The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Support Prince Charles During First Engagement as a Married Couple!

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex carried out their first official engagement as a married couple this afternoon, attending the Prince of Wales' 70th birthday patronage celebration in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

It's been the most incredible week filled with hype and anticipation leading to Saturday's stunning Windsor wedding. Yesterday, we saw the release of the couple's romantic official wedding portraits and today, just three days after their wedding, Harry and Meghan returned to duties.

A fabulous photo of Meghan with Charles and Camilla.

The couple's decision to support Charles for their first post-wedding engagement is a thoughtful one and has been seen as a wonderful gesture, following the unexpected role Prince Charles played during the Royal wedding. The image of the Prince meeting Meghan at the Quire will remain a vividly memorable moment from the day.

Not only did he step in at the last minute to walk his daughter-in-law down the aisle, he was instrumental in offering advice and helping to select the wedding music. However, it was the unwavering support and kindness he showed Meghan's mother Doria from the moment she arrived in London, that particularly touched Meghan and meant the world to her. During her speech at the wedding reception, the Duchess thanked Charles. The Standard reported: “It was important to her to make a point of thanking him publicly, although, of course, he knows privately how she feels.”

It's clear Meghan already enjoys a very warm relationship with Charles and Camilla.

One of the photographers did a great job capturing this moment between Meghan and Camilla.

Today marked the first of many garden parties the Duchess of Sussex will attend.

Harry delivered a very loving speech. "You have inspired William and I, and looking out here today, it is clear to see that we are not alone". Today marks the one year anniversary of the dreadful tragedy. Harry reflected on the importance of the day during his speech "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."

More from the speech:

'As I was preparing for this afternoon, I looked through the long list of those who had been invited. Pa, I was again struck by the range and diversity of the work which you are involved with. Currently there are your two major charities, The Prince's Trust and the newly formed – Prince's Foundation – which has brought together your work supporting vulnerable young people in society, the built environment, culture, heritage and education. These sit alongside your 18 military associations and more than 420 patronages, ranging from music and the arts to rare breeds and plant life. Although the subjects vary enormously, I know that the way in which you work with each of them does not.

Who amongst you has not known the joy, and perhaps trepidation at receiving a handwritten note in response to some news shared from your organisation, urging you on and asking for more to be done to address this issue or that? Who has not come away from a meeting with my father, their head spinning with a dozen new ideas which he wants to get underway urgently, having met a group of people or read something that has fired his imagination and started the flow of ideas.

His enthusiasm and energy are truly infectious; it has certainly inspired William and I to get involved in issues we care passionately about and to do whatever we can to make a difference. In fact, many of the issues William and I now work on are subjects we were introduced to by our father growing up. His passion and dedication are remarkable and seeing so many of you here today, I cannot fail but to be in awe of the drive he has had for so many years, to contribute to the enrichment of society both in this country and around the world.

But Pa, in my mind, this event sums up your approach to work – I know you really didn’t want today to be about you and would far rather the focus be on the people and organisations represented here. I know that in your mind, you see the opportunity of bringing everyone together as a chance to thank them for all of their amazing work! It is your selfless drive to affect change, whether that is to improve the lives of those who are on the wrong path, to save an important piece of our national heritage or to protect a particular species under threat, which William and I draw inspiration from every day.

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. Work that has given self-confidence and opportunity to thousands of young people who might not have had the best start in life; Or to champion causes like climate change long before almost anyone else was talking about it; and above all, for your vision and ability to bring people together to make change happen.
You have inspired William and I, and looking out here today, it is clear to see that we are not alone. 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 both here and around the world.
With that, Ladies and Gentlemen, please can I ask you to join me in wishing The Prince of Wales a very Happy Birthday – 6 months ahead of his 70th! How very Royal!'

There was a funny moment when a bee distracted Harry from giving his speech much to Meghan's amusement :)

Today's event celebrates the Prince of Wales' patronages and military affiliations as well as others involved in charities supported by the Prince.

Over 6,000 people were invited from 386 of the Prince of Wales' patronages and 20 of the Prince's military affiliations were represented. A number of guests from the Police, Fire and Ambulance, Mountain Rescue, and RNLI were present.

The royals posed with guests for official photos.

An overview.

Fittingly, a number of the cadets and emergency services personnel attending were first responders after the bombing at the Manchester Arena on 22nd May 2017.

The Telegraph reports;

'It is understood to have been the first choice of the Prince who wanted to use the garden reception to thank his charities and patronages for their work over the years.

A palace insider said: "He wasn't comfortable with a big event that was just about him. He felt like this would be a much better option."

It is the start of birthday celebrations which is likely to involve a private party for family and friends around the actual date of November 14, and a new official portrait.

The Prince is patron or president of more than 400 organisations, focusing on topics ranging from the environment to youth opportunity, food sustainability, architecture and faith.'

Musical performances included the Band of the Welsh Guards, Eschoir (a Welsh male chorus), the National Youth Pipe Band and a gospel choir.

Guests enjoyed a selection of teas, sandwiches and cakes.

The newlyweds were congratulated on their wedding.

More from the Mail Online:

'Sophie Rogers, 26, gave the Duchess what appears to be her first gift. '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.' His wife Janine Killen said: 'I always thought the royals were from far, far away but they are very down to earth. They can meet anybody anywhere and have the right words to say.'

Major Kirk Langdon said: 'It was excellent meeting the Duke and Duchess, it was everything I thought it would be.' He added: 'We all came over from Canada, 10 of us were asked to come out and celebrate. We will definitely be going to Windsor and all the other sites.'

A video of the Duke and Duchess chatting with guests, there's also lovely footage of Camilla saying goodbye to them.

The Duke and Duchess are enjoying their first days of married life at Kensington Palace. They are reportedly planning to leave for their honeymoon before the end of the month. When they return, they will undertake several overseas trips along with a schedule of engagements in the UK. We expect to hear news of key areas, campaigns and charities Meghan will support in the coming weeks. In the meantime, she's been formally announced as the fourth Patron of The Royal Foundation.

The Duchess was a picture of elegance in a custom made GOAT Fashion Flavia Silk-Crepe dress (with thanks to innominate).

The £595 dusky pink dress is described as "beautifully fluid and feminine". The fit and flare shaped dress has contrast silk-chiffon décolletage and sleeves and delicate frayed edge trim on the neckline and cuffs. It was a splendid choice for today's event. It's available at GOAT Fashion and Matches.

Goat Fashion is synonymous with understated luxury. It began as the go-to cashmere range for the fashion cognoscenti over a decade ago. The brand has developed into a full ready to wear collection encompassing signature knits, professional dresses and outerwear. Found in over fifty stockists across the UK, Goat is a truly British brand headed up by founder and designer Jane Lewis. The brand has been a firm favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge and a host of celebrities for years.