Large crowds are expected to congregate outside Edinburgh Castle today to welcome Prince Harry and fiancé Meghan Markle on their first official joint trip to Scotland.
The couple will be met by Lord Lieutenant Frank Ross, who will join them on a visit to Edinburgh Castle in time for the firing of the One O’Clock Gun, before they meet the founder of the city’s homelessness enterprise Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn, and celebrate Scotland’s Year of Young People with a reception for youth groups at the Palace of Holyrood House.
Despite forecasts for rain, Frank Ross said he expects hundreds of people to line the Castle Ramparts in time for the visit at midday, where the couple will be greeted by the Scotland Band of the Royal Marines, of which Prince Harry is Colonel-in-Chief.
Frank Ross said: “All eyes will be on Edinburgh as Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle carry out their first official engagement north of the border. I am delighted that they have chosen Edinburgh for their visit and no matter the weather, I am sure citizens will provide them with the warmest of Scottish welcomes.
“This is a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of the couple ahead of their wedding in May, and of course, to wish them a happy first Valentine’s Day as an engaged couple. What better city to visit at this time of year than Edinburgh? But the visit is also a fantastic opportunity for us to promote the history and breath-taking views of the city’s ancient Castle, highlight the inspiring work being undertaken by Josh Littlejohn and his fantastic team at Social Bite, and celebrate Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018.
“As Lord Lieutenant, part of my role is to welcome members of the Royal Family to our Capital City and I’m particularly pleased that this visit falls during the school holidays, allowing people of all ages the opportunity to be part of it. I’m sure we can expect large crowds to make their way to the ramparts for what will be the latest in a centuries-long line of special Royal events at Edinburgh Castle.”
Chilly temperatures and showers are forecast and members of the public are advised to wrap up warm and arrive early to view the visit to the Castle, which will take place at 12:10pm on Tuesday 13 February. Roads will remain open and public transport is expected to run as usual.
It’s been quite a week for Social Bite’s Josh Littlejohn – today he meets the Royal couple, last week he met Willie Black and community councillors at WestPilton Neighbourhood Centre!
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