Prince Harry and Meghan Markle bought a Christmas tree this week.
The 32-year-old prince and his actress girlfriend – who he has been dating for around four months – surprised staff when they paid a visit to Pines and Needles in Battersea Park, south London, on Monday (12.12.16) and walked away with a 6ft Nordman fir.
Sam Lyle – who set up the stall with his brother Josh in 1996 – said: "We have looked after some of Britain’s highest profile names for nearly 20 years but you could have heard a pin drop – or a needle – when Prince Harry and Meghan walked into the store.
"They were completely charming together and blissfully unaware that our jaws had hit the floor. They chose a gorgeous Nordmann Fir and walked away after exchanging Christmas pleasantries.
"We hope we can add them to our list of illustrious names who buy from us each and every year. There would certainly be a rush from our staff should they ask us to decorate it, too!"
However, staff serving the couple only recognised the ‘Suits’ actress at first.
"They came in at about 8.30pm last night.
"Prince Harry was with Meghan and hilariously the staff only recognised Meghan at first – they were so excited to have the girl from ‘Suits’ there. It wasn’t particularly cold but they were gloved and hatted out.
"The Christmas tree shop is in Battersea park so we’ve no idea if they were just passing – it’s not too far from Kensington Palace, or whether they came specifically. It’s a gorgeous atmosphere, so Christmassy, with carollers, it’s very beautiful."
The couple spent around 15 minutes browsing before they chose and paid £59.05 for their tree, and donated an extra £1 to charity, and are thought to have taken it back to Nottingham Cottage, Harry’s home at Kensington Palace.
A source said: "They arrived in a car and picked up a tree – they were there for about 15 minutes browsing and then having a look, then they selected their tree and Harry carried it on his shoulder once it was netted up, back to the car."
Prince Harry goes tree shopping
