Meghan Markle and Prince Harry receive standing ovation at one of last royal engagements

8 March 2020, 13:39

The Duchess and Duke of Sussex were greeted with applause as they attended the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were greeted with a standing ovation last night as they arrived for one of their final royal engagements before stepping down as senior royals.

The Duchess and Duke of Sussex were in high spirits as they waved to cheering concert-goers ahead of the Mountbatten Festival of Music, which raises money for the Royal Marines.

Read more: What will Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's final royal engagement be, where will it be and who will be there?

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More from tonight as The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined veterans, serving members, world-class musicians, composers and conductors of the Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines for the annual Mountbatten Festival of Music — an event to help raise funds on behalf of the @RoyalMarines Charity. Photo © The Duke and Duchess of Sussex / Chris Allerton

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Mar 7, 2020 at 1:52pm PST

The married couple, who are due to abdicate their official titles on the 31st March this year, took their seats at the Royal Albert Hall to listen to military musicians of the Massed Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines.

Dressed in full uniform, Prince Harry was decorated with medals from his two tours of Afghanistan, while his wife wowed in a caped red Safiyaa dress worth £1,295.

Read more: Meghan and Harry step out in London for joint royal engagement before stepping down as senior royals

The concert is thought to mark Harry's last ever event as Captain General of the Royal Marines, meaning it is unlikely he will wear his "mess dress" again.

However, retired service personnel can wear their own medals at official engagements, such as weddings and christenings, so he is expected to continue this British tradition.

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During crisis talks with the Queen and other members of the Royal Family when he and Meghan negotiated new roles for themselves, the father-of-one agreed to give up all of his honorary military appointments.

Prince Harry also held the following military titles of Honorary Air Force Commandant of the Royal Air Force Base Honington and honorary Commodore-in-Chief of The Royal Navy’s Small Ships and Diving Operations.

Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's £20million security bill snubbed by Canada

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Tonight, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the annual Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall — marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the 80th anniversary of the formation of Britain’s Commandos. The Duke, who is Captain General @RoyalMarines joined veterans, serving members, world-class musicians, composers and conductors of the Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines to help raise funds on behalf of the @RoyalMarines Charity. #MFM2020 Photo © The Duke and Duchess of Sussex / Chris Allerton

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Mar 7, 2020 at 12:42pm PST

The Sussexes have not long been back in the UK after spending almost two months back in Canada as they prepare for a new chapter of family life.

The duo, along with their son Archie Harrison, will be splitting their time between the UK and North America.

Read more: Kate Middleton honours Ireland in green ensemble as she and Prince William arrive for royal tour

Their final event as senior royals will be held on Monday 9th March.

The couple will attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey alongside Kate Middleton, Prince William and the Queen, among other members of the Royal Family.