Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum at Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre today.
Harry and Meghan arrived just before noon for the event.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is one of the most important events on the royal calendar this year. Since Monday, leaders from all member countries gathered in London and Windsor to reaffirm common values, address the shared global challenges faced and agree how to work to create a better future for all Commonwealth citizens, particularly young people. In terms of historic significance, it marks the biggest summit ever held in Britain. The Royal family have been out in force with a series of forums, receptions and meetings.
Meghan's participation has been described as "highly unusual" and "unprecedented" by veteran royal reporters, who revealed it is "highly unusual" for fiancés to take part in events of such magnitude pre-wedding.
The summit is not only a significant gathering for the Commonwealth; on a personal note it's a week of particular importance for Harry and Meghan. Last week it was revealed Prince Harry has become patron of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust. This new youth charity, of which Her Majesty is also patron, provides a platform for young change-makers across the Commonwealth in the areas of education, sport, health and the environment. On Monday, to mark the beginning of CHOGM the Palace confirmed Harry's most prestigious role to date as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador. Both roles signal a long-term focus on the promoting Commonwealth youth and links both at home and abroad for the couple.
The Sunday Times reports:
You can view Prince Harry's terrific speech below (there's a very sweet cheer when Meghan is mentioned).
Harry and Meghan arrived just before noon for the event.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is one of the most important events on the royal calendar this year. Since Monday, leaders from all member countries gathered in London and Windsor to reaffirm common values, address the shared global challenges faced and agree how to work to create a better future for all Commonwealth citizens, particularly young people. In terms of historic significance, it marks the biggest summit ever held in Britain. The Royal family have been out in force with a series of forums, receptions and meetings.
Meghan's participation has been described as "highly unusual" and "unprecedented" by veteran royal reporters, who revealed it is "highly unusual" for fiancés to take part in events of such magnitude pre-wedding.
The summit is not only a significant gathering for the Commonwealth; on a personal note it's a week of particular importance for Harry and Meghan. Last week it was revealed Prince Harry has become patron of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust. This new youth charity, of which Her Majesty is also patron, provides a platform for young change-makers across the Commonwealth in the areas of education, sport, health and the environment. On Monday, to mark the beginning of CHOGM the Palace confirmed Harry's most prestigious role to date as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador. Both roles signal a long-term focus on the promoting Commonwealth youth and links both at home and abroad for the couple.
The Sunday Times reports:
'Hours after taking up his new position as a Commonwealth youth ambassador, Prince Harry announced that it would be a job share — with his wife-to-be, Meghan Markle. He said that Ms Markle would join him in his work because she was “hugely excited” about helping young people to have their voices heard.
In a speech at the start of the summit, he said that he was “incredibly grateful” that the “woman I am about to marry” would be joining him in his new job.
Prince Harry, 33, and Ms Markle, 36, are expected to undertake overseas tours of the Commonwealth and convene young people to hear their ideas on how to give them a bigger platform.'
You can view Prince Harry's terrific speech below (there's a very sweet cheer when Meghan is mentioned).
Continuing the focus on young people, today's reception offered an opportunity for Meghan and Harry to meet delegates involved in the Youth Forum sessions throughout the week.
Meghan greeted delegates.
The 2018 Youth Forum’s theme of "Powering Our Common Future" reflects the CHOGM theme of "Towards a Common Future" and illustrates the powerful potential of young people across the Commonwealth in devising solutions to complex global challenges as well as their ability to bring forward meaningful recommendations to the Heads of Government meeting.
The 2018 Youth Forum’s theme of "Powering Our Common Future" reflects the CHOGM theme of "Towards a Common Future" and illustrates the powerful potential of young people across the Commonwealth in devising solutions to complex global challenges as well as their ability to bring forward meaningful recommendations to the Heads of Government meeting.
The Forum is encouraging young people to debate challenges facing their generation, and agree youth-led initiatives to influence decision-makers.
A video from Emily Nash.
Delegates told Prince Harry, who opened the forum earlier this week, and Ms. Markle what they have learnt from each other over the course of the last few days.
The couple met past winners of the Queen's Leaders Award.
Harry and Meghan spoke to LGBTI campaigners at length. I was very interested to read Meghan's words to Jacob Thomas who won a Queen's Young Leaders Award for his work in the LGBTI community. More from The Mail:
Youth leaders gathered from all 53 member countries.
The Mail Online reports:
Over the next year, Harry and Meghan will carry out several visits to Commonwealth countries with a focus on young people.
Princess Eugenie was also in attendance, she wore her floral print Whistles dress.
It has been a week full of memorable moments; a spectacular rainforest design was projected onto Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy Project. The Canopy works to unite the whole Commonwealth family and save one of the world’s most important natural habitats – forests.
A video from Emily Nash.
VIDEO: HarryandMeghan are hearing from delegates who have been taking part in Commonwealth Youth Forum sessions since Monday: #CHOGM2018 pic.twitter.com/INdSICd9Ed— Emily Nash (@emynash) April 18, 2018
Delegates tell Prince Harry, who opened the forum earlier this week, and Ms. Markle what they have learnt from each other over the course of the last few days. #CHOGM2018 pic.twitter.com/1tre7CfAnM— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 18, 2018
The couple met past winners of the Queen's Leaders Award.
Harry and Meghan spoke to LGBTI campaigners at length. I was very interested to read Meghan's words to Jacob Thomas who won a Queen's Young Leaders Award for his work in the LGBTI community. More from The Mail:
'Jacob Thomas, from Australia, who won a Queen’s Young Leaders award for reducing the rate suicide in the LBGTI community in his home country, said: ‘Miss Markle said, and these were her exact words, that this is a basic human rights issue, not one about sexuality.
‘Prince Harry said that what was so amazing was that ten or so years ago we wouldn’t have been having this conversation and how incredible it was that we now were.’
Mr Thomas said the prince also admired his eye-catching grey leopard-print coat.
‘He loved my coat and I told him that he couldn’t have it. He said not to worry, he had three similar ones at home,’ he laughed.'
Youth leaders gathered from all 53 member countries.
The Mail Online reports:
'Miss Markle, 36, who has given up her acting career to devote herself to being a full-time royal, has no previous links to the Commonwealth, but has worked with the UN as a women’s advocate for Political Participation and Leadership and undertaken several humanitarian missions.
And she was clearly impressed by what she heard from the group of inspirational young men and women. You’re so energised,’ she said, ‘you’ve got this umbrella to hold you together. It’s incredible. So stay in touch, maximise it.’
Karuna Rana, 29, Mauritius, coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network, complimented Miss Markle on the campaigning she has previously done on the issue of women’s rights. The pair discussed the HeForShe campaign, which encourages men to join women in the fight for equality.
Miss Rana suggested that Miss Markle start her own SheForShe, to show that women were supportive of each other too.
‘She knew all about HeForShe and that she really liked the idea and that maybe she would consider it after May 20,’ she said.'
Over the next year, Harry and Meghan will carry out several visits to Commonwealth countries with a focus on young people.
Princess Eugenie was also in attendance, she wore her floral print Whistles dress.
It has been a week full of memorable moments; a spectacular rainforest design was projected onto Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy Project. The Canopy works to unite the whole Commonwealth family and save one of the world’s most important natural habitats – forests.
An additional element of importance to the summit: on Friday, leaders will decide if Prince Charles will succeed as his mother's successor as Head of the Commonwealth. The role of Head of Commonwealth is not automatically passed to Charles when the Queen passes, and it is said Her Majesty is eager for the decision to be made this week.
Meghan looked chic in the Altuzarra Audrey Button-Detailed Ottoman Midi Dress today.
The Audrey features a double breasted front fastening, a sleeveless design, a belted waist, a fitted silhouette, an asymmetric style and vertical stripes. The piece is currently available at Net-A-Porter, Nordstrom, My Theresa, Neiman Marcus and FarFetch.
The £1,450 dress is described as:
A closer look at the details.
Meghan has been a fan of the brand for years. More on its background:
We also saw Meghan sporting a selection of brands from Commonwealth countries with a special nod to Australia ahead of the Invictus Games in Sydney. Meghan's Marguerite Blazer is by Australia women's brand Camilla And Marc. It features padded shoulders and a cinched-in waistline.
Meghan carried the Oroton Avalon Zip Top Crossbody Bag. A gorgeous style by the Australian accessories brand (with thanks to Perth Fashion).
The Audrey features a double breasted front fastening, a sleeveless design, a belted waist, a fitted silhouette, an asymmetric style and vertical stripes. The piece is currently available at Net-A-Porter, Nordstrom, My Theresa, Neiman Marcus and FarFetch.
The £1,450 dress is described as:
"For Pre-Spring '18, Joseph Altuzarra is inspired by the rural styles of women in Bretagne, France - this 'Audrey' dress references their aprons. It's crafted from pinstriped ottoman that has a subtle luster, and detailed with large buttons to adjust the shoulder straps and open up the slit at the skirt. Define your waist with the complementing detachable belt."
A closer look at the details.
Meghan has been a fan of the brand for years. More on its background:
'Joseph Altuzarra is a young, multicultural designer whose personal background and practical experience have given him a unique perspective and a refined vision and aesthetic. Born in Paris, Joseph headed to New York after graduating to pursue his love of fashion.
In 2008, at the age of 25, Joseph launched his own line, ALTUZARRA with the label’s identity ly ing somewhere between the legacy of French culture and The Big Apple’s pulsating energy. Since its first season, ALTUZARRA has grown in the breadth and depth of its collections. Body-conscious, flattering and feminine clothing is ALTUZARRA’s trademark.'
We also saw Meghan sporting a selection of brands from Commonwealth countries with a special nod to Australia ahead of the Invictus Games in Sydney. Meghan's Marguerite Blazer is by Australia women's brand Camilla And Marc. It features padded shoulders and a cinched-in waistline.
Meghan's Mirror identified Meghan's shoes as the Tamara Mellon Paramour Suede Heels. The $475 style are made in Italy.
The British fashion designer is the former chief creative officer and co-founder of Jimmy Choo.
Very sadly, Tamra's ex husband Matthew Mellon passed away yesterday. More from The Guardian:
Meghan accessorised with her $375 Les Plaisirs De Birks Gold Bar Earrings. The Canadian jewellery brand has become Meghan's favourite in recent months.
Meghan completed the look with rings and a gold bracelet.
UPDATE: Shortly after this event, a reader named Anne kindly got in touch to tell me she believed Meghan's moonstone bracelet is by Tai Jewellery. Following a huge amount of research and investigative work by my fellow bloggers at What Meghan Wore, the amazing Susan C searched through every close up image she could find and contacted the brand. Susan C heard back from Tai, and they believe the piece is theirs. Susan C also very kindly created the graphic below for me to post, she actually owns the bracelet and used her own images. The $65 Asymmetrical Circle Stone Open Bracelet is available on their website.
Before we sign off for today, Kensington Palace just confirmed engagements for Harry and Meghan next Wednesday for Anzac Day:
The Dawn service begins at 5 a.m. and the Service of Commemoration at Westminster Abbey commences at noon.
We'll see you tomorrow when Prince Harry and Meghan attend a CHOGM Women's Empowerment reception at the Royal Aeronautical Society, London.
The British fashion designer is the former chief creative officer and co-founder of Jimmy Choo.
Very sadly, Tamra's ex husband Matthew Mellon passed away yesterday. More from The Guardian:
'Billionaire banking heir and transatlantic personality Matthew Mellon has died at 54, reportedly while attending a rehabilitation centre in Mexico to deal with an admitted opioid dependency, after years of struggling with drug addiction. His cousin Peter Stephaich confirmed Mellon’s death but declined on Tuesday to provide any details.
Mellon comes from the Mellon and Drexel families, of Bank of New York Mellon and Drexel Burnham Lambert. Although he chiefly lived in New York he also had a home in London’s exclusive Eaton Place. He married his first wife, Tamara Yeardye, co-founder of Jimmy Choo shoes, at Bleinheim Palace in 2000 at a lavish ceremony attended by friends that included Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley, and the couple became a fixture on the British fashion scene. Mellon also served for a time as the chairman of the finance committee of the Republican party in New York.
Mellon is survived by Tamara Mellon, his second wife, fashion designer Nicole Hanley Mellon, and three children.'
Meghan accessorised with her $375 Les Plaisirs De Birks Gold Bar Earrings. The Canadian jewellery brand has become Meghan's favourite in recent months.
Meghan completed the look with rings and a gold bracelet.
UPDATE: Shortly after this event, a reader named Anne kindly got in touch to tell me she believed Meghan's moonstone bracelet is by Tai Jewellery. Following a huge amount of research and investigative work by my fellow bloggers at What Meghan Wore, the amazing Susan C searched through every close up image she could find and contacted the brand. Susan C heard back from Tai, and they believe the piece is theirs. Susan C also very kindly created the graphic below for me to post, she actually owns the bracelet and used her own images. The $65 Asymmetrical Circle Stone Open Bracelet is available on their website.
Before we sign off for today, Kensington Palace just confirmed engagements for Harry and Meghan next Wednesday for Anzac Day:
'Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle will attend services commemorating Anzac Day in London on Wednesday 25th April.
Organised by the New Zealand and Australian High Commissions, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle will attend the Dawn Service at Wellington Arch, and the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. In addition, Prince Harry will attend the Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade at the Cenotaph.
The Dawn Service at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner will last approximately 45 minutes. The service will begin at the New Zealand memorial, during which His Royal Highness will lay a wreath. The service will also include readings, the Last Post, silence, reveille and national anthems. His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle, joined by the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners, will then walk to the Australian memorial, where His Royal Highness will lay a wreath and sign a book of remembrance.
Later in the morning at the Wreath Laying and Parade Service at the Cenotaph, Prince Harry will lay a wreath on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. Between 300 and 400 participants will take part in the parade, including member of veterans’ associations, service and ex-service personnel and their families.
Following this parade, Prince Harry will join Ms. Markle at the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. This will be a traditional church service, incorporating an 'Act of Remembrance', the Last Post and Kemal Ataturk's words from Anzac Cove read by the Turkish Ambassador to the UK.'
The Dawn service begins at 5 a.m. and the Service of Commemoration at Westminster Abbey commences at noon.
We'll see you tomorrow when Prince Harry and Meghan attend a CHOGM Women's Empowerment reception at the Royal Aeronautical Society, London.