The Duke and Duchess of Sussex today arrived for their first public engagement as a married couple, joining the Prince of Wales for a celebration of his 70th birthday in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

Harry and Meghan, who enjoyed only a brief private getaway following their wedding on Saturday, returned to duty today, delaying their honeymoon to honour the Prince.

The garden party will see more than 6,000 people, all from the charities and military associations most closely linked with the Prince, descend on the grounds of Buckingham Palace for music, speeches – and, of course, a customary cup of tea and cucumber sandwich.

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall are joined by Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex today

Meghan enjoyed only a brief private getaway with Harry following their wedding at Windsor Castle on Saturday

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to duty this afternoon, delaying their honeymoon to honour Prince Charles

Meghan Markle leaves Kensington Palace in London to head to a garden party at Buckingham Palace today

It is likely be a strange experience for the new Duchess, not just because she will never have seen anything like it.

For the first time, she will be addressed as Her Royal Highness – HRH – in public and people will be expected to curtsey to her and called her Ma’am.

Asked whether Meghan would be insisting on royal protocol being enforced, Kensington Palace declined to comment.

The Duchess of Cornwall was also attending today’s garden party at her husband’s side, as he was hailed for his lifetime of work dedicated to the charity sector.

Prince William was not present as he was in Manchester marking the first anniversary of last year’s terror attack, while the Duchess of Cambridge is on maternity leave.