Meghan Markle turns heads in fitted top and split skirt — with a familiar detail

Meghan Markle brought a sophisticated splash of colour to Nottingham on Thursday, stepping out alongside Prince Harry in a plum pencil skirt and a fitted high-neck top.

The Duchess of Sussex, 45, looked effortlessly polished in the autumnal ensemble, with the skirt's front split revealing her legs as she walked hand-in-hand with her husband.

Meghan was seen smiling as the couple arrived for their day of community visits. With her dark hair swept into a neat low bun, she kept the focus on the outfit's rich shades and streamlined silhouette.

Meghan Markle's plum pencil skirt and fitted top

The standout piece was a crepe midi pencil skirt by The Fold London, worn with Joseph's Yara high-neck jumper. Rather than choosing an exact colour match, Meghan combined deep plum with a darker mahogany knit. A slim leather belt from Marks & Spencer defined her waist, its gold-toned buckle adding a subtle finishing touch.

She completed the outfit with burgundy Jennifer Chamandi heels and Joseph's woven-leather Mini Loaf bag in Espresso. The fitted top was tucked into the skirt, while the belt's long end hung loosely down the front. As Meghan climbed the steps beside Harry, the split opened around her knees, showing the movement in the otherwise closely tailored design.

Harry opted for a more relaxed combination, wearing a charcoal blazer over an open-neck white shirt, blue jeans and dark shoes. The couple held hands as they made their way inside.

Meghan Markle's outfit echoes her 2017 visit

For the outdoor portion of the visit, Meghan added a burgundy Joseph coat, bringing another layer to her tonal look.

The combination recalled the outfit she wore in Nottingham on 1 December 2017, shortly after the couple announced their engagement.

On that occasion, Meghan chose a navy Mackage coat, a fitted black Wolford top and a camel Joseph skirt. Thursday's look returned to the same familiar combination of a high neckline, midi hem and substantial coat, although the palette was distinctly different.

This time, Meghan's choice of British labels extended from her knitwear and outerwear to her skirt, accessories and shoes.

Meghan and Harry greet Nottingham well-wishers

The couple's visit began at the Community Recording Studio in St Ann's, which supports young people through creative activities, mentoring and development opportunities.

A crowd gathered to welcome them, with Meghan and Harry stopping to shake hands and speak to children before entering the building. Meghan also posed for a selfie.

Their programme included a reunion with women from the Hubb Community Kitchen and a visit to youth organisation Epic Partners. There was a personal reminder of their earlier Nottingham appearance when a well-wisher showed Meghan a photograph from the 2017 visit. "That's so special," the Duchess replied, having greeted another member of the crowd with: "It's great to be back."