Best pictures as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Sussex for the first time

Harry and Meghan had a busy day of engagements on their first joint official visit to Sussex on Wednesday.

The couple were greeted by excited crowds when they kicked off their tour in Chichester, the county town of West Sussex.

To see our picture gallery from the day click on the link at the top of the article.

The duke and the US-born former actress saw a rare copy of the American Declaration of Independence at Edes House.

It is one of only two contemporary handwritten ceremonial manuscript copies. The other is the signed copy at the National Archives in Washington DC.

The couple were greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Susan Pyper, and mayor of Chichester Martyn Bell.

But they spent most of their time speaking to crowds, including hordes of schoolchildren.

Both were visibly delighted at meeting several younger children.

Harry patted the head of a baby and Meghan greeted a blonde child eating an apple who was held up to the barriers.