Meghan Markle embraced children in a group hug during her visit to Cardiff alongside Prince Harry.

Meghan Markle's group hug via Kensington Palace Twitter (c)

Meghan Markle's group hug via Kensington Palace Twitter (c)

The 36-year-old American actress took part in royal duties on Thursday (18.01.18) when she visited Star Hub in Tremorfa, Cardiff, alongside her fiancé Prince Harry, where they met with a group of school children.

And Harry wasted no time in making his bride-to-be feel welcomed during her third royal engagement, as he instructed the youngsters to embrace her in a group hug.

He said: "Everyone give Meghan a group hug - go!"

The excited children then rushed to the former 'Suits' actress, who admitted the adorable gesture had "made [her] day".

Harry then feigned jealous when a few seconds later he told the children: "And release. She's mine."

The royal couple - who will tie the knot in May this year - also joined the children for a game of Jenga and watched them perform a dance routine.

Harry even joined in at one stage while a beaming Meghan clapped along and the couple comforted a little girl who became overwhelmed by the royal visit.

One youngster told the flame-haired prince: "I'm going to dance at your wedding."

Meghan praised the dance routine as "amazing", and said the children were "so sweet".

She said: "Wow guys, well done. Such good dancers. It was amazing, guys that was so cool. We are so pleased to be here. We love the fact you guys do this every day. Oh my gosh, you guys are so sweet."

The trip comes as the third royal outing for Meghan, and her first visit to the Welsh city.

During her visit, Meghan also accompanied her future husband to Cardiff Castle, where hundreds of people braved the cold to catch a glimpse of the happy couple.

The couple will tie the knot on May 19 at St George's Chapel inside Windsor Castle.