MEGHAN Markle has shared a giggle with The Queen – appearing in good spirits for her first royal engagement without Prince Harry by her side.
The 36-year-old former actress looked relaxed as she was this morning shown the ropes by the 92-year-old monarch.
The pair even shared a joke as they were seated for their first event – appearing to get along extremely well.
And there’s no one better for Meghan to learn royal lessons from than The Queen, who has attended thousands of public engagements during her 66 years on the throne.
The trip is a show of confidence in Meghan, with the Duchess of Cambridge doing a similar event ten months after her marriage to Prince William.
The Queen especially seemed happy to have Meghan by her side, sharing a laugh with the newest member of the royal family.
Today is a crash course in British culture for the American, who admitted today’s trip was her first time to the North of England.
Following in the Queen’s footsteps as she greeted local dignitaries, Meghan told them: “I’m very happy to be here.”
Meghan and The Queen had been welcomed at Runcorn station with polite handshakes and curtsies from local dignitaries including David Briggs MBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire.
They were met with wild cheering and applause from hundreds of flag-waving schoolchildren – with Meghan taking to her new role effortlessly.
The Duchess of Sussex looked regal in a neutral dress by Givenchy paired with black accessories, standing demurely behind her new grandmother-in-law.
Meghan stunned in the neutral fitted belted pencil dress, featuring an unusual cape shoulder detail.
But she chose to have her hair down and forgo gloves for the day out.
The Queen herself made sure to stand out – with today no exception to her love of signature bright block colours and matching hats.
The monarch donned a bright green dress by Stewart Parvin and matching hat by Rachel Trevor Morgan for the day.
Later today, the royal pair will watch a performance by a dance company called Fallen Angels, which runs for recovering addicts.
Next on the agenda is a medley of songs from the Storyhouse’s latest production A Little Night Music, and then they will see local schoolkids perform songs with actors from Swallows and Amazons.
They will also enjoy a slap-up lunch at Chester Town Hall to conclude their outing together.
Security was tight as the pair arrived in Cheshire this morning, with snipers spotted on rooftops.
Meghan seemed excited to greet the fans who had gathered on the streets – smiling happily as she followed The Queen.
Grange Hill and Brookside creator Phil Redmond and wife Alexis, the High Sheriff of Cheshire, were among those gathered to greet the royals.
Mr Redmond joked he should have asked Meghan if she wanted a part in his soap Hollyoaks.
He said: “I didn’t ask her, but there’s still lunch yet. She’ll have to go through the audition process like everybody else.”
Mrs Redmond said: “It’s fantastic to have them here and it’s a big day for Cheshire.”
Royal fans had already flocked to the streets of Cheshire with Union Jack flags in anticipation of seeing the pair.
Birthday girl Abigail Grimes, aged five today, a pupil at Beechwood Primary School in Runcorn, was chosen to present the duchess with a posy of flowers, the royal visitors nodding and thanking the youngster for her gift.
The Queen was given a posy by Jack Jackson, aged 10, from St Michael’s Catholic Primary School in Widnes.
Meghan was treated to a trip on The Royal Train to travel to Cheshire – an honour as it is understood that even Prince Harry and Kate Middleton have not had a ride onboard.
The locomotive was launched in 1842 when Queen Victoria was on the throne and even puts the Orient Express to shame with its stunning smoking room with ornate gold fittings.
Described as “Buckingham Palace on wheels”, the sumptuous train was brought into service because Victoria disliked travelling by coach. (The Sun)
