Meghan Markle Is Taking Over One of Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Royal Duties
One June 14, less than one month after officially becoming a royal, Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth II traveled to Cheshire, England together aboard the monarch’s private train. She was the first of the young royals to take a ride on the royal train—beating Prince William, Kate Middleton, and even her husband Prince Harry to it. And just by looking at the photos from that day, you can really tell the two got along well.
As if the short trip wasn’t a warm enough welcome into the family, the Queen has now reportedly passed off one of her favorite royal duties to Markle (a.k.a. the Duchess of Sussex) and Prince Harry, according to the Sunday Express.
Harry and Meghan will welcome visitors in the Queen’s Young Leaders program to Buckingham Palace, which was a role previously held by the Queen. The program “is said to be a job that has been close to [Queen Elizabeth II’s] heart,” according to the Sunday Express, and honors young people living in the Commonwealth nations who have helped change their communities for the better.
Back in April, Prince Harry hinted that his wife to be would have a role in the Commonwealth Youth organization: “I am also incredibly grateful that the woman I am about to marry, Meghan, will be joining me in this work, of which she too is hugely excited to take part in.”
But a role in the program is one thing, taking over one of the Queen’s duties is another—and it’s also a huge honor. Not only does it mean Markle is accepted by the royal family, it’s also a symbol of just how much the Queen trusts her with a role that is so near and dear to her.
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