The Queen and Duchess Meghan make first joint appearance

LONDON – The former Meghan Markle made her first joint appearance with Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, taking a special royal train to events in northwestern England.

The Queen and the Duchess of Sussex, as Markle is now known, joined the rest of Britain in observing a minute of silence at midday to honour the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire on the anniversary of the deadly London blaze.

Aside from that sombre moment, the day was filled with smiles and cheers as the 92-year-old monarch and 36-year-old former actress paired up.

They wore contrasting colours, the duchess choosing a cream Givenchy pencil dress and the Queen in a lime green coat-dress and matching hat. The duchess was also wearing diamond-and-pearl earrings that were a gift from the Queen.

The Queen seemed comfortable in the company of Britain's newest senior royal, and the two shared a few smiles on their first travelling engagement together.

Their first stop featured a performance by local schoolchildren in the town of Widnes, near Liverpool. It was followed by events including the unveiling of a plaque to officially open the Mersey Gateway Bridge.

The two royals were greeted by cheering crowds in the city of Chester, where they observed the minute of silence.

The Queen worked one side of the street, greeting well-wishers, while the duchess walked down the other side, chatting with residents and showing her wedding ring to a small group of well-wishers.

The duchess, a former actress on the TV show "Suits," is easing into royal duties after marrying Prince Harry last month at Windsor Castle.