She’s only been a royal for a matter of weeks but it looks like the Duchess of Sussex has already made a big impression on Elizabeth II.
While the former Suits actress has wowed crowds across the UK with Prince Harry by her side, the 36-year-old is set to embark on her first royal engagement without her new husband by her side. Instead, she’ll be joined by the 92-year-old Queen.
According to the Palace, the two women will spend a busy day together next week in the English city of Chester. Their first stop on June 14 will be officially opening the Mersey Gateway Bridge, at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre.
Next, the pair will open the Storyhouse theatre in Chester, before making their way to a special lunch at the iconic Chester Town Hall. It will be one of the first times both Queen Elizabeth and the Duchess of Sussex have been seen together in public.
Last week, the Queen made headlines around the world when a photo of Meghan and Prince Harry was spotted in her meeting room at Buckingham Palace. The photograph was spotted when the monarch was meeting the Australian High Commissioner to the UK George Brandis.
It looked as though the Queen had a special bond with her new granddaughter-in-law, placing the photo in front of all her other photographs.
Of course, Her Majesty isn’t the only royal to embrace Meghan with open arms. During Prince Charles’ 70th birthday celebration at Buckingham Palace last month, the Duchess shared a laugh with Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. The pair have taken the former actress under their wing since she arrived in England.
And, after saying “I do” at Windsor Castle on May 19, Meghan was given her own page on the royal website dedicated to telling her life story, including her charitable work and appointment as the UN Women’s Advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership.
A statement read: “From a young age, The Duchess had a keen awareness of social issues and actively participated in charitable work. Aged 11 she successfully campaigned for a company to alter their television advert that had used sexist language to sell washing-up liquid.
“Her Royal Highness also volunteered at a soup kitchen in Skid Row, Los Angeles from the age of 13-17. She continued to volunteer at the soup kitchen when she would return home to Los Angeles until the age of 22.”