Meghan Markle meets fans as she arrives with Britain's Prince Harry for a visit to Cardiff Castle in Cardiff, Wales. Photo / AP
Meghan Markle meets fans as she arrives with Britain's Prince Harry for a visit to Cardiff Castle in Cardiff, Wales. Photo / AP
Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle have arrived in Cardiff to celebrate the people, culture and heritage of Wales - around an hour late due to a train delay.
The US actress will get another taste of her future life as a member of the monarchy on their Welsh away-day with a walkabout outside Cardiff Castle.
The smiling couple shook hands with dignitaries at Cardiff Castle as they began their day of engagements in the city.
Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle arrive late for their Cardiff visit following delays on the rail network. Photo / AP
The Prince and the former actress, whose train was delayed due to a track fault, waved at the crowds and greeted well-wishers.
Harry is taking his American bride-to-be on a tour of the UK's towns and cities in the months leading up to their wedding to introduce her to new home.
The Cardiff visit follows on from successful visits the pair have made to Nottingham and Brixton in south London.
Once inside the castle the couple watched performances from musicians and poets. Photo / AP
Meghan Markle speaks to people in the Drawing Room of Cardiff Castle. Photo / AP
Inside the castle, Cardiff's landmark building with a history dating back over 1000 years, the couple toured a Welsh culture festival.
They heard performances from musicians and poets, met leading sportsmen and women, and saw how organisations were working to promote the Welsh language and cultural identity.
Royal well-wishers began arriving as early as 7am at Cardiff Castle.
June Haws, from Llandaff, Cardiff, brought Harry and Ms Markle a Welsh Love Spoon made from pewter to celebrate their upcoming wedding.
The custom of carving and giving Love Spoons dates back centuries in Wales, with young men gifting them as a token of their affection.
"It is engraved with a Welsh dragon, daffodils and wedding bells," Haws said.
Meghan Markle meets fans as she arrives in Cardiff, Wales. Photo / AP
Royal fans waited for hours in the cold for the arrival of Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle. Photo / AP
"Prince Harry has always been special to the people who have lived through the Diana years, as I have. I just want to see him happy, and to see her. It is a great atmosphere here."
Eleanor Davies, 63, from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, said: "I've seen other members of the royal family before but not Harry. It is so exciting to have them in Wales."
Iris Bishop, 60, Linda Nubert, 67, and Pamela Lloyd, 68, all from Cardiff, held a Welsh flag and wore dragon brooches for the visit.
"I think it is lovely that they thought to come here before their marriage," Mrs Bishop said. "It is an early gift for us. We are big royal fans."
Britain's Prince Harry lead his fiancee Meghan Markle away after she met Camilla, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Photo / AP
Camilla the 10-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel wore a headband with American flags on, as well as a veil, to meet Harry and his bride-to-be.
"It is wonderfully exciting," Anne Dale, 60, said. "I just can't wait to meet them and Camilla will see them too. They just look lovely together."
Markle wore a black coat by British designer Stella McCartney and jeans from a Welsh designer, Hiut Denim. Harry wore a blue sweater.
Harry and Markle have already made pre-wedding trips to Nottingham and to the Brixton neighbourhood in south London. They will marry on May 19 at Windsor Castle.
Earlier this week, London Zoo announced it had named their new baby okapi Meghan in her honour.
The Zoological Society of London, London Zoo, shows Meghan the baby okapi, named after Prince Harry's fiancee. Photo / AP
