I am a Stemettes bag.'
They then made their way to Nechells to watch 14 apprentices who are training to become sports coaches.
Kelly Hill chatted to the Royal couple about the scheme and how it's helped with her mental health - an issue close to the couple's heart.
The 18-year-old said:
Their visit coincided with International Women's Day.
Prince Harry visited Northamptonshire yesterday to mark the start of the construction of the Silverstone Experience which is due to open next year.