Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made their first public appearance as a married couple this afternoon at a Buckingham Palace garden party celebrating Prince Charles' 70th birthday. The couple, who married on Saturday in a ceremony watched by millions worldwide, attended the event instead of jetting off on an immediate honeymoon.
The garden party, held in May to take advantage of favourable weather, marks the start of early birthday celebrations for the Prince of Wales, whose actual birthday falls on November 14. The event also served as Meghan's first official engagement as a member of the monarchy, with her appearance set to be recorded in the Court Circular for the first time.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cambridge has written a heartfelt letter in support of Children's Hospice Week, which runs from May 21-27. In her role as patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (Each), Kate highlighted the importance of spending quality time with family, stating, 'It is the simple family moments like playing outside together that I cherish.'
In other royal news, Princess Anne has topped the list of working royals for the number of days worked so far this year, with 75 engagements. She is followed by the Earl of Wessex (59) and the Prince of Wales (52). The figures, derived from the Court Circular, cover January 1 to May 22.
