Meghan Markle's heartwarming nod to her first ever royal engagement with Prince Harry

Almost a decade after making her first official royal public appearance with Prince Harry during a visit to Nottingham, Meghan Markle returned to the city on Thursday in a look that subtly nods to her sartorial debut.

The Duchess of Sussex, who wore a navy coat, a high-neck knit, and a pencil skirt for the couple's December 2017 visit, opted for a burgundy take on the same fashion formula, proving some royal style signatures are truly timeless.

It was the first time we've seen the couple together for an official joint public appearance in the UK since they began their new life in the Cotswolds in August, following six years in Meghan's native California in the US. 

They were visiting the Community Recording Studio (CRS) in St Ann's, Nottingham, where children are given the opportunity to develop their creative skills. The Duchess was all smiles as she happily declared: "It's great to be back".

Meghan embraced autumnal dressing in a burgundy wool and cashmere coat by Joseph, layered over the label's matching Yara high-neck jumper. She paired the tonal separates with a fitted pencil skirt from The Fold, a leather belt by Marks & Spencer and Jennifer Chamandi's Lorenzo 105 heels, completing the look with Joseph's Mini Loaf bag in Espresso.

The last time Meghan and Harry visited Nottingham was on 1 December 2017, just days after announcing their engagement. One 90-year-old well-wisher even brought a photograph of herself taken with Meghan that day, which she showed the Duchess on Thursday. Meghan's delighted response? "That's so special".

In 2017, Meghan paired a navy coat by Canadian brand Mackage with a camel midi skirt by Joseph and a fitted black top by Wolford. The colour palette may have changed, but with her oversized coat, streamlined skirt and elegant accessories, the silhouette felt so familiar. And nine years on, the formula feels just as relevant.

It was also during that first visit that Meghan's influence on the fashion industry became clear. The Strathberry Midi Tote she was carrying sold out minutes after the pictures were published, proving the impact her wardrobe choices would have.

"I remember Meghan Markle's very first public royal engagement like it was yesterday," says Laura Sutcliffe, HELLO!'s Fashion & Beauty News Editor. "The anticipation of what outfit she was going to wear was at fever pitch.

"Prince Harry's then-fiancée worked her magic with the crowd and her elegant choice of outfit gave royal fans a glimpse of what was to come. The US-born former actress embraced the dreary UK weather in a sumptuous coat from Mackage, with a pleated skirt by Joseph and knee-high boots from Kurt Geiger.

"But it was Meghan's distinctive top-handle bag that made headlines. The former Suits star carried a burgundy tote by Strathberry, which sold out in just 11 minutes after the pictures surfaced. This thrust the 'Meghan Effect' straight into the spotlight."

Since then, Meghan has refined her signature style, favouring muted tones, classic separates and impeccable tailoring. While she's experimented with different designers and silhouettes over the years, her preference for timeless pieces has always remained.

Her recent return to the UK has brought a renewed focus on British fashion. On Wednesday, the Duchess wore a blazer and jeans by Marks & Spencer, having stepped out in Boden trousers for dinner with Malala Yousafzai the previous week. Her latest look feels like a continuation of that approach, with British labels and chic wardrobe staples taking centre stage.