Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit La Barbecue in Austin for some brisket during SXSW

One of the most famous woman-owned restaurants in Texas got a visit from one of the most famous women in the world on International Women’s Day, Friday. And there was a prince there, as well.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stopped into la Barbecue on East Cesar Chavez Street in East Austin on their way out of town.

The couple greeted owner Ali Clem with big hugs when they stepped from their vehicle before surprising customers and taking photos on the patio around 3 p.m.

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Clem said the famous couple, who expressed a sincere appreciation for good food, talked with her about the menu and business she opened with her late wife, LeAnn Mueller in 2012, before taking a tour of the smokers. 

“We had a couple laughs and then talked about where our brisket came from and a little about the cooking process,” Clem told the American-Statesman. “We also talked about how competitive the barbecue world was specifically in Austin and a little about the barbecue community here in Austin and Texas.”

The couple were on a time crunch, so they got their food to go after a 30-minute visit that included photos with the staff and an introduction to 12-year La Barbecue veteran Francisco Saucedo, who returned to the restaurant following his morning shift to meet the Prince and Duchess of Sussex.

So, what did the royal couple eat in Austin?

Clem said the couple, whom she described as lovely and engaging, ordered the restaurant’s signature La Chopped sandwich, a sliced brisket sandwich, chipotle sausage and a 1/2 pound of pork ribs. 

A rep for the couple, whose visit was planned several weeks in advance, told Clem that it was the best barbecue they had ever eaten. 

La Barbecue has fed its share of celebrities, but Friday marked a high point for the business Clem founded with LeAnn, granddaughter of Louie Mueller, who died at 51 last year. 

More:Trailblazing LeAnn Mueller of La Barbecue dies at 51

“We have been blessed with having some pretty big name celebrities and chefs walking through our doors, but I do feel like this is one for the books,” Clem said. 

She added that it was extra special to get a visit from Markle on International Women’s Day, which Markle marked by speaking at a South by Southwest keynote titled "Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen” alongside journalist Katie Couric, actress Brooke Shields, author Nancy Wang Yuen and Errin Haines, editor at The 19th, a nonprofit news site. 

“I told (Meghan and Harry) that I told my staff they had to be nice to me all day because it was International Women’s Day, and they thought that was funny,” Clem said.

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