Meghan Markle makes her first official engagement

Meghan Markle makes her first official engagement



Meghan Markle made her first outing as the Duchess of Sussex today as the newlyweds arrived at Prince Charles's 70th birthday party at Buckingham Palace.



The honeymoon is over for Prince Harry and Meghan, with the new Duke of Sussex giving a warm and witty speech at the garden party in honour of his father Prince Charles.



The Duchess of Sussex was given a warm welcome into the family, with Prince Harry explicitly referring to the garden party as a 'family celebration' during his speech.



Harry and Meghan enjoyed only a brief private getaway following their wedding on Saturday, delaying their full honeymoon to honour the Prince, with talks of a 'mini-moon' in Ireland in June or July.



The Duchess of Sussex - who will be referred to as Her Royal Highness (HRH) for the first time in public - wore a white dress by Goat and a hat by Philip Treacy, switching up her signature messy bun for a chic up do.



Meghan's nerves at her first public outing were quickly offset by a lighthearted moment when a bumblebee flew into Prince Harry's ear during his speech, sending her into a fit of giggles. 





Harry, who was midway through the speech at Buckingham Palace in London suddenly went lost his place and said laughing: 'To say... phffff....that bee really got me!'



Charles looked slightly bemused and she leant across the laughing Duchess of Cornwall to explain to him what had happened.



Ironically, Harry had just praised his father's life-long determination to protect species under threat.



Harry said today: 'We're here today to reflect on and to celebrate my father's dedicated support to all of you and the work that you do.



'But first, I would like us to take a moment to remember all those affected by the tragic events at the Manchester Arena a year ago. We are fortunate to have over 250 representatives of the emergency services here today.



'It is right that we take a moment to recognise the amazing work they do every day, and how each member of our blue light services rise to meet the challenge of tragic events such as the attack a year ago.



'We are also joined by Youth United Cadets. Their organisation also provided triage support to the medical crews on the attack.



'So, on behalf of my family, and everyone here, I would like to say thank you to the emergency services and all those who supported the injured and affected.





My brother William would be here today, were he not attending a service in Manchester to honour their victims, their families, the emergency services and the survivors this afternoon.



'Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones and those still dealing with the experiences of that night. It really is amazing to see so many of you here today for this family celebration.



'I say family, because this is a chance for us to honour to Prince of Wales's work over the last 40-plus years, with all of his charities, patronages and military associations – and, as you all know, my father views all of your organisations like an extended family.'





Centring his speech on the work of his father, Harry made the speech feel very personal, referencing his early relationship with his father.



He said: 'So, Pa, while I know that you've asked that today not be about you, you must forgive me if I don’t listen to you – much like when I was younger – and instead, I ask everyone here to say a huge thank you to you, for your incredible work over nearly 50 years.'



After finishing the speech, father and son kissed on both cheeks, before posing for a photograph with charity leaders.



When Meghan embarked on meeting charity representatives, she cleverly extended her hand to shake before most had a chance to bow.



‘I knew I was going to curtsey but she shook my hand,’ said Diana Langson, from 2nd Battalion Irish Regiment of Canada. ‘They were both so friendly and so kind and genuine when they spoke.



‘We offered them congratulations on the wedding and they just said thank you. They’re probably tired of talking about it!



'It has been a phenomenal day, and the opportunity to meet them all is overwhelming.'



Sophie Rogers, 26, gave the Duchess what appears to be her first gift as Her Royal Highness: a handmade crystal necklace from her own studio, High Vibe Designs.



Ms Rogers had received a grant from The Prince’s Trust two years ago, going on to start her own successful business.



'Oh how sweet, thank you,' said the Duchess. 'I was just admiring your necklace, it’s beautiful.'



Corporal Gregory Gilbert, 2nd Battalion, Irish Regiment of Canada, said meeting Harry and Meghan was 'wonderful' after he and his colleagues flew over especially for the party.



Second Lieutenant Reid Killen said: 'It felt like talking to my youngest son, the Duke reminds me very much of him.



'He's always joking around and Harry has the same sense of humour.'