The would-be wife of Britain's Prince Harry, American actress Meghan Markle, today attended her first official engagement with Queen Elizabeth II to mark Commonwealth Day.
The 36-year-old arrived with her fianc alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton to attend the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London, also attended by Prince Charles, Camilla - Duchess of Cornwall, and British Prime Minister Theresa May.
In her customary Commonwealth Day message, the 91-year-old monarch said she looked forward to welcoming world leaders to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month, at her "homes in London and Windsor".
She said: "There is a very special value in the insights we gain through the Commonwealth connection; shared inheritances help us overcome difference so that diversity is a cause for celebration rather than division".
"We shall see this in action at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which takes place in the United Kingdom next month, bringing together young people, business and civil society from across the Commonwealth."
The Queen described CHOGM as a fine example of how "consensus and commitment" can help create a future that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous and sustainable.
Her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, who retired from public duties last year, did not attend the service.
Markle, who is to become a British citizen on her wedding to Prince Harry on May 19, sang the British national anthem after taking her seat behind the Queen and Prince of Wales. After the service, she joined the other royals at a private reception.
Prince Harry is expected to take on an active role within the Commonwealth during CHOGM next month.
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