THE Duchess of Sussex has begun her first official visit with the Queen, arriving in Cheshire by royal train.
The royal visitors stepped onto the blustery platform at Runcorn station to be welcomed with polite handshakes and curtsies from local dignitaries - and wild cheering and applause from hundreds of flag-waving schoolchildren.
Schoolchildren flocked to Runcorn train station to greet the Queen and Meghan Markle, 36,
After marrying the Queen's grandson Prince Harry last month in St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, Meghan is beginning her rites of passage as a royal newcomer with a visit to Runcorn and Widnes.
All eyes were on the duchess as she passed another royal milestone, joining the Queen for an event without her husband for the first time.
AS IT HAPPENED: The Queen and Meghan visit Runcorn and Widnes
The US-born former actress and the 92-year-old monarch will officially open the Mersey Gateway bridge.
The opening event was held at the Catalyst Museum in West Bank, Widnes, which offers a bird's eye view of the new crossing from the glass top observation gallery.
Later the pair were heading to the historic city of Chester for more engagements.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel