Just two private citizens on a sightseeing trip to New York... Well, it's Harry ...

Just two private citizens on a sightseeing trip to New York... Well, it's Harry ...
Just two private citizens on a sightseeing trip to New York... Well, it's Harry ...

They might have quit as working royals more than 18 months ago, but New York rolled out the red carpet for Harry and Meghan yesterday.

With a private sightseeing visit hosted by the city's mayor and governor, a tour of the 9/11 Memorial while it was closed to the public for them and a meeting with the US ambassador to the UN, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were treated like royal visitors, even though they are – supposedly – very much private citizens.

It was the couple's first major public outing since walking away from the British monarchy and moving to California last year.

They are in New York to make a personal appearance at the Global Citizen Live event tomorrow, to push for a more equal Covid-19 vaccine roll-out.

But they have decided to make the most of their visit, packing in several high-profile public events before then.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle burst into smiles when asked how her children are doing at One World Trade Center Observatory in New York City

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle burst into smiles when asked how her children are doing at One World Trade Center Observatory in New York City

Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, walk while visiting the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan

Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, walk while visiting the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan

They have brought along a personal photographer to document their trip, LA-based Matt Sayles, who has worked with them before. 

Two of his pictures were posted on social media by ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield last night with the words: 'Wonderful meeting with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Important discussion of Covid, racial justice, and raising mental health awareness.'

The duke and duchess are staying at the Carlyle Hotel, where a top suite costs upwards of £4,500 a night.

The couple were spotted in the hotel's exclusive Bemelmans Bar on Wednesday night accompanied by two friends and a large security team.

They were drinking with Meghan's friends, designer Misha Nonoo and her husband Mike Hess. 

Witnesses said the couple, who appear to have left children Archie and Lilibet in California for the three-day trip, sipped cocktails as their 'hired muscle' took over tables around them, trying to blend in.

Fellow drinkers said Harry and Meghan had martinis before leaving via the back door around three hours later and apparently heading off for dinner.

There was a

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