The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the ‘Your Commonwealth’ Youth Challenge Reception at Marlborough House in London this evening.
The Duke and Duchess arrived holding hands.
The Palace said "The event marks an opportunity for the Duke, who was appointed by Her Majesty The Queen as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador earlier this year, to learn more about how the Commonwealth Youth Forum is supporting inspiring young people to shape the future." The couple plan to visit member nations across the Commonwealth in the coming years in their efforts to support young people.
The Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) provides an opportunity for the young people of the Commonwealth to build cross-cultural connections and networks, debate the challenges facing its young people, agree youth-led initiatives to influence decision makers and ensure young people have a voice in its future. The Youth Leadership Workshop brought together the newly elected Commonwealth Youth Council Executive and leaders of the Commonwealth Youth Networks, with the aim of empowering these leaders to think about the future, and their role in shaping it.
Marlborough House has a fascinating royal history. It was built for Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, a confidante of Queen Anne, in 1711. For over a century it served as the London residence of the Dukes of Marlborough. From 1853 to 1861 Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, arranged for the building to be used by the "National Art Training School", later the Royal College of Art. In 1936 Marlborough House became the London residence of Queen Mary. In the grounds of the house remains her pet cemetery. After Queen Mary's death in 1953, Marlborough House continued to be used by various members of the royal family as a London residence before being leased to the Commonwealth Secretariat in 1965, something which continues today.
The Fine Rooms of Marlborough House contain exquisite murals, tapestries, paintings and sculptures which relay the history of the building and its various occupants over many centuries.
The reception was hosted by the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, marking the culmination of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Youth Leadership Workshop.
During a speech, Prince Harry said: "Meghan and I are incredibly excited to meet so many of you representing the future of the Commonwealth. We can’t wait to see you in action in your home countries and learn about what you’re doing to better the Commonwealth, and the world, in 2040 and beyond."
Hello! reports:
The final day of the workshop brought together 120 young people, scholars, youth leaders, and representatives of High Commissions to take part in the 'Your Commonwealth' Youth Challenge event. Working in groups, these talented people are encouraged to generate ideas about the type of Commonwealth they want to see in the future.
The Commonwealth Youth Council's Chair, Tijani Christian, shared his views on the Leadership Training Workshop and Harry's new role. "It shows the importance that Her Majesty has placed on the role of young people within the Commonwealth."
The Commonwealth Youth Council pictured this evening.
The Duke and Duchess with Tijani Christian tonight.
Harry and Meghan enjoyed chatting with Mr Christian during the reception and learning more about his work.
Harry and Meghan met the young people who have taken part in the workshops and heard from them directly about their ideas for the future, and the support they need to ensure that their voices are heard.
Meghan chatted with Jacob Thomas about gender equality.
More from the Mail Online:
Prince Harry meeting guests.
The Duke and Duchess also met youth representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga ahead of their tour this autumn.
An overview from the reception.
To conclude the evening, the couple listened to musical performances.
Now, I've been waiting to talk about THAT dress! We've seen Meghan opt for neutrals and soft tones since the Royal wedding and many of us have been awaiting a splash of colour. It was quite the sartorial surprise when the Duchess arrived in a stunning vibrant yellow dress by American fashion designer Brandon Maxwell. It's a gorgeous look on Meghan and the hue works very well with her colouring. It's a perfect choice for a summery evening reception. This is a 10/10 look for me.
The Crepe Midi Dress is described as "Brandon Maxwell's use of color for Spring '18 is more pronounced than it's ever been - case in point, this sunny yellow dress we first spotted on the runway. Designed with double-faced crepe, it has a flattering square neckline and is spliced at the back so you don't feel restricted as you move." It's available in very limited sizing reduced from £1,495 to $598 at Net-A-Porter and Moda Operandi (with thanks to Meghan's Fashion).
A closer look at the dress on the runway.
Background on the designer:
Brandon Maxwell described the news as "A proud moment for our team".
Three pieces from the current collection include the Stretch Crepe Halterneck Sheath Dress in lime, the Ribbed Bodice Midi Dress and the Pintuck Flare Hem Dress.
What Meghan Wore noted the Duchess accessorised with her Adina Reyter 14k Gold Three Diamond Amigos Curve Earrings. They retail for $498 at ShopBop.
The Duchess wore her Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in beige suede.
A closer look at Meghan's updo.
An interesting piece from The Telegraph:
What do you think of Meghan's look?
Serena Williams is playing on Centre Court at Wimbledon tomorrow afternoon. There's a good possibility we'll see Meghan there :)
The Duke and Duchess arrived holding hands.
The Palace said "The event marks an opportunity for the Duke, who was appointed by Her Majesty The Queen as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador earlier this year, to learn more about how the Commonwealth Youth Forum is supporting inspiring young people to shape the future." The couple plan to visit member nations across the Commonwealth in the coming years in their efforts to support young people.
The Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) provides an opportunity for the young people of the Commonwealth to build cross-cultural connections and networks, debate the challenges facing its young people, agree youth-led initiatives to influence decision makers and ensure young people have a voice in its future. The Youth Leadership Workshop brought together the newly elected Commonwealth Youth Council Executive and leaders of the Commonwealth Youth Networks, with the aim of empowering these leaders to think about the future, and their role in shaping it.
Marlborough House has a fascinating royal history. It was built for Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, a confidante of Queen Anne, in 1711. For over a century it served as the London residence of the Dukes of Marlborough. From 1853 to 1861 Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, arranged for the building to be used by the "National Art Training School", later the Royal College of Art. In 1936 Marlborough House became the London residence of Queen Mary. In the grounds of the house remains her pet cemetery. After Queen Mary's death in 1953, Marlborough House continued to be used by various members of the royal family as a London residence before being leased to the Commonwealth Secretariat in 1965, something which continues today.
The Fine Rooms of Marlborough House contain exquisite murals, tapestries, paintings and sculptures which relay the history of the building and its various occupants over many centuries.
The reception was hosted by the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, marking the culmination of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Youth Leadership Workshop.
During a speech, Prince Harry said: "Meghan and I are incredibly excited to meet so many of you representing the future of the Commonwealth. We can’t wait to see you in action in your home countries and learn about what you’re doing to better the Commonwealth, and the world, in 2040 and beyond."
Hello! reports:
'As Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, Prince Harry gave a speech to the crowd. "My job as your ambassador is to listen and learn from you, to amplify your voices and bring your ideas to the attention of decision makers," he said as Meghan looked on proudly. The two held hands at the event, a show of affection that hasn't been common since their wedding in May. It's no wonder Prince Harry couldn't keep his eyes off his wife, who was positively radiant in the designer dress.'
The final day of the workshop brought together 120 young people, scholars, youth leaders, and representatives of High Commissions to take part in the 'Your Commonwealth' Youth Challenge event. Working in groups, these talented people are encouraged to generate ideas about the type of Commonwealth they want to see in the future.
The Commonwealth Youth Council's Chair, Tijani Christian, shared his views on the Leadership Training Workshop and Harry's new role. "It shows the importance that Her Majesty has placed on the role of young people within the Commonwealth."
The Commonwealth Youth Council pictured this evening.
The Duke and Duchess with Tijani Christian tonight.
Harry and Meghan enjoyed chatting with Mr Christian during the reception and learning more about his work.
Harry and Meghan met the young people who have taken part in the workshops and heard from them directly about their ideas for the future, and the support they need to ensure that their voices are heard.
Meghan chatted with Jacob Thomas about gender equality.
More from the Mail Online:
'Meghan impressed guests with her grasp of their concerns and vowed to continue her campaigning for gender equality.
Jacob Thomas, a 28-year-old activist from Melbourne, Australia, who supports the LGBT community, said: ‘The Duchess has had a very longstanding commitment to work for gender equality and she made it clear that will continue.’
Prince Harry meeting guests.
The Duke and Duchess also met youth representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga ahead of their tour this autumn.
An overview from the reception.
To conclude the evening, the couple listened to musical performances.
Now, I've been waiting to talk about THAT dress! We've seen Meghan opt for neutrals and soft tones since the Royal wedding and many of us have been awaiting a splash of colour. It was quite the sartorial surprise when the Duchess arrived in a stunning vibrant yellow dress by American fashion designer Brandon Maxwell. It's a gorgeous look on Meghan and the hue works very well with her colouring. It's a perfect choice for a summery evening reception. This is a 10/10 look for me.
The Crepe Midi Dress is described as "Brandon Maxwell's use of color for Spring '18 is more pronounced than it's ever been - case in point, this sunny yellow dress we first spotted on the runway. Designed with double-faced crepe, it has a flattering square neckline and is spliced at the back so you don't feel restricted as you move." It's available in very limited sizing reduced from £1,495 to $598 at Net-A-Porter and Moda Operandi (with thanks to Meghan's Fashion).
A closer look at the dress on the runway.
Background on the designer:
'CFDA Swarovski Award-winner Brandon Maxwell dresses actresses Deepika Padukone and Reese Witherspoon and has been Lady Gaga’s Fashion Director since 2012, so he knows exactly how to create clothes that are powerful, glamorous and transform how women feel.'
Brandon Maxwell described the news as "A proud moment for our team".
Three pieces from the current collection include the Stretch Crepe Halterneck Sheath Dress in lime, the Ribbed Bodice Midi Dress and the Pintuck Flare Hem Dress.
What Meghan Wore noted the Duchess accessorised with her Adina Reyter 14k Gold Three Diamond Amigos Curve Earrings. They retail for $498 at ShopBop.
The Duchess wore her Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in beige suede.
An interesting piece from The Telegraph:
'This appearance is a big deal for the newlyweds who are taking the reigns of the project from the Queen after her lifelong service to the Commonwealth, so it's essential that the new Duchess make a great impression. Much like at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards, today's outing involved a much younger audience than Meghan's usual appearances had, so it could be said, would be a great excuse for a return to her slightly more 'daring' looks.
As is synonymous with her new style however, the Duchess kept her look elegant and smart but with a playful twist. While we're used to this being via an off-the-shoulder cut or halterneck, it's the summery hue of her dress that provided the fashion curveball. The buttery slim-fit frock was worlds away from the cream dresses she's favoured of late and a welcome addition to her colour palette.
While it may seem rebellious, the bright yellow hue perfectly complemented the occasion, too; the Duke and Duchess were meeting with young leaders of the future, and not to mention the sunny shade is ideal for the current heatwave we're experiencing in London. While the modest dress is perfectly fit for a Duchess, the bright shade shows a fun playful side to Meghan, proving that the new Duchess will happily adhere to her new unspoken style rules, but she'll always add her own twist, striking the perfect balance.'
What do you think of Meghan's look?
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We also have news of a very interesting upcoming engagement to share. On Tuesday, 17th July, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will open the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition at Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall. This exhibition explores the life and times of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918 – 2013) and marks the centenary of his birth. It provides insight into Mandela’s journey from young freedom fighter to becoming the inspiration for an international movement against South Africa’s violent and oppressive apartheid system. The exhibition is based around six themes (Character, Comrade, Leader, Prisoner, Negotiator, Statesman), and is made up of information and photo panels, along with films and archive items from different periods of Nelson Mandela's life.