Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit Birkenhead

Harry and Meghan - who is expecting her first child in the spring - carried out their first joint royal engagement of the year and viewed a statue marking the 100th anniversary of the death of First World War poet Wilfred Owen.

They also visited organisations supporting vulnerable women and local youth.

Meghan wore a Babaton by Aritzia dress and coat by Sentaler, and held onto her baby bump as she chatted to waiting dignitaries.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a walkabout as they visit a new sculpture in Hamilton Square in Birkenhead to mark the 100th anniversary of war poet Wilfred Owen's death. Picture: PA / Danny Lawson

Harry and Meghan went on a brief walkabout meeting hundreds of people who had gathered in Hamilton Square close to the statue of Wilfred Owen.

The couple stopped to chat to a group of school children and were able quizzed about baby names.

Kitty Dudley, aged nine from St Anne's Catholic Primary School, said after meeting the couple: "I asked her if she was having a girl or a boy and she said she didn't know."

The duke and duchess then visited the Pyramids Shopping Centre, where officially opened Number 7, a community supermarket and cafe aimed at helping to eliminate hunger in the Birkenhead area.

The Duchess of Sussex holds her baby bump during a walkabout of Hamilton Square in Birkenhead. Picture: PA

They were greeted by about 30 staff members and locals, with Meghan smiling enthusiastically at the assembled crowd.

Harry also picked up a teddy bear and a note from a boy standing outside the store.

The royal couple were given a tour of the store's aisles by Number 7's management.

Meghan, cradling her baby bump, was offered a cup of coffee from the cafe, but politely declined, saying: "I can't at the moment, sadly, but I can have a mint tea or something."

The Duchess of Sussex meets members of the public. Picture: PA / Aaron Chown

The duchess was also heard telling staff "really, it's amazing", as she and Harry were shown the cut-price produce.

Meghan presented a fellow expectant mother with a large basket of baby goods.

The duchess told Angel Midgley, who is nearly five months pregnant with her second child: "I would say that I should lift it for you, but neither of us should be holding it!"

Miss Midgley, 27, who is expecting the baby on May 15, smiled as she was presented with the goods, including lotions, wipes and nappies.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex depart Hamilton Square in Birkenhead. Picture: PA / Danny Lawson

As the basket was presented, Harry could be heard quipping: "Is there a baby in there?"

The duke and duchess started their third engagement of the day by visiting an organisation that supports women in vulnerable circumstances.

Harry and Meghan arrived at Tomorrow's Women Wirral, which was originally established in 2011 to support women upon their release from prison.

The organisation now helps about 6,000 women with training courses and workshops - including support groups around mental health issues, domestic abuse and addiction.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive to officially open Number 7, a 'Feeding Birkenhead' citizens supermarket and community cafe. Picture: Anthony Devlin/PA

The duke and duchess will hear from some of the women about their experiences before visiting the charity shop, cafe and "inspiration hall".

The duke and duchess then signed a visitors' book and unveiled a commemorative plaque to officially open the premises.

Prior to the curtain lifting, a member of the management team said that Meghan had told him that the initiative is "important for Birkenhead" and "appropriate for the country and the world".

The Duchess of Sussex (left) presents Angela Midgley with a Moses basket at Number 7. Picture: Anthony Devlin / PA

As he left, Harry joked with volunteers that he would invite the large crowd assembled outside the store to come in.

Angel Midgley, who was presented with a basket of baby goods by the duchess, has revealed that Meghan told her that she and Harry do not know the sex of the baby yet.

The 27-year-old, who is expecting her second child in May, said that Meghan was "very friendly and welcoming".

Miss Midgley added: "She just said 'congratulations' and asked me about the due date and a few more details about the baby, before presenting the baby basics basket.

"She also said that she does not know whether their child is going to be a boy or a girl yet."

Prince Harry talks to a young girl at Hamilton Square in Birkenhead. Picture: Charlotte Graham/Daily Telegraph/PA Wire

The duke and duchess were greeted by the patron of Tomorrow's Women Wirral, Dame Lorna Muirhead, and chief executive Angela Murphy.

The couple were given a brief history of the organisation before making their way into a domestic abuse discussion session.

Harry and Meghan then moved into a workshop called "Knit and Knat".

One woman in a Cilla Black t-shirt named Carol Cullen told Meghan her favourite song was How Much is That Doggy in the Window?, to which the duchess replied "my grandma loved that song".

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Hive, Wirral Youth Zone as part of a visit to Birkenhead. Picture: Danny Lawson / PA

Harry then picked up a hat for a premature baby to many "ahh"s from those in the room.

He also picked up some small boots for a baby, which he put his fingers in and mimicked a walking infant.

The couple then moved to a floristry, where Harry posed for a photo with one of the women.

Meghan was asked if her baby was going to be a boy or a girl, to which she said: "We don't know."

One woman in the room said it was going to be a girl, to which Meghan replied: "Everyone has a strong opinion on this!"

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex speak with local people at Number 7, a 'Feeding Birkenhead' citizens supermarket and community cafe, at Princess Pavements, Pyramids Shopping Centre

The duke and duchess then moved to "inspiration hall", where they unveiled a plaque to mark their visit to the Tomorrow's Women Wirral.

Beneficiaries, staff and volunteers gathered in the hall with many holding Union Jacks.

The couple entered the room to cheers and applause before moving onto the stage where the plaque was unveiled.

Meghan was presented with flowers and gave a short speech in which she thanked everyone for allowing them to visit.

On their way out, one woman approached Harry and said: "Give my best wishes to Charles."