Royal wedding: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step out for first official event as married couple

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have attended their first public engagement as a married couple, just days after they said ‘I do’.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, for an early 70^th birthday celebration at a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

In an address welcoming the crowd, the Duke paid tribute to the Manchester Arena bombing attack victims and emergency service workers.

“We’re here today to reflect on and to celebrate my father’s dedicated support to all of you and the work that you do,” he said.

“But first I’d like us to take a moment to remember all those affected by the tragic event at the Manchester Arena a year ago.”

Prince Harry also paid tribute to his father's "infectious" energy and enthusiasm for his charity work.

"It has certainly inspired William and I to get involved in issues we care passionately about and to do whatever we can to make a difference," he said.

More than 6,000 people attended the afternoon soiree, all from charities and military association closely linked with Prince Charles, and no doubt vying to catch a glimpse of the newly named Duke and Duchess.

Meghan wore a dress by fashion brand Goat and a hat by London milliner Philip Treacy, while Camilla looked resplendent in a green Bruce Oldfield dress and hat also by Philip Treacy.

The newlyweds had a few private days together after their wedding, which was watched by billions around the world, but put their honeymoon plans on hold to attend today’s event.

They haven't said when and where they'll go for their post-wedding celebrations.

The engagement marks the start of royal life for the new Duchess, who has previously spoken of her excitement about becoming a working member of the family.

When asked how she felt about giving up her acting career in her engagement interview with Prince Harry, she famously said, “I don’t see it as giving anything up. I see it as a change. It’s a new chapter.”

It has not yet been announced which causes she and Prince Harry will champion and work for in their new roles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, however it has been widely speculated that Meghan will campaign for women’s rights.

Yesterday, the couple released their official wedding photographs, which were taken by fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski.