Royal fans surprised to see Prince Harry at US Grand Prix without Meghan Markle

The prince is a huge fan of the sport, as he previously spoke about racing Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert in go-karting, and Harry looked elated as he chatted to the teams.

The royal's visit coincided with the Circuit of the Americas, which saw Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton race against Max Verstappen.

This was not the Duke of Sussex's first time associated with Formula 1.

In 1994, he attended the British Grand Prix with his late mother, Princess Diana, and in 2014, he was at the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi.

Royal fans were stunned to see the prince arrive at the Grand Prix in Austin, especially without his wife Meghan and his two children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two.

One royal watcher posted on X: "I’m sure his son would have loved seeing all the race cars."

Another social media user said: "Prince Harry is at the Grand Prix in Austin, Texas today as a guest of Mercedes.

"Dad of the Year - where are Archie and Lili?"

One fan commented: "Maybe he should concentrate more on doing something useful.

"Has he even worked 10 days this year? Going to concerts or football games doesn't count."

WATCH NOW: Harry and Meghan at the Invictus Games

However, many royal watchers were thrilled with his appearance.

"Harry has taken over the U.S. and I am here for it all," one fan wrote.

Another social media account added: "OMG we love to see Harry enjoying himself.

"Prince Harry is the man of the people and loved by the people, just like his mother!"

LATEST ROYAL NEWS:

• Meghan and Harry's 'low blow' attacks on the Royal Family slammed
  
• King's strategy backed as Harry and Meghan's 'popularity slumps'
• Princess Kate 'braced' for Meghan Markle launching bombshell royal book

One X account said: "Wow! Prince Harry is here in Austin, TX!"

Another excitedly asked: "Why is Prince Harry at the Austin Grand Prix?"

A huge fan of the Sussexes wrote: "Prince Harry is at the Austin GP! Oh my, I am missing it."