Newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Sussex step out for first time since wedding

Meghan Markle made her first outing as the Duchess of Sussex today as the newlyweds arrived at Prince Charles's 70th birthday party at Buckingham Palace.

The honeymoon is over for Prince Harry and Meghan, with the new Duke of Sussex giving a warm and witty speech at the garden party in honour of his father Prince Charles, the Daily Mail reports. 

The Duchess of Sussex was given a warm welcome into the family, with Prince Harry explicitly referring to the garden party as a "family celebration" during his speech.

Harry and Meghan enjoyed only a brief private getaway following their wedding on Saturday, delaying their full honeymoon to honour the Prince, with talks of a "mini-moon" in Ireland in June or July.

The Duchess of Sussex - who will be referred to as Her Royal Highness (HRH) for the first time in public - wore a white dress by Goat and a hat by Philip Treacy, switching up her signature messy bun for a chic updo.

Photo / Getty

Meghan's nerves at her first public outing were quickly offset by a lighthearted moment when a bumblebee flew into Prince Harry's ear during his speech, sending her into a fit of giggles.  

Harry, who was midway through the speech at Buckingham Palace in London suddenly went lost his place and said laughing: "To say... phffff....that bee really got me!"

Charles looked slightly bemused and she leant across the laughing Duchess of Cornwall to explain to him what had happened.

Ironically, Harry had just praised his father's life-long determination to protect species under threat. 

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Harry said today: "We're here today to reflect on and to celebrate my father's dedicated support to all of you and the work that you do.

"But first, I would like us to take a moment to remember all those affected by the tragic events at the Manchester Arena a year ago. We are fortunate to have over 250 representatives of the emergency services here today.

"It is right that we take a moment to recognise the amazing work they do every day, and how each member of our blue light services rise to meet the challenge of tragic events such as the attack a year ago.

"We are also joined by Youth United Cadets. Their organisation also provided triage support to the medical crews on the attack.

"So, on behalf of my family, and everyone here, I would like to say thank you to the emergency services and all those who supported the injured and affected. 

Photo / Getty

"My brother William would be here today, were he not attending a service in Manchester to honour their victims, their families, the emergency services and the survivors this afternoon.

"Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones and those still dealing with the experiences of that night. It really is amazing to see so many of you here today for this family celebration.

"I say family, because this is a chance for us to honour to Prince of Wales's work over the last 40-plus years, with all of his charities, patronages and military associations – and, as you all know, my father views all of your organisations like an extended family."

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Centring his speech on the work of his father, Harry made the speech feel very personal, referencing his early relationship with his father.

He said: "So, Pa, while I know that you've asked that today not be about you, you must forgive me if I don’t listen to you – much like when I was younger – and instead, I ask everyone here to say a huge thank you to you, for your incredible work over nearly 50 years."

After finishing the speech, father and son kissed on both cheeks, before posing for a photograph with charity leaders. 

The garden party saw more than 6,000 people, all from the charities and military associations most closely linked with the Prince, descend on the grounds of Buckingham Palace for music, speeches – and, of course, a customary cup of tea and cucumber sandwich. 

It is likely to be a strange experience for the new Duchess, not just because she will never have seen anything like it. 

For the first time, she will be addressed as Her Royal Highness – HRH – in public and people will be expected to curtsey to her and call her Ma'am.

Asked whether Meghan would be insisting on the royal protocol being enforced, Kensington Palace declined to comment.

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The Duchess of Cornwall was also attending today's garden party at her husband's side, as he was hailed for his lifetime of work dedicated to the charity sector.

Prince William was not present as he was in Manchester marking the first anniversary of last year's terror attack, while the Duchess of Cambridge is on maternity leave.

Charles will actually turn 70 on November 14, with this the first public celebration of the milestone. He is expected to have a private party for family and friends closer to the day.

Photo / Getty

The attendance of the new Duke and Duchess at the party reflects both the shared interests of father and son over much of their charity work, and the growing bond between Meghan, 36, and her new family.

The Duchess, who asked her father-in-law to accompany up part of the aisle for the St George's Chapel service, is said to have met him frequently in private and found they had a great deal of common ground, particularly in terms of their charitable interests.

She was so touched by his chivalry towards her mother, Doria Ragland, during the wedding, where he was seen to reach out his hand to her in the chapel and offer his arm as they walked down the stairs, that she publicly thanked him in a speech later in the day. 

This article was first published on Daily Mail and is republished here with permission.