Large crowds gather to catch a glimpse of pregnant Duchess on first visit as universities Patron

Large crowds gathered in London to catch a glimpse of the pregnant Duchess of Sussex on what is likely to be one of her last major public engagements before going on maternity leave.

Meghan Markle arrived at the University of London's City campus for her first visit since being announced as the new Patron for the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

The avid women's education campaigner is taking over the role from The Queen, who handed over the reigns to her granddaughter-in-law after serving as Patron for 33 years.

The 37-year-old Duchess looked studious and chic in an all black ensemble, which included a Givenchy coat previously worn to the Rememberance Sunday service last November.

LISTEN: From actress and activist to Royal - the latest podcast of The Windsors looks at Meghan Markle (Post continues.)

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Meghan completed the look with nude pointed-toe suede heels, which she has also worn before, and her hair back in a chignon that would make Carrie Bradshaw proud.

The Royal appeared to be without the signature clutch in hand as she headed into the campus - one of the ACU's 500 member institutions in over 50 countries.

Once inside, Meghan met with students from across the Commonwealth who are now studying in the UK and had their lives transformed as a result. Some students in Malawi Skyped in to chat to the Duchess.

As she left the campus, the Royal made time to chat to those who had waited to see her in the cold and appeared to pose for photographs at one point as well.

Last month, the Duchess met with university leaders, academics and international scholarship students during an informal ACU meeting and they discussed the role of higher education in addressing issues such as human trafficking, modern slavery, gender equality, and climate change.

At the time of Meghan's appointment as the new ACU Patron - announced earlier this month - Dr Joanna Newman MBE, Chief Executive and Secretary General of the ACU, said they were "delighted" with the Queen's chosen successor.

"The Duchess shares our passion for the transformational power of higher education, and Her Royal Highness’ support will help champion higher education as a force for good in the Commonwealth and beyond," Dr Newman said in a statement.

Indeed, Meghan gave an impassioned speech in Fiji during the Royal Tour last year, telling of the power of tertiary education and her own experiences at university.

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Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex's life in photos