Meghan Markle left in fits of giggles as Prince Harry gives speech at couple's first post-wedding engagement

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex enjoyed their first official engagement as a married couple on Tuesday, as they attended Prince Charles’ 70th birthday celebrations.

The garden party, which was held at Buckingham Palace, was the perfect opportunity for Prince Harry, 33, and Meghan Markle, 36, to step out together just days after their fairytale wedding.

But the event sadly didn't go without a hitch, as the new Duke of Sussex had his speech unfortunately interrupted.

Prince Harry was paying heartfelt tribute to his father at the party held in his honour, when a bee came just a little bit too close to his face, forcing him to swat it away.

After a brief pause in his speech, he then told the listening crowds, "I'm sorry, that bee really got me".

Attendees at the party witnessed the new Duke battle with the insect, but it was his new wife Meghan who found the incident the funniest of all.

After Harry got rid of the bee, the Duchess of Sussex was seen bringing her hand to her mouth, to cover her giggles at her new husband's misfortune.

After noticing her laughter, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who appeared to miss the incident, asked Meghan what she was laughing at.

She was then seen explaining Harry's encounter to her new in-laws, who also found his misfortune equally hilarious. Poor Harry!

The Duke did however manage to pay a fond tribute to his father Charles during the rest of the speech.

Speaking to his 'pa', he said, "It is your selfless drive to effect change - whether that is to improve the lives of those who are on the wrong path, to save an important piece of our natural heritage, or to protect a particular species under threat - which William and I draw inspiration from every day."

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Former Suits actress Meghan looked stunning in a sophisticated £590 dress by Goat which fell just below the knee.

Meghan’s brunette locks were worn in a sleek up-do and she accessorised her look with a Philip Treacy hat and a Wilbur & Gussie bag.

The new Duchess kept her jewellery minimal and let her sparkling wedding ring take centre stage as she stood alongside the Duchess of Cornwall, who was dress in a mint green ensemble.

Meghan completed her new look with a pair of sheer, flesh-coloured tights. In addition tonude nail polish, the ladies of the royal family are also expected to cover up their bare legs when appearing in public.

For the first time, she will be addressed as Her Royal Highness – HRH – in public and people will be expected to curtsey to her.

Asked whether Meghan would be insisting on royal protocol being enforced, Kensington Palace reportedly declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry looked very smart wearing a pair of grey striped trousers and a cream waistcoat, which he teamed with a blue tie as he helped celebrate his father’s milestone birthday.

The couple are said to have delayed their honeymoon in order to attend the party.

The Duke of Cornwall’s real birthday falls on November 14, but it seems May was a more appropriate month to hold a garden party thanks to the sunny weather.

His official website stated: “The event will celebrate The Prince of Wales’ Patronages and Military affiliations as well as others involved in charities supported by ThePrince."

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Therefore, more than 6,000 guests from 386 of The Prince of Wales' patronages were invited to the event, which was hosted by the Queen.

In addition, 20 of the Prince's military affiliations were represented, as well as 100 Cadets from Youth United.

According to reports, Prince Charles wanted to use the garden party as an excuse to thank his charities and patronages for their work over the years.

Last weekend, Prince Charles walked his new daughter-in-law down the aisle at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle before she said ‘I do’ to his younger son.Prince Charles then hosted the evening reception at Frogmore House, which was attended by the likes of George Clooney, David Beckham and the cast of Suits.

Guests dined on posh burgers among other dishes, with candyfloss on offer to those with a sweet tooth.

It featured music performed by Sir Elton John, who famously sang a rendition of Candle in the Wind at the groom’s mother Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997.

Words by Kirsty McCormack and Amy Hunt

Amy Hunt

Amy Hunt is an experienced digital journalist specialising in homes, interiors and hobbies. She began her career working as the features assistant at woman&home magazine, before moving over to the digital side of the brand where she eventually became the Lifestyle Editor up until January 2022. Amy won the Digital Journalist of the Year award at the AOP Awards in 2019 for her work on womanandhome.com.