Newly engaged royal couple’s first public appearance is for World Aids Day

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will make their first public appearance since announcing their engagement, at a World Aids Day event this Friday.

In Nottingham, the loving pair will visit the National Justice Museum followed by a walkabout.

They will then visit a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS day charity fair meeting people living with HIV and AIDS.

Ian Green, CEO, Terrence Higgins Trust tells Gay Star News of his delight at welcoming the couple.

‘World AIDS Day is an important day to remember all those lost to HIV since the start of the epidemic. Thankfully, incredible medical advances are being made in the fight against HIV since our namesake Terry Higgins lost his life 35 years ago.

‘Today the UK is closer than ever to beating HIV, with the largest drop in new diagnoses reported this year. But we won’t get there until we stamp out HIV stigma for good.’

Miss Markle says she can not wait to meet many of the young people Prince Harry has told her so much about.

Kensington Palace also says the royal couple’s wedding will be at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle in May 2018.

The marriage of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle will take place at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle in May 2018. pic.twitter.com/lJdtWnbdpB

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 28, 2017

It is expected to be televised and it’s been confirmed that the Queen will attend.

But the rumor mill is also in full swell. According to Paddy Power, with odds of 7/2 (at the time of publishing,) Sir Elton John could well be performing at the wedding.

The singer famously performed at Princess Diana’s funeral, while he was also a guest at Prince William’s wedding.

Following in his Mother’s footsteps

The Prince of Wales is a long time supporter of charities helping to fight the spread, transmission, and stigma surrounding HIV.

Last year, he even recorded a Facebook live video getting a rapid HIV test and most recently visiting a Terrance Higgins Trust pop up shop.

He is continuing in his mother Princess Diana’s footsteps, who died 20 years ago.

Diana is remembered as a pioneer for her charity work and was present at the opening of one of London’s first purpose-built HIV/AIDS ward at London’s Middlesex hospital.

Princess Diana went to a gay bar in male drag with Freddie Mercury

Princess Diana went to a gay bar in male drag with Freddie Mercury at a time when there was great fear and panic around the virus.

Prince Harry accepted an award in her honor this year, surrounding this groundbreaking charity work.

The recent visit to the pop up shop comes about after new research.

Revealing new HIV diagnoses are declining among gay and bisexual men in the UK, it’s the first time since this has happened since the epidemic began in the 80s.

The Prince’s recent support for young trans people

The Royal Family recently recognized a prominent trans rights campaigner for their work on mental health.

Susie Green is the CEO of Mermaids UK, a charity that supports transgender children and their families.

She was honored at a reception hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince Harry today.

Though they only spoke briefly, but Green tells GSN that when she told Prince Harry about what Mermaids does, he said ‘that’s amazing.’

‘It was a fantastic evening, the Royals are clearly passionate… Kate, Will, and Harry have made their commitment to mental health very clear.’

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