A day of excitement and anticipation in Chester as the Duchess of Sussex accompanied The Queen for several engagements in the city.
Her Majesty and the Duchess arrived at Runcorn railway station this morning following an overnight trip on the Royal Train.
The nine-carriage Royal Train has been used since 1842. In fact, yesterday marked exactly 176 years since Queen Victoria became the first British monarch to travel by train, making the inaugural royal train journey, Slough to Paddington. The current rolling stock dates from 1977-1987. It is used about 14 times annually by the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. It is the Queen's preferred mode of transport. She finds it much more comfortable to travel overnight on the train rather than departing in the early hours by car or helicopter. It was a unique opportunity for the Queen to spend time with her new granddaughter-in-law. I'm sure a nightcap was enjoyed during their chat - a glass of red for Meghan and perhaps a Dubonnet for Her Majesty. The two shared breakfast together this morning, which I imagine involved going over today's itinerary.
Below, a peek inside the Royal Train from images taken in 2010.
Local schoolchildren greeted the royals.
Meghan's belt is the Givenchy Black 2G Buckle Belt. Made in Italy, it retails for $450.
Meghan's Fashion identified Meghan's bag as the Givenchy Leather Crossbody Bag.
Meghan wore the Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps.
Buckingham Palace confirmed Meghan's new pearl earrings were a gift from the Queen. In fact, they appear to match the pair Her Majesty wore today. Emily Nash believes they are from Her Majesty's personal collection. A lovely gesture!
Another view.
And a closer look at Meghan's silver bracelet.
It was a splendid day filled with wonderful moments between the Queen and Meghan, interesting engagements and a fabulous atmosphere from the crowds in Chester. Today marked a milestone for the Duchess as she begins her new role as a member of the royal family, it went swimmingly and she looked effortlessly regal in Givenchy. I thought the Queen's choice of gift incredibly kind and thoughtful. I have no doubt Harry is feeling very proud of his wife and looking forward to seeing her when they return to London this evening :)
The visit features prominently on tomorrow's front pages.
In others news, Kensington Palace confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will undertake a tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga in October. We can expect to hear more details closer to the date. Royal Ascot begins next Tuesday, it's likely we'll see Harry and Meghan at some point.
Her Majesty and the Duchess arrived at Runcorn railway station this morning following an overnight trip on the Royal Train.
An arrival video.
The nine-carriage Royal Train has been used since 1842. In fact, yesterday marked exactly 176 years since Queen Victoria became the first British monarch to travel by train, making the inaugural royal train journey, Slough to Paddington. The current rolling stock dates from 1977-1987. It is used about 14 times annually by the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. It is the Queen's preferred mode of transport. She finds it much more comfortable to travel overnight on the train rather than departing in the early hours by car or helicopter. It was a unique opportunity for the Queen to spend time with her new granddaughter-in-law. I'm sure a nightcap was enjoyed during their chat - a glass of red for Meghan and perhaps a Dubonnet for Her Majesty. The two shared breakfast together this morning, which I imagine involved going over today's itinerary.
Below, a peek inside the Royal Train from images taken in 2010.
More from Rebecca English's piece:
'Her Majesty's personal saloon is 75ft long and fitted with secondary air suspension giving passengers an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride. It has a bedroom, decorated in light pastel shades, with a 3ft-wide single bed in one corner (there are no double beds on the Royal Train) made up with cotton sheets and woollen blankets.
While Prince Philip's pillows are plain, the Queen's are trimmed with lace, with a small Royal cipher in one corner. The ceiling has subdued strip lighting and there are several reading lamps near the bed. The adjoining bathroom has a full-size bath, but the fittings are modest and functional. The train operators make sure the carriages are not crossing any bumpy points just after 7.30am: that could make the water slop around when the Queen is taking her bath. The train's speed is always lower than the normal maximum for any route.
The sitting room has a sofa with hand-stitched velvet cushions, armchairs and the small dining table where the Queen and Prince Philip have breakfast. The table can be extended to seat six people. There is also a desk in one corner where Her Majesty works on her official papers. Buckingham Palace officials admit it is expensive, but say the Queen, 92, finds it more comfortable to use on overnight on long-distance journeys.'
“I’m very happy to be here,” Meghan told the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs.
It was a huge day for Meghan, reporters noted she seemed a tad nervous at the train station. More from People:
It was an incredible honour for the Duchess to join the Queen; it not only marks her first engagement with the monarch, but also her first day of duty without Prince Harry by her side. It's less than a month since the couple married at St George's Chapel.
Meghan has spent quite a bit of time with the Queen during meetings and lunches at Buckingham Palace and Windsor, the two are said to be very fond of each other. As Meghan embarks on a lifetime of duty and service, there is quite simply no one better suited to advising and guiding her than Her Majesty.
The move has been described as a remarkable welcome into the royal family. "The decision to invite the Duchess to accompany the Queen could be considered a striking show of faith in the Royal family's newest recruit, who married Prince Harry less than a month ago." writes The Telegraph. Royal author Ingrid Seward told People “This is happening at triple speed, She has jumped in straightaway.”
The joint outing kicked off at the Mersey Gateway Bridge. The Queen and The Duchess viewed the bridge before watching a performance by local school children called ‘Bringing Communities Together: Halton’s river crossings over the ages.’
It was a huge day for Meghan, reporters noted she seemed a tad nervous at the train station. More from People:
'As the pair prepared to get into Queen Elizabeth‘s waiting Bentley after disembarking from the royal train, there was a moment of confusion as Meghan appeared unsure who should get into the car first. Fortunately, the 92-year-old monarch smoothly guided her through. “What is your preference?” she asked the Queen. “You go first,” said Elizabeth. “Oh, okay,” said the new Duchess of Sussex, who is making her first visit to the north of England.'
It was an incredible honour for the Duchess to join the Queen; it not only marks her first engagement with the monarch, but also her first day of duty without Prince Harry by her side. It's less than a month since the couple married at St George's Chapel.
Meghan has spent quite a bit of time with the Queen during meetings and lunches at Buckingham Palace and Windsor, the two are said to be very fond of each other. As Meghan embarks on a lifetime of duty and service, there is quite simply no one better suited to advising and guiding her than Her Majesty.
The move has been described as a remarkable welcome into the royal family. "The decision to invite the Duchess to accompany the Queen could be considered a striking show of faith in the Royal family's newest recruit, who married Prince Harry less than a month ago." writes The Telegraph. Royal author Ingrid Seward told People “This is happening at triple speed, She has jumped in straightaway.”
The joint outing kicked off at the Mersey Gateway Bridge. The Queen and The Duchess viewed the bridge before watching a performance by local school children called ‘Bringing Communities Together: Halton’s river crossings over the ages.’
Meghan meeting architects, planners and community representatives.
A video from the performance.
A video from the performance.
Local schoolchildren greeted the royals.
The Mersey Gateway is a multimillion-pound transport scheme between Runcorn and Widnes in Cheshire. The main part of the project was the construction of the "Mersey Gateway" toll bridge spanning the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal. The crossing, which opened in October 2017, has three traffic lanes in each direction. The project has created 4,640 permanent jobs in the area and provided 73 weeks of work experience for local students during construction.
The Queen unveiled a plaque officially opening the bridge.
Of course, today marks the one year anniversary of the horrific Grenfell fire which saw 72 people tragically lose their lives. At precisely noon, a siren marked the beginning of a 72 second silence. The silence was marked at UK government buildings across the country. The Queen met Grenfell Tower residents in the days after the fire with Prince William. Earlier this year, Meghan made several private visits, meeting families comforting those who lost loved ones in the blaze. A leading Grenfell community member told the Mirror: "Meghan’s visits mean so much to us. She has a special place in our hearts." The green hue of the Queen's Stuart Parvin outfit was a thoughtful nod to Grenfell.
Kensington Palace was illuminated green last night as a mark of respect for the victims of the fire.
Huge crowds turned out in Chester.
Their next port of call was Storyhouse - a library, theatre and cinema. It is one of the country’s most successful cultural buildings, with one million customers in its first year.
Of course, today marks the one year anniversary of the horrific Grenfell fire which saw 72 people tragically lose their lives. At precisely noon, a siren marked the beginning of a 72 second silence. The silence was marked at UK government buildings across the country. The Queen met Grenfell Tower residents in the days after the fire with Prince William. Earlier this year, Meghan made several private visits, meeting families comforting those who lost loved ones in the blaze. A leading Grenfell community member told the Mirror: "Meghan’s visits mean so much to us. She has a special place in our hearts." The green hue of the Queen's Stuart Parvin outfit was a thoughtful nod to Grenfell.
Kensington Palace was illuminated green last night as a mark of respect for the victims of the fire.
Huge crowds turned out in Chester.
Their next port of call was Storyhouse - a library, theatre and cinema. It is one of the country’s most successful cultural buildings, with one million customers in its first year.
The pioneering new library within Storyhouse, where members of the community work alongside city librarians, boasts the longest opening hours of any UK public library.
The company also runs a highly successful theatre company which has gained national acclaim for its new stage adaptations, including the first ever version of Enid Blyton’s The Secret Seven. Storyhouse also runs the country’s most successful regional open-air theatre company, in the city’s main park.
The company also runs a highly successful theatre company which has gained national acclaim for its new stage adaptations, including the first ever version of Enid Blyton’s The Secret Seven. Storyhouse also runs the country’s most successful regional open-air theatre company, in the city’s main park.
Storyhouse offers over 2,000 activities each year for local marginalised groups, including autism friendly colouring sessions, sewing groups for refugees and regular classes for isolated and older communities. Events on the agenda currently include an evening with Nigella Lawson, Summer Holiday, the musical and a showing of Thelma and Louise.
In the age of Kindle and electronic reading devices, we've seen libraries across the country closing their doors. The concept of Storyhouse is a genius one. Not only is it a one-stop shop for the library, cinema and a whole host of activities, it recognises and fosters the importance of a social outlet and focuses on community inclusion for the elderly and those living in in isolated circumstances. It's the perfect itinerary for a royal visit; celebrating the success of a city and those involved in improving their area, we've seen two examples of this today with the Mersey Gateway and Storyhouse. It's very much about the royals bearing a spotlight on the community and meeting as many people as possible.
The Queen and Meghan enjoyed a tour of the building to visit the children’s library.
The Queen and Meghan enjoyed a tour of the building to visit the children’s library.
They met with a group of 'digital buddies'.
More from the Mail Online:
The Queen and the Duchess met a Syrian settlement group engaged in craft work.
The royals stopped in on a storytelling session for local nursery children.
Improv Gym is a weekly drama workshop for the over-50s. They performed a short series of improvisations during the visit.
They watched a performance by ‘Fallen Angels’, a dance theatre company for people in recovery from addiction. At the theatre they saw a medley of songs from Storyhouse’s latest production, ‘A Little Night Music.’ Samantha Cohen sat behind Meghan, the Queen’s former Assistant Private Secretary, will be working closely with Harry and Meghan for the next six months. Amy Pickerell, who has been assisting the Duchess since the engagement was beside Ms Cohen.
More from the Mail Online:
'On their way to their second performance of the day, the Queen and the duchess stopped off to speak to a group of ‘digital buddies’, a group of young volunteers helping elder members of the local community get to grips with technology in the library area.
Frank Samuel - a ‘reluctant over 50’ - told her he was keen to learn about computing as he didn’t want to get left behind. ‘Everything uses these things nowadays, ‘ he said to her, waving to his computer. 'Yes even the bridge I was just at,' laughed the Queen, referring to the toll bridge she had opened. ‘She had a bit of a giggle about that,’ said Mr Samuel.
She also spoke to Sarah Christian, 58, who was being helped by Jade Hughes, 20, to look at photographs of her old school online on a iPad. ‘The Queen said it was much easier to swipe along on these things to look at photographs than the photograph albums she has,’ Jade said. She also told Graham Haslett, 62, who had come in to earn about how to use his new smart phone: ‘It must be very confusing. ‘ Meghan added: ‘It’s not easy for everyone to do that.’
The Queen and the Duchess met a Syrian settlement group engaged in craft work.
The royals stopped in on a storytelling session for local nursery children.
Improv Gym is a weekly drama workshop for the over-50s. They performed a short series of improvisations during the visit.
They watched a performance by ‘Fallen Angels’, a dance theatre company for people in recovery from addiction. At the theatre they saw a medley of songs from Storyhouse’s latest production, ‘A Little Night Music.’ Samantha Cohen sat behind Meghan, the Queen’s former Assistant Private Secretary, will be working closely with Harry and Meghan for the next six months. Amy Pickerell, who has been assisting the Duchess since the engagement was beside Ms Cohen.
Inspired by the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, it involves the romantic lives of several couples.
Local primary school children performed songs alongside actors from ‘Swallows and Amazons.’ It was very fitting for former actress Meghan to join Her Majesty opening a theatre.
A choir of over 300 primary school aged children, from 11 schools across Cheshire West and Chester performed the song: Drop in the Ocean.
Her Majesty unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of Storyhouse.
Meghan met locals during a walkabout. Apparently she told a lady Harry is "the best husband ever".
A choir of over 300 primary school aged children, from 11 schools across Cheshire West and Chester performed the song: Drop in the Ocean.
Her Majesty unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of Storyhouse.
Meghan met locals during a walkabout. Apparently she told a lady Harry is "the best husband ever".
More from People:
The Duchess was given beautiful flowers.
Her Majesty greets members of the public.
The Duchess was in her element mingling with the crowds.
Lilja and Nye gave the Queen and Meghan gorgeous posies.
Finally, The Queen and The Duchess walked to Chester Town Hall where they attended a luncheon as guests of Chester City Council.
Omid Scobie shared the menu.
Listen to the cheers at the end of this video.
Meghan wore a bespoke cream cape dress by Givenchy. Meghan and Clare Waight Keller formed a close working relationship during the design and creation of Meghan's timeless wedding gown. It was important to the Duchess to highlight a leading British designer and she chose Waight Keller for her "elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanour." Given the nature of events Meghan will be attending in the coming months and years, the designer is the perfect choice when it comes to stylish custom pieces which will be appropriate for royal outings like today. The entire look was beautifully tailored, professional and understated.
This image from Chester Town Hall offers a look at the dress sans capelet.
From the Givenchy Twitter Feed:
This gown from the Spring 2018 Collection features a similar neckline.
More from Hello!
'The ecstatic newlywed royal, 36, told well-wishers she was “really enjoying” married life as she met locals in Chester alongside Queen Elizabeth for a series of events. Sharon Briscoe, 61, who had traveled about 25 miles east from Chirk, Wales, for the chance to meet Meghan asked her how she was enjoying her new life.
“It is wonderful,” Meghan told her. “I’m really enjoying it.”
Briscoe adds, “I said to give our love to Harry and to look after him.” Meghan then replied: “I will do. That means an awful lot to us. He’s the best husband ever.”
The Duchess was given beautiful flowers.
Her Majesty greets members of the public.
The Duchess was in her element mingling with the crowds.
Lilja and Nye gave the Queen and Meghan gorgeous posies.
Finally, The Queen and The Duchess walked to Chester Town Hall where they attended a luncheon as guests of Chester City Council.
Omid Scobie shared the menu.
Meghan wore a bespoke cream cape dress by Givenchy. Meghan and Clare Waight Keller formed a close working relationship during the design and creation of Meghan's timeless wedding gown. It was important to the Duchess to highlight a leading British designer and she chose Waight Keller for her "elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanour." Given the nature of events Meghan will be attending in the coming months and years, the designer is the perfect choice when it comes to stylish custom pieces which will be appropriate for royal outings like today. The entire look was beautifully tailored, professional and understated.
This image from Chester Town Hall offers a look at the dress sans capelet.
From the Givenchy Twitter Feed:
This gown from the Spring 2018 Collection features a similar neckline.
More from Hello!
'The last time we saw the Duchess of Sussex wearing Clare Waight-Keller for Givenchy it was for a very special reason - her wedding day. And now, Meghan has called up her wedding dress designer to dress her for another royal milestone - a visit to Cheshire on her first solo outing with the Queen. Wearing a cream caped dress by Givenchy, the Duchess of Sussex looked incredible as she stepped out with the monarch.
Clare Waight Keller told HELLO!’s royal correspondent Emily Nash: “She is just exactly what you see on TV. She is just so genuine and warm and radiant. She is just glowing. And she’s a strong woman. She knows what she wants and really it was an absolute joy working with her.”
The 47-year-old fashion designer took to Instagram after the royal wedding to tell fans: “Being part of this extraordinarily historic day was an honour and privilege I will never forget.” She also wrote: “It was beautiful to see her so radiant and in love having worked many months together to create this magical moment such an honour and privilege. It will truly be the most memorable moment of my career.'
Meghan's belt is the Givenchy Black 2G Buckle Belt. Made in Italy, it retails for $450.
Meghan's Fashion identified Meghan's bag as the Givenchy Leather Crossbody Bag.
Buckingham Palace confirmed Meghan's new pearl earrings were a gift from the Queen. In fact, they appear to match the pair Her Majesty wore today. Emily Nash believes they are from Her Majesty's personal collection. A lovely gesture!
Another view.
And a closer look at Meghan's silver bracelet.
It was a splendid day filled with wonderful moments between the Queen and Meghan, interesting engagements and a fabulous atmosphere from the crowds in Chester. Today marked a milestone for the Duchess as she begins her new role as a member of the royal family, it went swimmingly and she looked effortlessly regal in Givenchy. I thought the Queen's choice of gift incredibly kind and thoughtful. I have no doubt Harry is feeling very proud of his wife and looking forward to seeing her when they return to London this evening :)
The visit features prominently on tomorrow's front pages.
In others news, Kensington Palace confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will undertake a tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga in October. We can expect to hear more details closer to the date. Royal Ascot begins next Tuesday, it's likely we'll see Harry and Meghan at some point.