The Duchess of Sussex has arrived in Cheshire with the Queen for a masterclass in how to conduct royal engagements, just a month after her wedding.
The former actress enjoyed an inaugural overnight trip on the Royal Train with the Queen, ahead of her first day of engagements with the monarch, and arrived at Runcorn Station this morning after travelling up from London with the head of state on the distinctive burgundy-liveried locomotive.
It was around ten months after her own nuptials before the Duchess of Cambridge undertook a similar day of events – and will no doubt be viewed as a sign of royal confidence in the former actress.
The Queen has been on the throne for 66 years and has conducted tens of thousands of public engagements, shaking hundreds of thousands of hands along the way.
Former actress Meghan couldn’t resist sporting another creation by her wedding designer Givenchy, and looked elegant in the cream fitted dress with a cape feature at the shoulders, nipped in at the waist with a black belt, carrying a simple black bag by the same designer.
Her Majesty was vibrant as ever in a lime green ensemble by Stewart Parvin and hat by Rachel Trevor Morgan.
As the pair disembarked from the train, they were greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs, who told the Duchess: ‘I understand it is your first trip to the north of England.’She replied: ‘That’s correct. I’m very happy to be here.’
Her nerves, and lack of experience in the minutiae of royal protocol, were in evidence as they prepared to get into the Queen’s Bentley awaiting them in the station car park.
There was a moment of confusion as the Duchess appeared unsure who should get into the car first. ‘What is your preference?’ she asked the Queen.
‘You go first,’ said the Queen. ‘Oh OK,’ said the duchess.
After leaving Runcorn, the pair prepared to embark on a round of engagements that would have been all too familiar for the Queen: opening a bridge across the Mersey, watching kids doing stuff, having lunch with the civic worthies of Chester.
For the Queen, this is what she has spent her life doing: for the Duchess, it is the future that lies ahead of her.
After unveiling a plaque to formally open the Mersey Gateway Bridge, the Queen and Meghan travelled to Chester visit the city’s Storyhouse, a remarkable new library, theatre and cinema which has attracted more than a million visitors in its first year.
At 12pm they paused outside the library to observe a minute’s silence in remembrance of the 71 people who were killed in the Grenfell Tower tragedy one year ago today.
The Queen’s outfit also appeared to be a subtle tribute to the victims after green became a symbol of remembrance for those affected by the fire.
Later they will watch a performance by local schoolchildren entitled ‘Bringing Communities Together: Halton’s river crossings over the ages.’
