Meghan Markle is probably the most talked about woman in the world, from her powerful fashion influence to her transformation from Hollywood actress to full-on royal since assuming a Duchess title.
One of the most talked about aspects of Meghan’s life, however, is her relationship with her grandmother-in-law, the Queen.
There was concern when a framed photo of Meghan and Harry, previously seen in Queen Elizabeth’s audience room, was moved, but royal experts were quick to explain that the Monarch has a tendency of moving her photographs around, assuring the public that the Queen and Meghan are big fans of each other.
The two power women then proved this today, going on their first official outing as a pair.
Queen Elizabeth has made a noticeable effort with Meghan, making a lot of exceptions to welcome her into the fold, even inviting her to spend Christmas in Sandringham before she was officially a royal.
But it was her actions this week that really made an impact, with Queen Liz inviting Meghan to accompany her on her personal train – the royal train – to Cheshire, an honour usually reserved for senior titles. Even Prince William, Prince Harry and Kate Middleton are yet to receive the honour.
The Queen and the now Duchess of Sussex arrived today in high spirits, disembarking the royal train after having spent the night onboard.
Meghan wore a light beige pencil dress with a caped top by Givenchy, whilst the Queen opted for a lime green Stewart Parvin suit dress, teamed with a Rachel Trevor Morgan hat.
The pair will first be heading to the Mersey Gateway Bridge, before watching a performance by local school children. Then they will journey to Storyhouse to meet a Syrian settlement group and watch a dance and singing performance by the Fallen Angels dance company and A Little Night Music. Then their final stop in a jam-packed schedule is lunch at Chester Town Hall with locals.
But it’s not their itinerary that is going viral, but the adorable photos of the two women living their best lives, laughing and joking together throughout their tour.
‘It is the way of the royal family – all part of the training and getting used to being in public life and under public scrutiny,’ Elizabeth’s former press secretary, Charles Anson, told PEOPLE of the Queen’s taking Meghan under her wing. ‘Showing people the ropes is a high priority for the Queen.’
So, does the Queen have a soft spot for Meghan? It certainly looks like it.
We love this friendship.
This article originally appeared on marie claire UK
