
She's had a hectic day, commencing with RAF centenary celebrations in London before jetting to Dublin for her first official overseas visit, but the Duchess of Sussex managed to keep the style stakes high with three outfit changes.

Meghan, 36, was wearing a green Givenchy top and pencil skirt for her arrival in the Irish capital, but changed into a chic black midi dress by Emilia Wickstead with a square neckline for a garden party at the residence of the British Ambassador to Ireland.

She accessorised with a simple black Givenchy clutch and Morganite Drop Earrings with Pavé Diamonds by her favourite jewellery brand Birks.

Earlier in the day, she wore an achingly stylish black fit-and-flare Dior dress to a thanksgiving ceremony for the RAF at Westminster Abbey.

Following a meeting with the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, the couple rounded off their first evening in Ireland at the garden party at Glencairn House where Prince Harry made a warm speech to guests, and even tried out a few words in the Irish language.

‘Standing here with you on this beautiful evening, it is easy to see why Ireland has such a special place in the hearts of my family and indeed all those who come here,' he said.

‘We’re so pleased to be here, for our first official international visit together as a married couple, and we hope it will be the first of man.'

He added: I have the greatest confidence that the friendship, collaboration and mutual understanding that our two countries have built up over the years will endure and it will grow.

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Meghan changed into her third outfit of the day, donning a glamorous black midi-length dress for a garden party at the British Ambassador's residence at Glencairn House

The Duke and Duchess were in great spirits as they mingled with guests at a glittering garden party on their first night in Dublin. Meghan wore a chic black dress teamed with heels by Aquazzura, and an elegant clutch from Givenchy

Arriving at Westminster Abbey this morning in a black fit and flare dress by Dior. In emerald green by Givenchy for her arrival in Dublin. She completed her wardrobe hat trick in a black midi dress by Emilia Wickstead for a garden party this evening

Glowing Meghan wore her hair in loose curls around her shoulders after sporting an updo earlier in the day. The former actress looked animated as she chatted with Irish activist and author Sinéad Burke during the party

Cheers! The royal couple enjoyed a glass of bubbly at the end of a long day, which saw them jet to Dublin after attending RAF centenary celebrations in London

Prince Harry looked in typically cheerful spirits even after a long day as he made his entrance at a garden party with Meghan

Still in the honeymoon phase! Harry and Meghan looked in great spirits as the made their entrance and exchanged adoring glances as they mingled with guests

Meghan Duchess of Sussex shares a laugh with the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, right, at government buildings in Dublin

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Dublin City Airport for the start of their visit to Dublin, Ireland

Meghan looked radiant in a chic black dress by British designer Emilia Wickstead as she attended a garden party with Harry

Meghan sipped on a well-earned glass of bubbly during the festivities at Glenacairn House. The Duchess still looked radiant after a long day involving multiple engagements and outfit changes

For this evening's garden party Meghan looked radiant, despite a long day of engagements involving three different outfits and hairstyles.

She wore her hair down in loose waves after arriving in Ireland with her locks styled in a side bun, and accessorised with a simple black Givenchy clutch and Morganite Drop Earrings with Pavé Diamonds by her favourite jewellery brand Birks.

Earlier this evening, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar rolled out the red carpet for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as the royal newlyweds made their first official overseas visit as a married couple to the Republic of Ireland.

No hard feelings! Meghan wears designer who criticised her wedding dress The Duchess of Sussex turned on the glamour last night in a black dress by Emilia Wickstead who claimed her wedding gown was ‘identical’ to one of her own creations, creating a huge social media backlash. The New Zealander Emilia Wickstead, a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge, commented that Meghan’s Givenchy gown was very similar to a £7,000 dress in her own collection. She also claimed Meghan's dress did not fit properly, and said her hairstyle should have been neater. She later released a statement, saying: 'Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex looked absolutely beautiful on her wedding day and I have the utmost admiration and respect for her. 'I do not think that her wedding dress was a copy of any of our designs. I have the greatest respect for Clare Waight Keller and the House of Givenchy — a huge source of inspiration to me.'


The pair were greeted by the Taoiseach at Dublin's Goverment Buildings - the Irish equivalent of 10 Downing Street - where they were shown a plaque laid by Harry's great, great, great grandfather King Edward VII in 1904.

Then known as King of Great Britain and Ireland, he laid the foundation stone for what was originally The Royal College of Science before the impressive building became occupied by the new Irish Free State government from 1922.

Despite the febrile political atmosphere reaching fever pitch at home, Brexit chat appeared off the menu - in public at least - as ministers were reportedly told not to mention the referendum, according to the Irish press.

Mr Varadkar had vowed to 'roll out the red carpet' to welcome Harry and Meghan and greeted them with warmly with a handshake after they pulled up to the historic building in the capital's Merrion Street just after 6pm in a chauffeur-driven blue Range Rover.

'The unseasonably warm weather appeared to be an immediate topic of conversation as Mr Varadkar pointed out the parched brown grass around the fountain at the front of the parliament. Ireland is officially "in drought" having not had any rain for three weeks - the longest heatwave since the famously scorching summer of 1976.

The couple were then shown a inside to view a stained glassed window representing the four provinces of Ireland - Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster - which prompted a quick chat about the rugby. Former sports minister Mr Varadkar asked rugby fan Harry if he had watched the England versus Ireland game to which he replied: 'Which one?'

The couple turned to wave at iPhone wielding wellwishers who gathered behind a rope in a sealed off corridor to catch a coveted glimpse.

They were then taken to Mr Varadkar's private offices where they were introduced to a number of employees including 18-year-old intern Tabitha Owen, from London, who is on a short summer secondment before starting a PPE degree at Oxford in September.

Slainte! Meghan raises her glass during a garden party at the residence of the British Ambassador to Ireland

In her element! The Duchess looked completely at ease as she mingled with guests on the first evening of her debut overseas visit with Harry. She treated herself to a well-earned beverage at the end of a long day of engagements

The former actress flashed her glittering engagement ring, featuring a diamond from Princess Diana's collection. Even after a long day, she was on top form as she mingled with guests at a summer garden party

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex talking with Ireland's Tánaiste Simon Coveney, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade

The Duchess of Sussex chatted to Irish author and activist Sinéad Burke as she mingled with guests at the garden party

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are greeted by the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (right), at Government Buildings during after landing in Ireland this afternoon

The Duchess of Sussex descends the stairs of the private jet that carried her and Harry to Dublin as part of their two-day trip to Ireland

'You're really busy?,' asked Harry. 'What time do you normally knock off? Not until very late? Ah!'

Referencing the student's connection to the UK, Mr Varadkar told the couple his 'big sister' worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Dressed in an emerald green Givenchy dress, Meghan seemed more au fait with the agenda than her husband, reminding him that now it was: 'Time to sign the visitors' book.' After briefly discussing who should sign first Harry picked up the fountain pen.

Signing simply 'Harry', the Duke joked: 'I never sign big enough.' Then when Meghan - a former calligrapher - signed her name with a flourish, he added: 'Your's is much nicer than mine.'

Sitting down for private talks with Mr Varadkar, the Taoiseach asked whether the couple would have any private time during their whistlestop tour of Dublin.

'It's just business really,' Harry replied.

According to sources, the Taoiseach and Prince Harry discussed the possibility of the Irish Defence Forces participating in the Invictus Games during their private meeting.

Dazzling Duchess! Meghan raised a glass after Harry's speech praising the warm relationship between the UK and Ireland. The royal accessorised her look with a simple black Givenchy clutch and Morganite Drop Earrings with Pavé Diamonds by her favourite jewellery brand Birks

Prince Harry and the Irish Taoiseach where heard talking about rugby as they made their way around Government Buildings

Sources said that Harry and Mr Vardkar discussed the possibility of Irish athletes taking part in the Invictus Games in the future

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sign the visitor book watched by Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (right) at Government Buildings during their visit to Dublin

First stop was a meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who said the couple would be made very welcome in the Irish capital

Meghan showed her prowess at diplomatic dressing as she donned a forest green outfit by Givenchy for her first official visit to Ireland

The Games, which were created by the Prince, offer an opportunity for wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel to take part in sports including wheelchair basketball and indoor rowing. It was noted that other countries which limit their military activities to peacekeeping have taken part in past.

The Duchess told the Taoiseach that she is an honour member of the Philosophical Society in Trinity College.

And it was noted that she studied at NWU Chicago where Mr Varadkar’s partner Dr Matt Barrett works at the University Hospital.

Prince Harry mentioned on several occasions how much his father, Charles, enjoys visiting Ireland.

He also asked about the housing and homelessness crisis facing the country.

The Duke and Duchess have had a busy day after fitting in celebrations for the RAF centenary and a meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Dublin

Close couple! The Duke and Duchess sweetly held hands as they attended a Summer Party at the British Ambassador's residence at Glencairn House

Raise your glasses! Prince Harry and his wife made a toast to the warm relationship between the UK and Ireland. The couple who are known for their PDAs were seen holding hands as they made their way through the crowds

The Duchess accessorised with morganite and diamond earrings from her favourite jewellery brand Birks. She kept her beauty look fresh with a hint of nude lipstick and plentiful layers of mascara

The Duchess was spotted chatting to civil rights activist and academic, Senator David Norris

Meghan looked animated as she chatted to Irish writer, academic and broadcaster Sinéad Burke

The couple's first engagement after their arrival was a meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. They then made their way to the British Ambassador's residence for a garden party

Prince Harry being welcomed to Ireland after stepping off a private jet from London. The couple's first stop was a visit to Government Buildings

Prince Harry waved to photographers as he and Meghan kicked off their visit to Ireland. The royal couple looked relaxed as they made their way across the tarmac to their waiting car to travel to Government Buildings in Dublin City Centre

'The Duke was also very interested in our tech industry and the Duchess has an interest in encouraging women taking up STEM subjects,' the source said.

Around 10 minutes later they re-emerged into the Dublin sun with Prince Harry repeatedly saying 'thank you, thank you', as he made his way to a waiting car.

Earlier Mr Varadkar said the Royal visit - the first official overseas trip undertaken by the couple since their Windsor wedding last May - was very significant and underlined the importance of Anglo-Irish relations.

'I am really looking forward to Prince Harry and Meghan (Markle) coming to Dublin and I think they are going to be made very welcome,' the Taoiseach said.

Prince Harry's speech at the British Ambassador's residence Tánaiste, Ambassador, a Dhaoine Uaisle. Good evening. Thank you for the warm welcome we’ve received since being in this beautiful country. Meghan and I are delighted to be here in Dublin and in the beautiful gardens of Glencairn. And to the Tánaiste, a special thank you. As some of you may know, he showed my father around his home city of Cork just a couple of weeks ago, so we’re very grateful to you for joining us here this evening as well. My father was telling us last week how much he had enjoyed his recent visit; but said that each of his visits, over the years, holds a special place in his memory. My grandmother, The Queen, also spoke of her own visit in 2011 and the fantastic welcome that she too received. Standing here with you on this beautiful evening, it is easy to see why Ireland has such a special place in the hearts of my family and indeed, all those who come here. We’re so pleased to be here, for our first official international visit together as a married couple, and we hope it will be the first of many! As each other’s closest neighbours, the UK and Ireland’s relationship is unique; our shared history is long and complex. There have of course been challenging, and at times tragic, periods of that relationship. Tomorrow we hope to have the opportunity to reflect on some of those difficult passages in our history when we visit Croke Park and the Famine Memorial. On this visit we will also celebrate just how much unites us. This is a very special relationship between two proud, sovereign countries. We share common values; culture, business links, family ties, and possibly a similar sense of humour. Our relationship is of course informed by our history, but it is also one which is now dynamic and forward looking. This evening we are extremely fortunate to be joined by many of those who are shaping the future of Ireland. You embody the energy which characterises this amazing country and are leaders in your respective fields: social entrepreneurs harnessing technology to design creative solutions to some of society’s most pressing problems; world renowned athletes; award winning actors; and men and women of the defence force who are marking 60 years of service to global peacekeeping missions. I have the greatest confidence that the friendship, collaboration and mutual understanding that our two countries have built up over the years will endure and it will grow. I will finish by drawing on the words of President Higgins during his extraordinarily successful visit to the UK in 2014, which we still remember with admiration. He quoted the traditional Irish saying: ‘Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine’ - “we live in each other’s shadows” - we shield each other, and rely on each other for shelter. That sentiment is as apt now as it was then, as we draw strength from one another as neighbours, partners, and above all friends. I would like to toast The President of Ireland and the people of Ireland. Sláinte! Advertisement

'It is the first visit they will have made overseas since they got married and even though they haven't officially visited Ireland before, I think they are going to be extremely welcome and I look forward to welcoming them.'

One a previous visit to Ireland in 2013, former actress Meghan visited the Guinness Storehouse where she learned to pour a pint of Guinness in front of the press.

The royal visit follows on from Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall's trip to Cork and Kerry last month.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived in Dublin on their first foreign tour as a married couple as the government looks to use the royals' 'soft power' to bolster a post-Brexit relationship.

The trio paused for a photo opportunity and gave the media a wave before going inside for talks with Prim Minister Leo Varadkar

The Duchess of Sussex is pictured in the car that picked her up from Dublin City Airport at the start of the two-day royal visit to Ireland. The couple looked delighted to be kicking off their whirlwind visit that will give them the chance to learn more about Irish culture and history

A smiling Harry was the first to step off the jet followed by Meghan in an appropriately forest green Givenchy outfit at the Dublin airport this afternoon following RAF celebrations in London

Prince Harry waves at admirers as he and his wife begin their first official visit abroad as a married couple with a two-day visit to Ireland

The newly-weds flew in from London by private jet after attending events to mark the centenary of the RAF at Buckingham Palace.

Aides said the couple had been officially approved to charter a plane rather than take a regular scheduled flight. The couple have an entourage of eleven with them including a hairdresser and a personal assistant, which are being paid for privately according to Kensington Palace.

A smiling Harry was the first to step off the jet followed by Meghan in an appropriately forest green outfit by Givenchy, the same designer behind her wedding dress.

Waiting to greet them at the bottom of the plane's steps was Britain's Ambassador to Ireland Robin Barnett, his partner Agnieszka Kepka and senior officials from the British embassy.

The royal couple will learn about the history and culture of Ireland, including the famine which drove millions to emigrate across the world

Meghan signing the visitors book after her meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach Leo Vardkar

The couple received a warm welcome from Ireland's Leo Varadkar on a sunny evening in the Irish capital

Amy Pickerill, private secretary to the Duchess of Sussex, arrives with the Royal couple at Dublin Airport as they begin their tour of the republic

The duke and duchess looked relaxed as they made their way down the steps and shook the hands of the waiting officials in turn, before being led to their car at the head of a motorcade.

Nearby nine Garda motorbike outriders were waiting to escort the couple to a meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

As their car pulled away Harry, looking smart in a suit, shirt and tie, smiled at the ranks of journalists, photographers and cameramen capturing the moment and waved at them.

Harry and Meghan's first visit abroad on behalf of the UK Government will see them take in a Gaelic sports festival at Croke Park, attend a summer garden party at the British ambassador's Residence and visit Trinity College during ten engagements over 24 hours in the Irish capital.

Meghan supports Scottish brand Strathberry in Dublin Meghan carried a £495 midi-tote in burgundy, navy and vanilla by the small Scottish brand Strathberry for her first official engagement as Harry's bride-to-be back in November. And the stylish bag was later revealed to have sold out in just 11 minutes according to the label, launched in 2013. When Meghan opted for a bottle green Strathberry East/ West mini for her first official visit to Scotland in February - within minutes it was listed as out of stock on the retailer's website. Today she showed her support for the brand yet again in Dublin, carrying its Midi Tote in tan leather, costing £475. Strathberry was founded by couple Guy and Leeanne Hundleby who left their jobs in finance to establish the brand. The Hundlebys previously revealed sales overall have sky-rocketed by 40 per cent since it emerged that the former actress is a fan. Meghan sparked a sales frenzy when she sported the Strathberry Midi Tote in burgundy, navy and vanilla for her first official engagement with Harry in Nottingham in December 2017 Meghan gave the brand another boost when she wore its green Strathberry East/ West mini for her first official visit to Scotland in February The Duchess carried a tan version of the £475 Strathberry Midi Tote as she met with Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at government buildings Advertisement

The trip has been designed to promote good diplomatic relations with Ireland, with Brexit sure to be high on their agenda.

It is the latest in a series of foreign trips the royal family have made to European Union member states in the wake of Britain's impending exit from the bloc.

The 'soft diplomacy' the monarchy employs is used to renew and strengthen relationships with countries even as Britain breaks away from the EU.

Ireland's Taoiseach Leo Varadkar are formally welcoming the couple who will enjoy a summer garden party at Glencairn, the official residence of Britain's Ambassador to Ireland Robin Barnett.

Prince Harry will speak at the event, where guests will include people from across Ireland's arts, sports, military and social enterprise sectors.

Meghan looked elegant in a Givenchy top and pencil skirt for her first official visit to the Irish capital

The trio chatted about the unseasonably warm weather as the Irish Prime Minister gave the royals a tour of Government Buildings

Meghan glanced adoringly at her husband of two months as they enjoyed a meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach

The couple's entourage includes Harry and Megan's private secretary, Ed Lane Fox, their assistant private secretary, Amy Pickerill, and the prince's special advisor on foreign issues, Sir David Manning.

It also includes their communications secretary Jason Knauf, a further three press officers including their own social media PR, a programme co-ordinator, a PA, an orderly and a hairdresser, who is being paid for privately.

The trip to Dublin is not the first time the couple have been away since their May 19 wedding. They slipped away unnoticed for their honeymoon and the destination for the traditional break has remained under wraps for now.

Over the coming days the couple will meet the people of Dublin and will visit organisations which are central to Irish life.

They will attend a Gaelic sports festival at Croke Park, the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association, to watch youngsters taking part in sporting activities.

Meghan 2014 visit to the Irish capital Meghan previously visited Dublin in 2014 in her former role as a One Young World Counsellor. The UK-based charity gathers 'the brightest young leaders from around the world, empowering them to make lasting connections to create positive change'. During the One Young World Summit in Dublin in 2014, Meghan joined a panel discussion on Bridging the Gender Gap, which dealt with gender bias and stereotypes in the media The theme of the annual summit was Peace and Conflict Resolution, using Ireland's history as an example to guide discussion. Writing about One Young World on her now defunct lifestyle blog TheTig, Meghan said: 'When I was asked to be a Counsellor at One Young World my response was a resounding "yes". 'One Young World invites young adults from all over the world who are actively working to transform the socio-political landscape by being the greater good. 'They are delegates who are speaking out against human rights violations, environmental crises, gender equality issues, discrimination and injustice. They are the change.' 'The energy is palpable and to be able to be part of that is an honour.' Meghan previously visited Dublin in 2014 for the One Young World Summit, where she joined a panel discussion on Bridging the Gender Gap Advertisement

Meghan and Harry will also learn about Ireland's culture and heritage, including a visit to Trinity College where they will see the Book of Kells, one of Ireland's greatest cultural treasures.

The duke and duchess will also have a moment for reflection at the Famine Memorial, before visiting EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, telling the story of the 10 million Irish who have emigrated across the world.

The royal couple will also learn more about the bright future of Ireland during their time in Dublin, with a visit to DogPatch Labs, a co-working space for technology start-ups.

Harry and Meghan will meet children and young people taking part in free coding workshops, and will also have the opportunity to talk to female tech entrepreneurs.

A new hairdo for Dublin! Meghan unveils a twist on her go-to style as she arrives in Ireland with a side bun and centre parting

By SIOFRA BRENNAN FOR MAILONLINE

She's recently abandoned her beloved messy bun in favour of a more sleek and formal updo, and today the Duchess of Sussex debuted a new twist on the look.

Stepping off the place in Dublin for her first official overseas visit with Harry, Meghan showed off a neat side bun with a side parting.

It was a departure from the more severe style she's worn on several occasions, with hair swept to the back of her head with her hair parted down the middle.

The Duchess wore her hair in a neat updo with a side parting, lending a less severe look to the formal style. She wore her hair in swept back bun with a centre parting to a reception at Marlborough House in London last week

Celebrity hairdresser James Johnson told Femail: 'The changing of a parting can alter your whole style, instantly.

'By keeping the side bun low and opposite, she's kept the symmetry in her look. This helps keep the over-style elegant, yet with a slight twist, making the hair a focal point.

'By keeping the hair balanced Meghans created a formal, more structured style, ideal for any royal appearance.

'Switching up the parting can create more dimension for any look, perfect for a plain outfit like Meghan has on here, giving the whole look more personality.

She ditched the messy bun she used to favour, seen here on a visit to Northern Ireland in March (left). But Meghan did mix things up today with a side parting and side bun

The Duchess also showed off her prowess at literal dressing, wearing a top and pencil skirt by Givenchy in forest green, in a nod to the colour closely associated with the Emerald Isle.

And she carried a £475 tan tote bag by Strathberry, the small Scottish brand whose designs Meghan has previously caused to sell out.

This engagement is likely to be of particular interest to the Duchess, who has been outspoken on the topic of female empowerment.

It's been a busy time for the newlyweds who kicked off the week by attending Prince Louis' christening at St James's Palace on Monday.

Earlier today, they joined fellow members of the royal family for service to mark 100 years of the RAF at Westminster Abbey, followed by a flypast at Buckingham Palace.

Finding her royal feet! Meghan puts on a confident display on the Buckingham Palace balcony one month after her nervous debut at Trooping the Colour

She's less than two months into her role as the Duchess of Sussex, but today Meghan Markle proved she's finding her feet during celebrations for the RAF Centenary.

The former Suits star looked poised and confident as she joined the royal family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace for the flypast, which saw the largest concentration of military aircraft in recent memory form in the skies above London to commemorate the milestone.

The Queen, 92, looked up in wonder at the aeronautical display, which celebrated the history of the RAF and featured the return of Second World War aircraft including the Spitfires and Lancaster bombers, and followed a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey earlier today.

The Duchess of Sussex showed off her new confidence today as she stood in pride of place alongside the Queen on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the RAF centenary celebrations

The former Suits star seemed nervous during her Buckingham Palace debut at Trooping the Colour exactly a month ago

Meghan looked at ease as she smiled warmly at her new husband Prince Harry

Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, three, were allowed to watch the spectacle from a window of the palace

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who yesterday christened their son Louis, appeared in excellent spirits on the balcony

She was joined on the balcony by her sons, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew, the Duchess of Cornwall and the 'Fab Four': The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

But tellingly, it was the Duchess stood in pride of place alongside Her Majesty who is these days usually flanked by one of her sons in the absence of the Duke of Edinburgh.

It was a sharp contrast with Meghan's balcony debut at Trooping the Colour exactly one month ago on 10th June, when the retired actress was seen looking to her husband for reassurance and nervously fidgeted with her hair.

And she did her best to blend into the background, standing behind the Duchess of Cambridge and sticking close to Harry's side.

The Duchess stood behind the Queen during celebrations for Trooping the Colour

Meghan seemed to experiencing some jitters during her Buckingham Palace debut at Trooping the Colour

Left to right: Prince Charles, Prince Andrew (behind), the Duchess of Cornwall, the Queen, the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

Royally rushed off their feet! This afternoon, Harry and Meghan will join royals at a Buckingham Palace reception to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force. Their Royal Highnesses will meet RAF servicemen and women

Prince William, 36, right, shared a joke with his new sister-in-law the Duchess of Sussex, left, as they stood on the balcony

The Queen appeared to be taking a close interest in the aircraft flying overhead, leaning in to discuss the sights with the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, left. Meanwhile the Duchess of Sussex shared her views with her husband, centre

Prince William appeared to tell a joke that had the whole Royal Family in stitches as they prepared for the fly-past

Senior royals took their lead from the Queen, centre, as she took in the action in the skies above Buckingham Palace

The Duchess of Sussex placed a reassuring hand on Harry's back as they left the balcony following the fly-past

At the time , a lip-reading expert claimed to Mirror Online that Harry asked his wife if she was OK during a private exchange between the newlyweds, to which she anxiously responded: 'Yeah'.

A short while later, Meghan appeared to admit she was feeling 'nervous' as she made her balcony debut in front of huge crowds who had gathered on The Mall to catch a glimpse of the royals.

Moments later, referring to the Red Arrows display, the prince signalled to Meghan that she needed to look up during the fly past.

'Then there's the flypast and then we all look up to the sky,' he said.

After the fly-past the Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined royals at a reception in Buckingham Palace to mark the centenary

The Duke of Cambridge speaks to Jock Heatherill, 95, wing commander of 158th squadron, at the reception

Red, white and blue smoke streamed from the tails of the Red Arrows as they performed as part of the fly-past on Tuesday

A Second World War Lancaster bomber and Spitfires fly in formation above the crowds gathered in central London

The helicopters looked incredible as they flew in formation above the tens of thousands of people who gathered on the street

During today's flypast, some 100 jets, helicopters and aeroplanes roared over central London, much to the delight of the thousands who gathered to watch the spectacle from below. Police estimate between 65,000 and 70,000 people lined the streets.

The royals looked to the skies as aircraft roared overhead, including the RAF's new cutting-edge stealth fighter F-35 jets, in what was their first ever public appearance.

The display also featured helicopters including the Puma, Chinook, Juno and Jupiter.

Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, three, were not on the balcony but could be seen watching the spectacle from a palace window.

The Queen, dressed in blue in a nod to the RAF, applauded as the fly-past roared over Buckingham Palace

Meghan spent time chatting to Harry, left, and the Queen, right, with whom she enjoys a close relationship

Thousands of people packed the Mall to witness the incredible spectacle, while a further 2,200 people packed Westminster Abbey for the service

The young royals could be seen leaning on the windowsill as they took a closer look at what was happening outside

The Duchess of Sussex burst into laughter as she shared a joke with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the balcony

The Queen beamed with delight and the Royal Family looked enthralled as they took in the action in the skies

'It brought tears to my eyes to see those planes go through the sky. I'm so pleased we're still able to put that many planes in the air,' he said after watching from The Mall.

The crowd in The Mall watched agog as first the helicopters, then the light aircraft, the transport planes and finally the Red Arrows flew over.

Groups of school children stood open mouthed while visitors munched happily on their picnics and Champagne corks popped.

After the red, white and blue Red Arrows display, the crowd erupted into applause as the Queen looked on from the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

Prior to the fly-past, the royals watched as the Queen and Prince Charles presented a new Queen's Colour to the RAF in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.

The royals tilted their heads even higher as the incredible aeronautical display flew directly overhead

The Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge both flashed dazzling smiles as they turned their heads to the sky

The Royal Family looked resplendent on the balcony of the palace as 100 aircraft took to sky above the city

The Queen leaned in to apparently speak to the Duchess of Sussex as they took in the fly-past on Tuesday

The 'Fab Four' of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge squinted into the skies

The Duchess of Cornwall, left, pointed out a point of interest to her mother-in-law the Queen during the fly-past

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were clearly in good spirits as they enjoyed the stunning fly-past

The monarch also made a brief speech praising the 'tenacity, skill and gallantry' of the RAF.

She said: 'Presenting the Royal Air Force with a New Queen's Colour provides an opportunity to congratulate the Service for your remarkable contribution to Defence over the last hundred years.

'Tenacity, skill and gallantry have been your hallmarks, as you have helped to safeguard freedom and security in many parts of the world. I remember the Battle of Britain being fought in the skies above us, and we shall never forget the courage and sacrifice of that time.

'In 1918, my father, King George VI, served alongside one of the Service's founders, Lord Trenchard, before becoming the first of my family to qualify as a Royal Air Force pilot. That family tradition continues to this day: The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Cambridge have all earned their Wings, and wear them with great pride.

'The Royal Air Force has won a place in the heart of our Nation, and I wish All Ranks, past and present, together with your families, every good fortune for your second century of service.'

The Duchess of Sussex donned a black fit-and-flare dress for the occasion, one of her most high-profile as a royal

Prince Charles, who attended the event in military uniform, looked in excellent spirits as he spoke to guests

Prince Charles holds court as he speaks to young members of the Royal Air Force at a Buckingham Palace reception

The Duchess of Cornwall, 70, sipped on what appeared to be a glass of wine as she mingled with guests at the reception

Prince William looked delighted as he spoke to 95-year-old Jock Heatherill, wing commander of 158th squadron, Halifax's

The Duchess of Sussex charmed guests as she joined her new husband Prince Harry at the reception

The Duchess of Sussex charmed guests as she joined her new husband Prince Harry at the reception

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex looked lovingly into each other's eyes as they attended the reception

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared in excellent spirits throughout the engagement and could be seen sharing a light-hearted moment together.

Today also saw several moments where Prince William, 36, was seen joking with his sister-in-law the Duchess of Sussex, reflecting the close bond between the pair.

Earlier the family attended a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, a day after attending Prince Louis' christening, at St James's Palace, attended by Harry, Meghan, Charles, Camilla and the Middletons.

But the Queen and Prince Philip were not there because of a busy week for the 92-year-old monarch, including Trump's three-day visit to the UK from Thursday

Duchess in Dior! Meghan stunned in black at Westminster Abbey RAF service before joining the royals for a spectacular fly-past on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

The Duchess of Sussex put on a stunning display in Dior earlier today as she joined the royals at celebrations for the RAF centenary.

Meghan, 36, paired the fit-and-flare frock with a navy headpiece from milliner Stephen Jones, just hours after dividing fans with her olive green Ralph Lauren ensemble atPrince Louis' christening at St. James's Palace.

She wore her tresses in an elegant side bun, which celebrity hair stylist Jason Collier says is a 'sleeker and more elegant' take on what is fast becoming her signature look.

This morning's service marked the start of a busy day for Harry and Meghan, who were subsequently whisked off to Buckingham Palace and later jetted to Ireland to kick-start their first overseas engagement since tying the knot.

Commenting on Meghan's dress, celebrity stylist and designer Lucas Armitage (the-timeless.com) told MailOnline that Meghan had made a 'bold choice' by choosing black.

He added: 'The boat neck and cut is reminiscent of the wedding gown so it’s a silhouette she knows wows.'

Based on the cut and style of Meghan's elegant bateau neck frock, royal watchers were convinced it was a bespoke piece by her wedding dress designer, Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy, however it was later revealed as Dior.

Arriving at Westminster Abbey this morning the Duchess, 36, paired her A-line dress with a stunning netted headpiece, just hours after she divided fans with her green Ralph Lauren ensemble for Prince Louis' christening at St. James's Palace

The 'fab four' make their way into Westminster, where Kate and William tied the knot seven years ago. Also in attendance were Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie, and Princess Anne, and Prince Michael of Kent