Meghan and Harry join a high-flying celebration
A clutch of royals, led by Queen Elizabeth II and joined by Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, kicked off celebrations Tuesday marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Air Force, including another palace balcony appearance for the former actress.
Harry and Meghan were among the 17 royals who flanked the queen on the famous Buckingham Palace balcony, but the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in a prime spot right next to the queen with father-in-law Prince Charles and his wife, Duchess Camilla.
The day began with a service in Westminster Abbey followed by a parade in The Mall, the traditional roaring palace flyover and receptions later.
The queen was joined by various children and grandchildren, including Prince William, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Ed- ward and their spouses.
Later, Harry and Meghan, along with Prince William and Duchess Kate, appeared at a reception at the palace.
It was the second time in recent weeks the British got to see Meghan joining a royal celebration. After their wedding May 19 at Windsor Castle, Harry and Meghan made their balcony debut together in June for the annual Trooping the Colour ceremonies marking the queen’s birthday.
The princes, all of whom have served in some capacity in the British armed forces, were resplendent in blue RAF uniforms, and the women glowed in stylish ensembles. The queen stood out in an RAF-blue coat and dress edged with turquoise, with a matching hat and a diamond star brooch on her shoulder. Meghan wore a black Dior dress with a boatneck neckline and a matching Stephen Jones fascinator. She paired the look with nude heels and a clutch.
Kate was there a day after the christening of her third baby, Prince Louis, who was born April 23. Tuesday, Kate opted for a mint Alexander McQueen coat dress with a matching hat by Sean Barrett and a diamond and ruby Darce brooch, a high honor from the Air Cadets.
Missing was the queen’s husband, Prince Philip, 97, who has retired from public life.
Harry, 33, a former captain in the British Army, and Meghan, 36, cheered the RAF just hours before they were scheduled to depart Tuesday evening for Dublin for a 24-hour visit packed with engagements, including an eagerly anticipated trip to Trinity College’s Parliament Square.