Meghan Markle sought comfort in her prince and his brother on Monday as she pulled off her first public appearance and curtsy as a soon-to-be member of the Royal family.
With an unsure smile and a firm grip on Harry’s arm, the Californian actress emerged from St Mary Magdalene Church in a huddle of future in-laws.
As the Queen led the charge with Prince Philip teetering closely behind, Meghan stayed in her lane next to Prince William and her fiancé.
Unversed in the Sandringham Christmas Day order of events, Meghan, 36, was put at ease by both Harry and William who seemed to offer words of encouragement and pointers as they left the church.
Meghan Markle kept a tight grip on Prince Harry’s arm as they left St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. As she prepared to curtsy for the Queen, Meghan seemed nervous and sought comfort from Harry, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge
Follow my lead: Meghan looks to future sister-in-law Kate Middleton and Prince William outside the church
Harry seemed to mutter some words of advice as the Queen and Prince Phillip prepared for their departure. Meghan nodded back, sure of the plan
Deep breaths: Meghan’s face sunk momentarily as she lined up next to her fiance to take her curtsy
Their advice, it seemed, bolstered to the line-up and curtsy that all three, along with Kate Middleton and the vicar, were about to give as the Queen departed.
For Meghan, it her first public go at the move.
The pair met privately with Harry before their engagement was announced but had not been seen together by others until Monday.
And despite the training and etiquette tips she has no doubt revised since accepting Harry’s proposal, the Suits star’s demeanor was one of sweet nerves as she waited for the big moment.
When the time came, Meghan dipped emphatically with her head bowed, giving a wholehearted effort as the crowds watched.
She turned her smile back on as they prepared for to curtsy for the Queen and Prince Philip
Meghan gave an emphatic curtsy, dipping lower than Kate Middleton as Princes William and Harry bowed their heads
Meghan quickly reached for Harry’s arm once the Queen was settled in her car. She was instantly more at ease and returned to small talk with Prince William
Quickly springing upright again, barely a second went by before her gloved hand was reaching for Harry’s arm again.
Once interlinked, he led her to a wheelchair-ridden well-wisher who had waited in the cold to wish the couple a Merry Christmas.
The pair then accepted bouquets from fans as they walked back to Sandringham House.
Meghan, with her first curtsy behind her and a day of formal festivities ahead, seemed to loosen up as she greeted and accepted gifts from well-wishers.
Job done: With her curtsy behind her, she followed Prince Harry into the crowds to meet a woman who had waited in a wheelchair in the cold to meet them
Meghan’s appearance at Sandringham on Monday morning is her first public appearance with the Royal family