Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step out for first time as married couple

They only exchanged vows on Saturday but the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have already attended their first public engagement as a married couple.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined an array of other royals at Buckingham Palace for an early 70th birthday celebration for Prince Charles. It was always going to be hard for Meghan to beat her stunning wedding gowns, but the new royal didn’t disappoint with her choice of outfit.

For the outing, the former actress opted for a white dress by fashion brand Goat. She topped it off with an elegant hat by Philip Treacy and wore her luscious brunette locks in a tight bun. The 36-year-old wore stockings and a pair of white heels for the birthday bash. Meanwhile, her husband wore a waistcoat, a pair of smart trousers and a suit jacket.

During the event, the happy couple paid tribute to the Prince of Wales, where Prince Harry gave a moving speech in honour of his father. A bee nearly stole the show when it buzzed by Prince Harry’s ear, sending Meghan into fits of laughter and almost throwing the Prince off his game. Still, he managed to deliver his touching speech.

🎥 Watch the full video of The Duke of Sussex's speech from today's Prince of Wales' (@ClarenceHouse) 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration at Buckingham Palace. #PrinceandPatron pic.twitter.com/C7rBFZuS4c

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 22, 2018

Firstly, he took a moment to pay tributes to the lives lost at last year’s devastating Manchester bombing, which killed many people at an Ariana Grande pop concert in the city.

“On behalf of my family and everyone here, I would like to say thank you to the Emergency Services and all those who supported the injured and affected,” he said. “My brother, William, would be here today, were he not attending the service in Manchester to honour the victims, their families, the Emergency Services and the survivors, this afternoon. Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones and those still dealing with the experiences of that night.”

He then welcomed his family to the event, noting his father’s work over four decades. Prince Harry said his father was an inspiration.

“His enthusiasm and energy are truly infectious; it has certainly inspired William and I to get involved in issues we care passionately about and to do whatever we can to make a difference,” he told the crowd. “In fact, many of the issues William and I now work on are subjects we were introduced to by our father growing up. His passion and dedication are remarkable and seeing so many of you here today, I cannot fail but to be in awe of the drive he has had for so many years, to contribute to the enrichment of society both in this country and around the world.”

This was The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first engagement as a married couple and Their Royal Highnesses met people representing The Prince's Patronages at Buckingham Palace. #PrinceandPatron pic.twitter.com/BdWVyXfWye

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 22, 2018

While it was the first time Prince Harry and Meghan stepped out as a married couple, they’ve continued to give adoring fans an insight into their relationship. On Tuesday, the pair released three official photos from their wedding. Through Kensington Palace, the pair expressed their gratitude in all those who supported them on their big day.

“The Duke and Duchess would like to thank everyone who took part in the celebrations of their Wedding,” the message read. “They feel so lucky to have been able to share their day with all those gathered in Windsor and those who watched on television across the UK, Commonwealth, and around the world.”

What do you think? Are you a fan of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?