Meghan Markle’s first public appearance as the Duchess of Sussex - photos

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have embarked on their first engagement as a married couple, attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace in honour of Prince Charles’ birthday.

Prince Harry and the former Meghan Markle stepped out for the party three days after their lavish wedding ceremony at Windsor Castle, watched by millions around the world.

Like the Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan chose to wear a British designer, namely a dusky pink dress by Goat.

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Within minutes of Meghan’s appearance in the frock, Goat’s website crashed under the strain as royal-watchers flocked to find the dress, Sky News reports.

Priced at £590, the silk and sheer gown is described by the brand as “fluid and feminine”.

The duchess’ choice of “long sleeves and nude tights for a look noticeably more demure than before her wedding day” suggests that the American former TV star has “conformed quickly to the style of Royal women”, says The Daily Telegraph.

Indeed, she paired the dress with a hat by London-based Irish milliner Philip Treacy, whose creations are frequently sported by senior royals including the Duchess of Cambridge and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

The garden party, held to commemorate Prince Charles’ charitable work in honour of his 70th birthday in November, was attended by around 6,000 guests, most of them representatives of charities and military regiments connected to the Prince of Wales.

Addressing the guests, Prince Harry paid tribute to his father’s legacy of public service, which he called an “inspiration”.

The royal couple did not stay long at the event, but their brief appearance made a positive impression on guests.

One who had a chance to speak to the newlyweds, Diana Langson, from 2nd Battalion Irish Regiment of Canada, told the Telegraph they were “so friendly and so kind and genuine”.