Meghan doles out hugs and career advice to young fans

Meghan Markle became the queen of hugs when she embraced young school girls as she celebrated International Women's Day with Prince Harry.

Meghan hugged the youngsters - including one who has dreams of being an actress - as she began an away day to Birmingham with her fiance.

The couple were cheered by crowds when they stepped from their chauffeur driven four-by-four at the city's Millennium Point - with Meghan looking chic in a coat by J Crew, trousers by Alexander Wang and an All Saints jumper.

Before going inside the venue, to celebrate the efforts of girls at secondary school who are following a technology and science career path, the prince and the Suits star went on a walkabout meeting the crowds who had braved wet and cold conditions.

When they came to a group of school children, Harry began asking them about their hopes for the future and when 10-year-old Sophie Richards said she wanted to be an actress he took her over to meet Meghan.

The pupil from Oasis Academy in Worcester appeared excited to meet Meghan and she was hugged by Harry's bride-to-be.

The youngster said afterwards: "Meghan told me that I can achieve whatever I want to achieve. And Meghan said she would like to see me on TV when I become an actress.

"It was a dream come true. I will never forget this day."

Ms Markle has been hugging well-wishers throughout her tour of the UK with Harry which has taken her to Edinburgh, Nottingham, Cardiff and Brixton in south London.

She also embraced Pippa Roberts, aged 10, from Mere Green Primary School in Sutton Coldfield after a request from the youngster who said: "I said, can I have a hug and she said yes - it was nice."