Meghan Markle Assumes First Royal Duty as She Marks Prince Charles' 70th Birthday With Prince Harry
The royal newlyweds have performed their first official engagement, just three days after their wedding took the world by storm.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a garden party to celebrate the 70th birthday of Meghan Markle’s father-in-law, Prince Charles, at Buckingham Palace.
Markle wore a demure, understated cream dress with sheer mesh sleeves and a matching hat.
This was The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first engagement as a married couple and Their Royal Highnesses met people representing The Prince's Patronages at Buckingham Palace. #PrinceandPatron pic.twitter.com/BdWVyXfWye
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 22, 2018
Prince Harry spoke to the audience about his father, who will one day become the King of England.
“You have inspired William and I, and looking out here today, it is clear to see that we are not alone,” he said. "You have created an incredible body of work that has, and will continue to make, such a huge difference to so many people's lives."
🎥 Watch the full video of The Duke of Sussex's speech from today's Prince of Wales' (@ClarenceHouse) 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration at Buckingham Palace. #PrinceandPatron pic.twitter.com/C7rBFZuS4c
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 22, 2018
The Duke of Sussex gave a speech in which he talked about The Prince of Wales: “His enthusiasm & energy are truly infectious; it has certainly inspired William & I to get involved in issues we care passionately about & do whatever we can to make a difference.” #princeandpatron pic.twitter.com/OBt8jECf94
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 22, 2018
Also during his speech, Harry paid tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena attack exactly one year ago and the bravery of the emergency services officials who saved countless lives.
"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 from the emergency services here today," he said.
A number of guests from the police, fire and ambulance, mountain rescue and royal military were also invited for celebrations. The royals greeted them personally, thanking them for their service to the crown.
A number of guests from the Police, Fire and Ambulance, Mountain Rescue and RNLI were also invited for celebrations in Buckingham Palace's gardens today. #princeandpatron pic.twitter.com/mwFlUrgyGl
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 22, 2018
Meanwhile, more is being learned about Saturday's royal wedding, straight from the guests.
"Late Late Show" host James Corden says his allergies nearly interrupted the event, which was watched by millions.
“Right at the point that the archbishop was saying, 'If anyone knows of any reason...' and I was like, 'Please don't sneeze.’ [I] had to do one of those internal sneezes," he said.
The photographer who took those now classic wedding photos has revealed that he bribed the children to sit still with a British candy called Smarties, which are similar to M&Ms.
"I shouted out, 'Who wants smarties?' And then everybody put their hands up, even some of the adults, I think, so that was our magic word of the day," photographer Alexi Lubomirski said in an interview.
There was a subtle tribute to the late princess Diana in one of Lubomirski's official photos.
In the photo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with just their page boys and bridesmaids, the royal couple is seated on the same sofa that Princess Diana sat in when she held Harry during his 1984 christening.
Also emerging is the first footage of Meghan Markle’s father, Tom Markle, following his release from the hospital. He had heart stent surgery that supposedly prevented him from walking his daughter down the aisle.
On his way home from the hospital, paparazzi caught him stopping at a Starbucks and ordering a Frappuccino, which is not considered the healthiest of drinks for a heart patient.
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