Her wedding to Prince Harry is a little more than two months away, but Meghan Markle looks like she's already a full-fledged member of "The Firm."
In yet another break with tradition for the British royals, the bride-to-be yesterday accompanied Queen Elizabeth II—and the rest of the royal family—to Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth service, her first official royal engagement with Her Majesty. Commonwealth Day is celebrated annually across Britain and is an opportunity for each of the 53 member states to highlight the positive values of the family of nations.
Meghan Markle Finally Follows Royal Family's Pantyhose Protocol https://t.co/AhXOeCQcpu pic.twitter.com/dYMnDVVyfs
— BuzzNews (@BuzzNewsUK_) March 12, 2018
Last December, Meghan was the first non-spouse ever to be invited to celebrate Christmas with the Queen and the rest of the royal family at Sandringham. She and Harry have made several official appearances together since their engagement and have made a concerted effort to introduce Meghan to all parts of the Commonweath in the months leading up to the wedding.
Meghan's confident, outgoing demeanor and decidedly royal wardrobe choice during yesterday's outing, her first official appearance with the Queen—and her extended royal family-to-be—was in stark contrast to the obvious nervousness she displayed on Christmas Day when she attended mass with Harry and the rest of the royal family. At Christmas, she wore an oversized brown coat and matching hat that got mixed reviews and appeared tentative as she clung to Harry's arm as she left the church and walked back to the Queen's estate with him and the rest of the family.
After the Commonwealth Day service, she happily joined Harry and Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge for a meet and greet with young students in Dean's Yard at the back of the Abbey. Meghan worked the line of teachers and the students like a seasoned royal, introducing herself to everyone saying, "Hi, I'm Meghan," and asking children where they were from. The bride to be was overheard saying she was "very excited" about the upcoming wedding and remarked, "The service was beautiful, especially the choir and the music."
Meghan's gestures during her official appearances are reminiscent of Princess Diana. The former actress seems very much at home talking to children and is often seen hugging them. Generally, royals refrain from physical contact, but it's something that seems to happen any time Meghan goes out in public.
Meghan Markle joins Queen Elizabeth, royal family for Commonwealth Day service https://t.co/miRJIKxJw4 pic.twitter.com/NcoH88NfmT
— L.A. Times Image (@latimesimage) March 12, 2018
Looking every inch the royal at Westminster, Meghan wore and ivory coat by British designer Amanda Wakeley over a Springsteen navy dress. The chic, structured look, which she wore with a matching beret by Stephen Jones and navy Mulberry clutch, was much more traditional—and flattering—than some of the more casual styles she's worn to other appearances. It also marked the first time she's been spotted in pantyhose, a must for all royal women for official appearances. Meghan also donned the very same navy suede Manolo Blahnik pumps as Kate, who wore a navy dress and coat by Beulah and hat by Lock and Co. It's clear Meghan is mastering dressing the part when the occasion calls for it.
Judging by how well-received the former actress was during her appearance with the other royals, the Queen is likely very glad to have Meghan's charismatic presence to add glamour to the family.
Diane Clehane is a New York-based journalist and the author of Imagining Diana A Novel and Diana: The Secrets of Her Style.
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