Meghan's VERY regal makeover: Duchess of Sussex unveils glossy curls just like Kate's as she joins the Queen and Harry for a star-studded reception in Buckingham Palace's ballroom

  • The Queen, 92, hosted A-listers including David Beckham and Sir Lenny Henry at Buckingham Palace
  • The Young Leaders programme, in its fourth year, celebrates the achievements of young change-makers
  • The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to accompany the monarch for a star-studded reception 

By Unity Blott For Mailonline

Published: 18:24, 26 June 2018 | Updated: 08:47, 27 June 2018

The Queen teamed up with Meghan Markle for their second joint engagement in less than two weeks, as they joined Prince Harry to host a reception at Buckingham Palace tonight.

The newlyweds accompanied the monarch for a star-studded ceremony, attended by A-listers including David Beckham and Sir Lenny Henry, to present awards to winners of the Queen's Young Leaders for 2018. 

The newly-minted Duchess of Sussex, 36, drew comparisons to her sister-in-law Kate with a curly new 'do, wearing a powder pink dress teamed with a pair of sensible black courts.

The double-breasted Prada number featured a thin belted waist, a peplum-effect bodice and an asymmetrical skirt, and looked strikingly similar to the Carolina Herrera ensemble she wore for Trooping the Colour.

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Guests at tonight's event, held in the palace's opulent ballroom, included model Neelam Gill, boxer Nicola Adams, YouTuber Caspar Lee, presenters Ore Oduba and Tina Daheley, and chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, former Prime Minister Sir John Major.  

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Meghan and the Queen look on as Harry delivers Young Leaders speech
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The A-team! Meghan joined the Queen, along with Prince Harry, for the second time in two weeks for tonight's reception. The Commonwealth is a global network of 53 countries and 2.4 billion people, of whom 60 per cent are under 30 years old
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The A-team! Meghan joined the Queen, along with Prince Harry, for the second time in two weeks for tonight's reception. The Commonwealth is a global network of 53 countries and 2.4 billion people, of whom 60 per cent are under 30 years old

Nice to see you, Ma'am! Meghan proved she had got her curtsy down to a fine art as the Queen entered the room tonight. They were joined by David Beckham and Sir Lenny Henry, to present awards to winners of the Queen's Young Leaders for 2018
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Nice to see you, Ma'am! Meghan proved she had got her curtsy down to a fine art as the Queen entered the room tonight. They were joined by David Beckham and Sir Lenny Henry, to present awards to winners of the Queen's Young Leaders for 2018

New look? The newly-minted Duchess of Sussex, 36, earned comparisons to her sister-in-law Kate with a curly new 'do. Her The double-breasted Prada number featured a thin belted waist, a peplum-effect bodice and an asymmetrical skirt
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New look? The newly-minted Duchess of Sussex, 36, earned comparisons to her sister-in-law Kate with a curly new 'do. Her The double-breasted Prada number featured a thin belted waist, a peplum-effect bodice and an asymmetrical skirt

Think pink like the Duchess of Sussex in Prada

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Stepping out to the Queen's Young Leaders reception at Buckingham Palace with her husband Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex looked stylish in a pretty pink dress by Prada.

We have to say it bore a striking resemblance to the Carolina Herrera number Meghan wore recently, especially the peplum effect and button front, not to mention the blush shade. Clearly she has a soft spot for this pastel hue.

This stylish Prada dress also features a flattering waist-belt and subtle boat neck - one of Meghan's favourite go-to necklines - and although it's the first time the Duchess has worn Prada as a new royal, we hope it's not the last!

She teamed the dress with Aquazzura heels and a clutch also by Prada, resulting in an incredibly chic look that has definitely left us feeling inspired.

If you feel the same then head to the carousel and shop the pretty pink picks by Forever 21, Max Mara, Closet London and Whistles in Meghan's favourite shade of blush pink.

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It's Beckingham Palace! The Queen looks delighted as she shakes hands with David Beckham in the palace ballroom tonight. Guests at tonight's event, held in the palace's opulent ballroom, included model Neelam Gill and boxer Nicola Adams
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It's Beckingham Palace! The Queen looks delighted as she shakes hands with David Beckham in the palace ballroom tonight. Guests at tonight's event, held in the palace's opulent ballroom, included model Neelam Gill and boxer Nicola Adams

The Young Leaders programme, now in its fourth and final year, celebrates the achievements of young change-makers from across the Commonwealth. 

This year's cohort, from across 38 countries, have been lauded for working to improve the lives of people across a diverse range of issues from supporting people living with mental health problems to access to education, promoting gender equality, food scarcity and climate change.

Tonight's reception is the Queen and Meghan's second joint engagement in as many weeks, after the pair travelled to Cheshire together earlier this month.

The close bond between the monarch and her granddaughter-in-law became apparent when the pair sat down at a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge in Chester on June 14.

Body language expert Judi James, an industry leader in communication, told how the Queen appeared 'completely confident' in Meghan's ability. 

The pair were seen arriving at Buckingham Palace earlier tonight ahead of the Queen's Young Leaders reception. Meghan's dress looked strikingly similar to the Carolina Herrera ensemble she wore for Trooping the Colour
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The pair were seen arriving at Buckingham Palace earlier tonight ahead of the Queen's Young Leaders reception. Meghan's dress looked strikingly similar to the Carolina Herrera ensemble she wore for Trooping the Colour

The newlyweds looked as loved-up as ever as they arrived at Buckingham Palace this evening, a short drive from Kensington. They joined YouTuber Caspar Lee, presenters Ore Oduba and Tina Daheley, and former PM Sir John Major
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The newlyweds looked as loved-up as ever as they arrived at Buckingham Palace this evening, a short drive from Kensington. They joined YouTuber Caspar Lee, presenters Ore Oduba and Tina Daheley, and former PM Sir John Major

Team photo! Harry and Meghan joined the Queen, John Major, and winners of the Queen's Young Leaders Awards for a snap. The Young Leaders programme, now in its fourth and final year, celebrates the achievements of young change-makers
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Team photo! Harry and Meghan joined the Queen, John Major, and winners of the Queen's Young Leaders Awards for a snap. The Young Leaders programme, now in its fourth and final year, celebrates the achievements of young change-makers

Young people came from all corners of the globe for tonight's reception. The Queen's Young Leaders programme was launched in 2014 in honour of the monarch's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth – a global network of 53 countries
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Young people came from all corners of the globe for tonight's reception. The Queen's Young Leaders programme was launched in 2014 in honour of the monarch's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth – a global network of 53 countries

Taking the baton? The Queen (third left) recently appointed Harry as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, on the eve of the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and new the role will take him around the member states
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Taking the baton? The Queen (third left) recently appointed Harry as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, on the eve of the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and new the role will take him around the member states

Meghan, 36, drew comparisons to Kate in her powder pink dress which featured oversized buttons and a thin belt. Tonight's reception is a celebration of the aspirations of young people across the 53 member states
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Meghan, 36, drew comparisons to Kate in her powder pink dress which featured oversized buttons and a thin belt. Tonight's reception is a celebration of the aspirations of young people across the 53 member states

Think pink! Meghan wore a powder pink dress featuring oversized buttons and teamed with a pair of sensible black courts
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She joined Harry and the Queen
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Think pink! Meghan wore a powder pink dress featuring oversized buttons and teamed with a pair of sensible black courts. This year's Young Leaders, from across 38 countries, have been lauded for working to improve the lives of others

The couple, who tied the knot just over a month ago, looked loved-up as they listened to speeches at tonight's event. They were celebrating young people helping those struggling across a diverse range of issues from supporting people living with mental health problems to access to education, promoting gender equality, food scarcity and climate change
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The couple, who tied the knot just over a month ago, looked loved-up as they listened to speeches at tonight's event. They were celebrating young people helping those struggling across a diverse range of issues from supporting people living with mental health problems to access to education, promoting gender equality, food scarcity and climate change

She said: 'The Queen is quite stoic, she didn't make a fuss of Meghan, which can make someone feel anxious. She is clearly completely confident about Meghan's level of confidence.' 

The Queen's Young Leaders programme was launched in 2014 in honour of the monarch's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth – a global network of 53 countries and 2.4 billion people, of whom 60 per cent are under 30 years old.  

Harry was appointed as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador in April, on the eve of the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London, and new the role will see him support the work and aspirations of young people across the 53 member states.

Both he and Meghan will work both in the UK and abroad to highlight the value of the Commonwealth, and are understood to be planning a number of foreign tours to member states. 

Royal-watchers noted that Meghan was sporting a new hair style, wearing her hair in barrel tonged curls
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Au naturel: The Duchess kept her makeup to a minimum, wearing just a dash of lipstick and a subtle smoky eye
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Au naturel: The Duchess kept her makeup to a minimum, wearing just a dash of lipstick and a subtle smoky eye. Royal-watchers noted that Meghan was sporting a new hair style, wearing her hair in barrel tonged curls

Harry and Meghan meet some of 2018's Young Leaders. The couple will work both in the UK and abroad to highlight the value of the Commonwealth, and are understood to be planning a number of foreign tours to member states
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Harry and Meghan meet some of 2018's Young Leaders. The couple will work both in the UK and abroad to highlight the value of the Commonwealth, and are understood to be planning a number of foreign tours to member states

Ms Elizabeth Kasujja from Uganda
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Ms Chikondi Violet Mlozi from Malawi
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Dressed to impress: Ms Elizabeth Kasujja from Uganda (left) and Ms Chikondi Violet Mlozi from Malawi (right) receive their awards from the Queen. There has been one award for every year that the Queen had served as Head of the Commonwealth at the time of her Diamond Jubilee

Mr. Brima Manso Bangura from Sierra Leone
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Mr. Isaac Ezirim from Nigeria
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Mr. Brima Manso Bangura from Sierra Leone (left) and Mr. Isaac Ezirim from Nigeria (right) receive their awards. Every year from 2014 to 2018, 60 young people were selected to receive a Queen’s Young Leaders Award and become ‘Young Leaders’ 

Footballer David Beckham and a smartly-clad Nicola Adams share a joke as they wait for Prince Harry to give a speech. The Queen's Young Leaders programme was launched in 2014 in honour of the monarch's service to the Commonwealth
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Footballer David Beckham and a smartly-clad Nicola Adams share a joke as they wait for Prince Harry to give a speech. The Queen's Young Leaders programme was launched in 2014 in honour of the monarch's service to the Commonwealth

David Beckham, Nicola Adams and Sir Lenny Henry sit together ahead of the final Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony. The Commonwealth is a global network of 53 countries and 2.4 billion people, of whom 60 per cent are under 30 years old
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David Beckham, Nicola Adams and Sir Lenny Henry sit together ahead of the final Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony. The Commonwealth is a global network of 53 countries and 2.4 billion people, of whom 60 per cent are under 30 years old

The Commonwealth will take on an increasingly important role as regards trade and diplomacy when Britain exits the EU.

In the week leading up to tonight's reception, winners travelled to the UK to participate in a programme of training, mentoring and networking opportunities. 

This included workshops at the University of Cambridge and visits to No 10, the UK headquarters of Facebook and the BBC World Service.

Tonight's award presentation is being broadcast on Facebook Live, bringing the winners' families from around the Commonwealth inside the ballroom at Buckingham Palace. 

The Young Leaders award is part of the Queen's Young Leaders programme, an initiative established by the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in partnership with Comic Relief, the Royal Commonwealth Society and the University of Cambridge. 

The Queen welcomes guests including (L-R) Sir John Major, Sir Lenny Henry, David Beckham and Nicola Adams. Tonight's reception is the Queen and Meghan's second joint engagement in as many weeks, after they travelled to Cheshire together
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The Queen welcomes guests including (L-R) Sir John Major, Sir Lenny Henry, David Beckham and Nicola Adams. Tonight's reception is the Queen and Meghan's second joint engagement in as many weeks, after they travelled to Cheshire together

Guests at tonight's event, held in the palace's opulent ballroom, included (LR) chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, former PM Sir John Major, Sir Lenny Henry and David Beckham
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Guests at tonight's event, held in the palace's opulent ballroom, included (LR) chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, former PM Sir John Major, Sir Lenny Henry and David Beckham

Boxer Nicola Adams
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David Beckham
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Famous faces: Boxer Nicola Adams (left) and football star David Beckham (right) joined the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Going forward, Harry and Meghan will work both in the UK and abroad to highlight the value of the Commonwealth

The Olympic boxer looked smart in a royal blue double-breasted suit with white lapels and matching buttons
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The Olympic boxer looked smart in a royal blue double-breasted suit with white lapels and matching buttons

Supermodel Neelam Gill
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Presenter Tina Daheley
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Glamorous guests: Supermodel Neelam Gill (left) and presenter Tina Daheley (right) join the A-list arrivals tonight. Guided by the values of the Commonwealth Charter, the goal of the programme is to enable young people to step up as leaders

Launched in 2014 by William and Harry, the first round of Young Leaders visited the UK in 2015. 

Every year from 2014 to 2018, 60 young people were selected to receive a Queen’s Young Leaders Award and become ‘Young Leaders’ – one for every year that the Queen had served as Head of the Commonwealth at the time of her Diamond Jubilee.

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Look of love: A beaming Meghan looked on proudly at Harry as the pair mingled with the guests at the high profile event

Smitten: Prince Harry looked animated as he chatted to those at the event as a smiling Meghan listened in
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Smitten: Prince Harry looked animated as he chatted to those at the event as a smiling Meghan listened in

In her element: A sharply-dressed Meghan was all smiles and looked in her element as she spoke to guests
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In her element: A sharply-dressed Meghan was all smiles and looked in her element as she spoke to guests

Duchess on duty: She looked animated as she had a private conversation with one of the attendees
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Meghan at the event
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 Duchess on duty: She looked animated as she had a private conversation with one of the attendees

Polished to perfection: Meghan was perfectly coiffed for the event with glamorous makeup and a sleek hair do
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Polished to perfection: Meghan was perfectly coiffed for the event with glamorous makeup and a sleek hair do

Popular: The crowds all wanted a chance to mingle with the royals as they gathered around the couple at the formal occasion
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Popular: The crowds all wanted a chance to mingle with the royals as they gathered around the couple at the formal occasion

Guided by the values of the Commonwealth Charter, the goal of the programme is to enable young people to step up as leaders and improve the lives of people across the Commonwealth. 

Over the next 18 months, the Queen’s Young Leaders Programme will continue to champion the initiatives being undertaken by award winners and Highly Commended Runners-Up, support their networks and share their stories. 

A £200,000 legacy fund, open to all 240 Queen’s Young Leaders and 282 highly commended runners-up, to apply for grants to help elevate their work and enable them to work together to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the Commonwealth will also open in September 2018.

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