Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex on 19th May 2018 upon her marriage to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (you can read a full report of the day elsewhere on this blog). Whilst the wedding that we all enjoyed watching seems only yesterday (who doesn't enjoy an excuse to have a good old fashioned tea party, or a right old shindig?!?), the Duchess has already completed over a month of royal engagements. Firstly, only a few days after her wedding, the Duchess accompanied her husband to a garden party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the Prince of Wales’ 70th birthday. The Duchess of Cornwall was also present. The Prince of Wales’ actual birthday isn't until November, but the event was held in May so it could be held in (hopefully!) better weather, and it was. Representatives of the charities Prince Charles supports were present. Prince Harry gave a speech as well. The new Duchess did a stirling job, engaging with those at the garden party. She wore a light pink dress with the same colour hat. I was impressed that her hat had a full brim. It was a very simple outfit that looked sophisticated and wasn't too pretentious for her first royal engagement as an HRH. Simple but well tailored clothes, in block colours, could be her signature style. The Duchess of Cornwall appeared to have a close relationship with Meghan. They both giggled when a bee interrupted Harry’s speech! Meghan also received what may be her first gift from a member of the public; a necklace from Sophie Rogers, a guest at the garden party. Meghan said, “Oh how sweet, thank you. I was just admiring your necklace, it’s beautiful.”
Next, we saw the Duchess at the annual Trooping the Colour parade in honour of the Queen’s birthday. This is the first time I saw the Duchess in the flesh myself. You can read a full report of the event elsewhere on this blog. This was a significant event because it marked the Duchess’ first Buckingham Palace balcony appearance. Again, the Duchess wore a shade of light pink. Her hat may have been the same one she wore at the garden party (taking a leaf out of the Duchess of Cambridge’s book of reusing outfits). The Duchess also wore her hair down in curls, a new look for her at the time. She waved to the crowds and had a lovely smile. However, her off the shoulder dress for a day time formal occasion may have been a step too far for some, especially as it wasn’t overly warm.
Thirdly, we have the Duchess’ first engagement without Prince Harry. But she was not alone; the Duchess accompanied the Queen on a day of engagements in Cheshire. They travelled overnight on the royal train (another first for the Duchess), which is one of the Queen’s preferred modes of transport for longer journeys. Interestingly, the Duchess of Cambridge waited 10 months after her marriage to accompany the Queen on an engagement without the Duke of Cambridge. I think the Queen wanted to make Meghan feel welcome and show her the ropes in person. Also, Meghan's popularity meant it was a good move for the monarch. The Duchess helped the Queen open a theatre and a bridge. They also had lunch at Chester Town Hall. This was the Duchess’ first trip to northern England. Meghan asked the Queen one protocol question; who should get into the car first. The Queen replied that Meghan should go first. This shows Meghan's comfortable relationship with the Queen, her humility, initiative, and determination to get things right. The Duchess wore her hair down, but it did cause her some annoyance as it blew across her face in the wind; all those with long hair can sympathise! Her dress was beige with a black belt, and again was a tailored, simple dress.
Lastly, the Duchess attended her first Royal Ascot, along with Prince Harry and many other members of the royal family. She wore a white midi length dress with a floating hem, with black detailing and a black and white hat. This is the least tailored dress we have seen, and suited the occasion, as well as the summery weather and atmosphere. Meghan helped her husband hand out a trophy, and the jockey kissed her hand. Royal Ascot will be a regular feature of the Duchess’ life from now on.
The Duchess of Sussex now has a coat of arms. She holds it in her own right, after the Markle’s did not receive one. The design includes the blue sea of California, and a songbird emblem of communication, which represents the Duchess in married life. The quills also represent communication. The songbird (Meghan) is opposite a lion (Harry). Meghan helped to design the coat of arms. Normally, the coat of arms of a bride who is marrying into the royal family, is a joining of her family’s coat of arms, and that of her husband. The Duchess of Cambridge’s family were given a Middleton coat of arms. But Meghan’s family weren’t as they aren’t British. Thus, Meghan’s coat of arms are more personal than that of other brides who marry into the royal family. California’s state flower, golden poppies, and Kensington Palace’s wintersweet flowers, also feature.
Meghan has been helped by her and Prince Harry’s interim private secretary, Samantha Cohen, who was the Queen’s assistant private secretary. Ms Cohen has 17 years experience working in the royal household, working her way through the ranks, and will help Meghan learn the ropes in this first year. The Duchess also has an assistant private secretary, Amy Pickerill. Together, these women are helping Meghan navigate royal life.
Overall, the Duchess has had a good first month (and a bit!), and has got to experience working with the rest of the royal family, from annual events, to one off engagements, and has met a variety of people. She has conducted herself well, chosen good outfits, and connected well with both press and public. Her popularity continues, and her willingness to learn and do things the right way is evident. I have admired her humility and obvious self-assurance, as well as her respect for the Queen and tradition. She has been able to be herself, and hasn't shown off or been pushy. Her outfits have shown a sophistication and formality; she is taking her job and role seriously. We are yet to hear her first public speech, but we know she has experience at this. I believe she will do well.