She stepped onto the world stage on Wednesday in her first major engagement on behalf of the Royal family.
And Meghan Markle was at Prince Harry’s side once again tonight as the couple attended a Commonwealth reception at the Royal Aeronautical Society, just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace.
The royal bride-to-be opted for a £266 ‘Jackie O’ dress from Black Halo, inspired by the iconic First Lady, teamed with stilettos and a pair of delicate spiral diamond earrings from Canadian jeweller Birks.
Meghan, 36, looked effortlessly chic in the fitted black ensemble, which featured an asymmetrical neckline and was cinched at the waist with a leather belt.
The royal bride-to-be kept her makeup to a minimum, adding just a hint of bronzer and a pink lip, and styled her hair in her signature messy bun.
The couple joined a host of eminent guests at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Women’s Empowerment reception which was hosted by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson in London.
In good company: The couple joined a host of eminent guests at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Women’s Empowerment reception which was hosted by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson in London
Chic: Meghan, 36, looked chic in a fitted black dress featuring an asymmetrical neckline, which she teamed with a pair of pointed stilettos for tonight’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Women’s Empowerment reception
Harry and Meghan, who are due to tie the knot next month, will meet representatives from charities and organisations working to promote global gender equality through girls’ education – a cause close to Meghan’s heart.
Organisations include the Malala Fund, Plan International, the Varkey Foundation, and Code Camp.
Earlier on Thursday afternoon, Harry was joined by his brother the Duke of Cambridge for the CHOGM formal opening event at Buckingham Palace – and the brothers will return to the royal residence once again tonight for a glittering state banquet.
Tonight’s event comes days after the newly appointed Commonwealth youth ambassador paved the way for his fiancée’s emerging role, saying she is ‘hugely excited’ about joining him in his royal duties.
Experts have noted it is unusual for someone who has not yet married into the royal family to be involved in a high-profile occasion such as the CHOGM summit this week.
But the Queen, who is Head of the Commonwealth, has made clear she sees Harry and his future bride as linchpins of her work with the so-called ‘family of nations’.
Meghan, who has given up her acting career to devote herself to being a full-time royal, has no previous links to the Commonwealth, but has worked with the UN as a women’s advocate for Political Participation and Leadership and undertaken several humanitarian missions.
The couple were joined by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson as they chatted to guests as they attend the Women’s Empowerment reception at the Royal Aeronautical Society tonight
The couple couldn’t wipe the smiles from their faces as they teamed up for tonight’s Women’s Empowerment reception hosted by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, part of this week’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
Power couple: The couple are due to marry on May 19 and Meghan has voiced her desire to ‘hit the ground running’ when it came to her official duties and her desire to facilitate change, with a particular emphasis on women and young people
Globally, more than 130 million girls are not in school, and in conflict zones girls are twice as likely to be out of school than boys.
At tonight’s reception, as part of a drive to make sure that every girl gets 12 years of ‘quality education and learning’, Mr. Johnson will launch his Platform for Girls Education initiative.
It comprises a group of 12 influential figures from across the Commonwealth, who will drive forward the political momentum on girls’ education, hold countries to account and champion good practice.
The couple are due to marry at Windsor Castle on May 19 and Meghan has voiced her desire to ‘hit the ground running’ when it came to her official duties and her desire to facilitate change, with a particular emphasis on women and young people.
She and Harry will work both in the UK and abroad to highlight the value of the Commonwealth, and are understood to be planning a number of foreign tours to member states.
Team effort: Harry and Meghan, who are due to tie the knot next month, will meet representatives from charities and organisations working to promote global gender equality through girls’ education – a cause close to Meghan’s heart
Big week: Tonight’s event comes days after the newly appointed Commonwealth youth ambassador paved the way for his fiancée’s emerging role, saying she is ‘hugely excited’ about joining him in his royal duties
Last week the prince was also announced as president of a new Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (QCT), a youth charity of which the monarch is patron, which will provide a platform for young change-makers across the Commonwealth in the areas of education, sport, health and the environment.
CHOGM is a summit of the leaders of all 53 Commonwealth nations, held in a different member state every two years, where issues and policies of common importance are thrashed out.
This year’s event is particularly significant as it is expected to be the last time the Queen will ever attend.
The monarch, who turns 92 this weekend, no longer undertakes foreign travel and this week’s summit was deliberately moved to London in order for her to take part.
The Commonwealth will take on an increasingly important role as regards trade and diplomacy when Britain exits the EU.