Prince Harry and bride-to-be Meghan carry out first official visit together

Prince Harry(C) and fiancee Meghan Markle(R) arrive in Nottingham on their first official visit after announcing their engagement in Nottingham, Britain, on Dec. 1, 2017. (Xinhua)

LONDON, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Just days after announcing their engagement Queen Elizabeth's grandson Prince Harry and his bride-to-be Meghan Markle were given a rapturous reception Friday when they visited the English city of Nottingham.

Well-wishers cheered and applauded as the Harry and the soon-to-be princess carried out their first official function together.

The couple visited the Nottingham Contemporary art gallery which is hosting a charity fair to mark World Aids Day. They met staff from the HIV charity, the Terence Higgins Trust along with members of the African Institute for Social Development and Champions for Change, who carry out work involving HIV and AIDS.

Low temperatures of 4 degrees Celsius failed to dampen the spirits of crowds waiting to catch a glimpse of the couple. Some waved Canadian flags, reflecting Markle's fame in a Canadian television series. Many chanted "Harry, Harry, Harry" followed by "Meghan, Meghan, Meghan".

The scenes resembled the kind of reaction Harry's mother the late Princess Diana was given when she appeared at public events.

Many were rewarded when the couple approached the waiting crowds to chat and shake hands.

Around the entrance to the gallery, hundreds of journalists and camera crews waited, giving Markle a taste of what to expect as a member of Britain's royal family.

The couple are to marry next year at Windsor Castle when Markle will be given the title of Her Royal Highness.