Products in this story are independently selected and featured editorially. If you make a purchase using these links we may earn commission. The Duchess of Sussex wore a bright yellow sheath as she stood alongside Prince Harry at royal reception celebrating young people from around the Commonwealth This is the first time we’ve seen Meghan in a bright yellow hue. It’s also the first time she has gone sleeveless at an official royal event, as it’s rare for royal women to show their arms at public engagements. This is also the most form-fitting design Meghan has worn for an official outing, and it appears to have been tailored perfectly to her figure. The dress also features a subtly sexy slit up the back. She teamed the vibrant design with nude pumps and minimal jewelry, letting the bold color take center stage. Get push notifications with news, features and more. Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception Credit: Press Association/AP Images Meghan paid homage to her American roots one day after the 4th of July holiday by wearing American designer Brandon Maxwell, who shared a photo of Meghan which expressed the brand’s excitement about her dress moment. “A proud moment for our team,” he shared. Meghan skipped the loose waves for this event, pairing her outfit with a sleek, center-parted bun, not the signature messy style she wore leading up to the wedding and for her big day. Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception Credit: Press Association/AP Images Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception Credit: Press Association/AP Images Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception Credit: Press Association/AP Images The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the reception in London which celebrated young people from around the Commonwealth — including representatives from a group from those countries they will visit in the fall: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. The event marked an opportunity for Harry, 33, who was made the Youth Ambassador for the organization of 53 countries linked to the U.K. in April, and Meghan, 36, to hear more about how the inspiring and empowering young leaders who have been working together to help shape the future. While Meghan’s look was definitely summer party appropriate, she did appear to be wearing her sheer stockings (protocol for royal women at public events) and the dress had a modest hemline, hitting at the mid-calf length. If you don’t nap Meghan’s exact Brandon Maxwell style (on sale for half off) for yourself before it sells out, shop the looks for less below! calvin Buy It! Calvin Klein Starburst Sheath Dress, $89; macys.com bardot Buy It! Bardot Vera Open Back Dress, $119; zappos.com michael kors Buy It! Michael Kors Collection Stretch Boucle-Crepe Sheath Dress, $538 (orig. $1,795) michaelkors.com st john Buy It! St. John Collection Hannah Side-Slit Knit Sheath Dress, $447 (orig. $895); neimanmarcus.com evan piccone Buy It! Black Label by Evan Picone Sleeveless Sheath Dress, $43 (orig. $74); jcpenney.com cotton citizen Buy It! Cotton Citizen Melbourne Tank Midi Dress With Slit, $87 (orig. $145); revolve.com sharagano petite Buy It! Sharagano Sleeveless Lace Sheath Dress (Petite), $33 (orig. $118); nordstromrack.com susana monaco Buy It!<doc-sep>Advertisement She has been clocked for her wardrobe of pale pink ensembles since marrying Prince Harry, but Meghan ditched the muted tones in favour of a bright yellow dress for a reception in London on Thursday. The Duchess of Sussex wowed in a £1,300 canary yellow sheath dress by designer Brandon Maxwell who has worked as Lady Gaga's stylist since 2012. The couple arrived at the reception at Marlborough House in London hand in hand, despite royal fans speculation that they may have stopped doing so following their marriage. And while the Duchess has opted for sleek blow dries for her engagements of late, tonight she opted for her previously favoured hairstyle of a bun - though she had opted for a sleeker style over her iconic 'messy' updo. Prince Harry, meanwhile, looked his dapper best in a navy blue suit complete with an olive green tie as he accompanied his wife into the reception. The couple received a warm welcome from Patricia Scotland who greeted them at their cars. As they made their way towards the house they were treated to a musical performance by a steel pan band. The delighted duke and duchess paused to give the band a round of applause following their performance. They continued to put on a tactile display as they assembled on the steps of the house as Meghan put a tentative hand on her husband's arm. Scroll down for video The Duchess of Sussex wowed in a canary yellow dress by designer Brandon Maxwell who has worked as Lady Gaga's stylist since 2012 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at the reception at Marlborough House hand in hand, despite recent speculation that they may be avoiding public displays of affection following their wedding The newly married couple put on a very tactile display on Thursday evening as Meghan reached to touch Harry's arm And they urged youth leaders from across the Commonwealth to fight against injustice, inequality and environmental damage. Prince Harry and his new bride spoke of their passion to work with the 60 per cent of the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion population aged under 30 to create a better world. Harry, who was created the Queen’s Commonwealth Youth Ambassador in April, told guests at a reception at Marlborough House in London how he and Meghan were excited to be working with young people in the 53-nation association of mainly former British Empire countries. ‘Amongst all of you are innovators, entrepreneurs, and educators – ready to tackle climate change, social injustice and inequality,’ he said. ‘Together you will take on these big challenges – and be champions for your communities, for your families, your countries, and our Commonwealth. ‘Meghan and I are incredibly excited to meet so many of you representing the future of the Commonwealth. Later this year we will embark on a tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to meet and hear from more young people about their ideas for creating a better future. ‘We can’t wait to see you in action in your home countries and learn about what you’re doing to better the Commonwealth, and the world, in 2040 and beyond.’ The couple could be seen applauding a group of musicians who played on the lawn of the house as they arrived The couple received a warm welcome from Patricia Scotland (pictured) who appeared to be getting along famously with the newly-minted Duchess The Prince also urged them to combat plastic pollution, saying: ‘Just in the last year, the world’s understanding of the damage being done by single use plastics has grown rapidly and many governments and communities are taking big steps to tackle this very challenging problem,' he said. ‘Whether it’s biodegradable food packaging or limiting plastics use, there are good examples of everyone doing their part and I am sure many of you will play a role in your own communities to identify problems, but better yet, to develop solutions.’ Meghan, 36, impressed guests with her grasp of their concerns and vowed to continue her campaigning for gender equality. Jacob Thomas, a 28-year-old activist from Melbourne, Australia, who supports the LGBT community, said: ‘The Duchess has had a very longstanding commitment to work for gender equality and she made it clear that will continue.’ Meghan and Harry arrived to a performance from a calypso band including a steel pan player and a dancing duo A laughing Meghan was in high spirits as she chatted with Jacob Thomas (left), a 28-year-old activist from Melbourne, Australia, who supports the LGBT community Jacob said of Meghan: 'The Duchess has had a very longstanding commitment to work for gender equality and she made it clear that will continue' Prince Harry was equally animated as he listened to members' ideas on the type of Commonwealth they want to see As the sun went down the couple looked especially cosy as they shared a private moment together in the courtyard Meghan negotiated the gravel in a pair of nude heels expertly, while showcasing her slender physique in a £1,300 dress The couple mingled with members of the forum members who shared their ideas on the type of Commonwealth they want to see The couple appeared fascinated as they listened to the ideas of members from across the commonwealth Affectionate Meghan could be seen reaching out to greet a guest, giving his arm a rub as they were introduced in the courtyard Tonight's event marks an opportunity for The Duke, who was appointed by Her Majesty The Queen as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador earlier this year, to learn more about how the Commonwealth Youth Forum is supporting inspiring young people to shape the future. The Duke and Duchess will tonight meet youth representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga ahead of their tour this Autumn. The couple mingled with members of the forum members who shared their ideas on the type of Commonwealth they want to see. The Duke of Sussex then addressed the audience during a speech where he said: 'Meghan and I are incredibly excited to meet so many of you representing the future of the Commonwealth' The Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) provides an opportunity for the young people of the Commonwealth to build cross-cultural connections and networks, debate the challenges facing its young people, agree youth-led initiatives to influence decision makers and ensure young people have a voice in its future. The Youth Leadership Workshop brings together the newly elected Commonwealth Youth Council Executive and leaders of the Commonwealth Youth Networks, with the aim of empowering these young leaders to think about the future, and their role in shaping it. Addressing his audience during a speech Harry said: 'Meghan and I are incredibly excited to meet so many of you representing the future of the Commonwealth' The newly married couple looked as loved up as ever as they shared a joke during the evening's reception The Duchess of Sussex flashed her famous engagement ring as she enjoyed an animated discussion She ditched her sleek new hairdo we have seen of late in favour of a bun, a hairstyle she has previously favoured Meghan, 36, impressed guests with her grasp of their concerns and vowed to continue her campaigning for gender equality Harry could be seen giving his speech a once over before he took to the stage outside Marlborough house The couple appeared in good spirits as they addressed guests ahead of tonight's reception Prince Harry was appointed by Her Majesty The Queen as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador in February, and he and Meghan attended a Commonwealth Youth Forum event in April The final day of the workshop will bring together 120 young people, scholars, youth leaders, and youth representatives of High Commissions to take part in the 'Your Commonwealth' Youth Challenge event. Working in groups, these talented young people are encouraged to generate ideas about the type of Commonwealth they want to see in 2040.<doc-sep>She may have thrown us a fashion curve ball last night, donning a bright yellow dress by an American designer for the first time since her wedding, but it sounds like Meghan Markle might be settling into British life a bit too well. Two months after saying 'I do' to Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex's accent appears to have picked up something of a British tinge. This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Yes, really. Getty Images In footage of the royal during her visit to Cheshire with the Queen last month, the former actress can be heard chatting to passersby and viewers have noted a distinctly British twang. Watch and listen: This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Can you hear it? Her accent sounds awfully British when she says ‘thank you, I appreciate that’ at the beginning of the clip, and again when she says to another royal fan ‘we’ve all had a great day’. She pronounces the word 'all' as 'oorl' instead of 'aall'. Think we’ve gone barmy? Well, we’re not the only ones who have picked up on Meghan’s change of speech. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Meghan Markle speaking with a British accent now is WILDDDDD to me — McGraw Arkansas (@realmegsmith) July 5, 2018 Chatting with the crowds about her wedding, her ring, and the ‘lucky’ spell of sunshine we’ve experienced in the UK in recent weeks, Meghan looked relaxed during her first solo trip with Her Majesty. Getty Images Last night, the duchess attended a Commonwealth Youth event with her husband wearing a sleeveless yellow Brandon Maxwell midi dress which had a boat neck reminiscent of her Givenchy wedding dress. Getty Images The wardrobe choice was also a departure from the more neutral tones we've seen her wearing recently, especially when she's accompanied the Queen on royal engagements. We're glad to see you're settling into the UK, Meghan! This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io<doc-sep>
Since officially becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle has stuck to a strictly neutral-hued wardrobe for all of her royal engagements. But today, while attending the ‘Your Commonwealth’ Youth Challenge Reception alongside Prince Harry, the Duchess broke out of her comfort zone with a canary yellow dress by Brandon Maxwell. Instar While the color yellow is having a major moment of its own this season, the hue of Markle's bright sheath dress also noticeably resembled Amal Clooney's dress from Meghan and Harry's wedding back in May. /Instar Getty Images The human rights attorney made waves as one of the best dressed guests at the royal wedding, wearing a bright yellow dress by Stella McCartney with a matching veiled hat and gold pumps. Both Markle and Clooney's yellow dresses featured a sheath silhouette and a midi hemline—and both women topped them off with a pair of pointy toe pumps. But Markle opted to forgo a hat and instead, went for a boat neckline dress for today's engagement. The occasion also marked the first time the Duchess has worn Brandon Maxwell, the designer who was once Lady Gaga's stylist. Previously, Meghan has worn Givenchy, Carolina Herrera, Prada, and Goat for royal appearances since her wedding to Prince Harry in May. Meghan Markle in a blush Carolina Herrera dress at the Trooping of Colour. Getty Images Perhaps her bright yellow hue today was channeling Amal Clooney's royal wedding look or perhaps, it was the start of the Duchess' foray into a more colorful wardrobe. Either way, Meghan has so far proven she has the ability to stun in any color.