Meghan Markle Dazzles With Harry as She Joins Queen for Day at the Races at Royal Ascot

The new Duchess of Sussex looked stunning as she made her Ascot debut in a flamboyant black and white hat as she sat in a carriage alongside Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Meghan Markle, 36, looked every inch the princess as she waved to the thousands of adoring fans gathered at the racecourse.

The beaming duchess and her new husband Prince Harry received a rapturous welcome from Royal Ascot when they joined the Queen for a spectacular carriage procession, which signals the start of the five-day event in Berkshire.

Just four weeks after marrying, Harry and Meghan enjoyed the sights and sounds of a quintessential English summer event – a day at the races.The newlyweds also presented the winning trophy for the 4.20pm race, the St James’ Palace Stakes, making their Royal Ascot presentation debut as a married couple.

Meghan beamed as jockey Frankie Dettori, who won the race with horse Without Parole, proudly held up his trophy.

Mr Dettori kissed the new Duchess’s hand as he accepted the trophy.

The duchess looked stunning in a stylish monchrome outfit by her favourite designer, Givenchy, teamed with a Philip Treacy hat.

Thousands of racegoers cheered and applauded from the stands as the Queen’s carriage led the procession down the course.

The Royal arrival came just moments after Buckingham Palace confirmed Zara Tindall had given birth to her second royal child on Monday.

The Queen’s decision to invite her grandson and his new wife shows Meghan has well and truly been welcomed into the Firm.

It is the first time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have attended the famous sporting event together following their Royal Wedding in May.

Anne, the Princess Royal and Duke of York joined their mother in the lead carriage and were followed by another carrying Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Harry and Meghan were next with the Earl and Countess of Wessex, who waved as they travelled past the packed stands on their way to the royal box.

After disembarking from their carriages Meghan and Harry were pictured chatting with the Queen.

Royal Ascot is one of the Queen’s favourite weeks of the year and Meghan attendance show the new duchess of is settling into royal life on the one month wedding anniversary.

The Queen spoke about her fondness for Royal Ascot in her foreword for the official programme: “My family and I greatly look forward to Royal Ascot.

“Tradition and innovation sit comfortably together, over five days of racing.

“International competition is a compelling feature in the modern era, and it is always a delight to welcome horses and jockeys from around the world to this wonderful racecourse.”

Punters traditionally have a flutter on the colour of the Queen’s hat and she was wearing the bookie’s favourite, yellow.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said it was first blood to racegoers and that they originally offered yellow at 4-1 but it was backed into 15-8.

He added: “Well, we live to fight another day and hopefully we can win back our loses tomorrow, our early favourite is pink at 9-4.”

It comes after Kensington Palace confirmed Meghan and Harry will be visiting Dublin next month.