Meghan Markle has joined Prince Harry and her soon-to-be in-laws for her first official outing with the entire Royal Family, stealing the show at a Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
The special Commonwealth Service is the largest annual inter-faith gathering in the United Kingdom and honours the cultures and traditions of the 53 countries in the Commonwealth.
While Meghan previously stepped out with the royals for a Christmas Day service in Sandringham, this was her first time out with the Queen on official business.
As always, the Queen led the way for her family, marching toward the abbey in an eye-catching maroon outfit and a big smile on her face. Although Prince Philip did not attend the event, she seemed more than happy to have her children and grandchildren by her side.
She was greeted by dozens of eager fans, and one particularly excited young girl who couldn’t wipe the look of surprise off her face after the Monarch accepted her posy.
The real stars of the show though, as always, were The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, now fondly dubbed The Awesome Foursome.
Crowds of royal watchers and photographers lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the group as they headed inside the abbey. It’s the third time they’ve appeared in public as a group.
William and Harry were seen exchanging a joke as they headed inside, while Meghan kept an eye on heavily pregnant Kate, who’s due to give birth in April.
Inside, the family heard speeches and prayers from representatives of Commonwealth nations, as well as a performance from British pop star, and former One Direction member, Liam Payne. Go figure!
The Dean of Westminster, the reverend Dr John Hall, conducted the service and spoke about the uniting the Commonwealth for the future.
“This year we look together towards a common future, in which all can flourish and become what we are in the care and keeping of almighty God,” he said. “As we give thanks for our rich diversity and for our common humanity, let us pray together for peace and unity, and that we may offer one another mutual friendship and support.”
After the service, William, Kate, Harry and Meghan met with schoolchildren who traveled from Belfast, Fyfe, Aberystwyth, Stoke-on-Trent, Alnmouth, Berwick-upon-tweed and York to attend the service.
The next big event for the family will be Harry and Meghan’s wedding in May. On Monday, it was reported that Meghan has chosen Australian-born designers Ralph and Russo to create her wedding dress.
Harry and Meghan will say “I do” at St George’s chapel at Windsor Castle. The event is expected to attract thousands of well-wishers and millions of viewers around the world.