Meghan the Duchess of Sussex just joined Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday for her first official engagement without her new husband, Prince Harry by her side.
Britain’s newest royal joined the queen on a visit to the northwest county of Cheshire, where they opened a new toll bridge over the River Mersey.
Meghan and Queen Elizabeth left for a day of engagements on Wednesday on board the royal train. The were greeted by crowds of people, especially excited schoolchildren who were waving flags, when they stopped at the Runcorn station. David Brings, the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire met them there.
Learning Royal Etiquette
This excursion was certainly a huge step forward in learning royal etiquette for Meghan, formerly an America actress. She watched Britain’s longest serving monarch navigate what life is like as a royal.
Upon visiting the new bridge, they were introduced to architects, planners and community representatives. Then they watched a performance by local schoolchildren. The Queen unveiled a plaque at the site to mark the bridge’s opening.
The bridge is one of the United Kingdom’s biggest infrastructure projects in recent years. It’s building has faced criticism over the introduction of new tolls.
Later in the day the Queen and her new granddaughter-in-law headed into the city of Chester to open Storyhouse. It is a new library, theater and cinema. They watched a performance there from a dance company for people who are recovering from addictions.
Then the two royals will attend a lunch at Chester Town Hall.
It was announced earlier in the week that the Duke and Duchess will leave for a tour of Australia and other neighboring countries later this year.
The couple will visit Australia, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga and New Zealand in a tour that will coincide with the Invictus Games. They will take place in Sydney from October 20.
The Duke of Sussex founded the sporting event for wounded or sick servicemen and veterans in 2014.