What DID give Meghan the giggles at Charles’s big party?
FOR Prince Harry, it was all he could do to keep his dignity yesterday as a bumblebee buzzed him in mid-speech.
But for his new bride it was almost too much as she struggled to suppress a fit of the giggles.
The Duchess of Sussex did manage to retain a sense of decorum, elegantly covering her mouth with her hand.
Her husband, now Duke of Sussex, lost his place, however, as he gave a warm and witty speech in honour of Prince Charles.
Paying tribute to his ‘Pa’, Harry broke off as the insect circled his head and, laughing, told the 6,000 guests at a Buckingham Palace garden party, who also roared: ‘To say... phffff... that bee really got me!’
Meghan, on her first official engagement as a member of the Royal Family, leant across the equally tickled Duchess of Cornwall to explain to her bemused father-in-law what had happened, gesticulating around her ear.
Ironically Harry, 33, had just praised his father’s life-long determination to protect threatened species – of which the bumble- bee is one. It is likely it came from the Queen’s hives in the Palace gardens.
The newlyweds, who have postponed their honeymoon so they can ‘hit the ground running’ on official duties, joined Charles and Camilla for the garden party to celebrate the heir to the throne’s 70th birthday later this year.
Meghan, 36, wore a £590 pale pink dress by Goat – a favourite label of her sister-inlaw, the Duchess of Cambridge – a hat by Philip Treacy and £400 Tamara Mellon Siren heels.
It was her first royal garden party and the first time, as Her Royal Highness, that she had to get used to people curtseying to her in public and calling her Your Royal Highness or Ma’am.
When Meghan met charity representatives, she cleverly extended her hand to shake before most had a chance to bob.
‘I knew I was going to curtsey but she shook my hand,’ said Diana Langson, from 2nd Battalion Irish Regiment of Canada. ‘They were both so friendly and so kind and genuine when they spoke. We offered them congratulations on the wedding and they just said thank you. They’re probably tired of talking about it!’
Perhaps mindful of overshadowing Charles, the couple posed for only a few photographs and spoke to a handful of people before making a quiet exit.
This left Charles and Camilla – resplendent in green Bruce Oldfield – to mingle with guests who had been drawn from some of the 420 charities the prince is involved with. Earlier, Harry gave a heart- felt speech about his father’s achievements.
He said: ‘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 the Prince of Wales’s work over the last 40plus 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.
‘His enthusiasm and energy are truly infectious; it has certainly inspired William and I to get
‘So friendly, kind and genuine’
involved in issues we care passionately about and to do whatever we can to make a difference.
‘In fact, many of the issues William and I now work on are subjects we were introduced to by our father growing up.
‘His passion and dedication are remarkable and seeing so many of you here today, I cannot fail but to be in awe of the drive he has had for so many years, to contribute to the enrichment of society both in this country and around the world.’
Acknowledging Charles’s instructions that the party should ‘not be about him’, Harry added: ‘So, Pa... 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. You have inspired William and I, and looking out here today, it is clear to see that we are not alone.
‘With that, ladies and gentlemen, please can I ask you to join me in wishing the Prince of Wales a very Happy Birthday – six months ahead of his 70th. How very royal!’
Afterwards, father and son kissed on both cheeks, before posing for a photograph with charity leaders.