All her red carpet experience had not prepared Meghan Markle for anything like this.
And understandably on her debut alongside the Royal Family at Sandringham yesterday, there were a few nerves.
Miss Markle's smile as she waited for the Queen depart from church, hanging on for dear life to Prince Harry's arm, was more of a rictus grin.
Ahead of the curtsy, both the Duke of Cambridge and her fiance, Prince Harry, gave her words of encouragement, which she listened to with a smile.
And her curtsy to the monarch was, to be frank, more of a wobbly bob.
Alongside her, the Duchess of Cambridge showed how it should be done. Kate, now a veteran of such occasions, maintained a relaxed smile and as she executed the perfect curtsy.
Correctly done, it involves placing the right foot behind the left and bending briefly at the knees while keeping the upper body straight
Meanwhile Miss Markle went back to clutching her fiance's arm as if her very existence depended on it.
The brief wobble aside, the US actress put on an assured performance as she looks to cement her place in the new 'fab four' - two royal couples set to make the monarchy relevant to a new generation.
Kate Middleton, Prince William, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are pictured bowing and curtsying to the Queen - while Prince Philip looks on ahead of Christmas Day Church Service in Sandringham
Meghan Markle kept a tight grip on Prince Harry's arm as they left St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. As she prepared to curtsy for the Queen, Meghan seemed nervous and sought comfort from Harry, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge
Follow my lead: Meghan looks to future sister-in-law Kate Middleton and Prince William outside the church
Harry seemed to mutter some words of advice as the Queen and Prince Phillip prepared for their departure. Meghan nodded back, sure of the plan
Deep breaths: Meghan's face sunk momentarily as she lined up next to her fiance to take her curtsy
Certainly Harry and his glamorous fiancée made a fetching sight alongside the Cambridges.
Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, are spending Christmas with William and Kate, both 35, at Anmer Hall, their mansion on the Queen's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Instead of staying up at the 'big house' with Her Majesty, the two couples are enjoying a much more low-key family Christmas, along with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, just joining the rest of the royals for Church and lunch on Christmas Day.
For Kate, who is pregnant with her third child, it makes it a much more manageable festive season, allowing her a chance to re-charge and relax before April's patter of tiny feet.
For Miss Markle, who describes herself as a 'chilled' LA girl it is an opportunity to wet her feet in the ways of the Royal Family without all of the formality and fuss.
But make no mistake, this is also a sign of the future.
William, Kate and Harry have long made clear that they will do things their way, which has sometimes brought them into conflict with other members of the family 'firm', including Prince Charles.
The feeling among royal watchers is that the four of them will make a formidable team.
She turned her smile back on as they prepared for to curtsy for the Queen and Prince Philip
Meghan gave an emphatic curtsy, dipping lower than Kate Middleton as Princes William and Harry bowed their heads
The Duchess of Cambridge showed Meghan how it was done as they curtsied for the Queen at the Christmas Day service
Meghan quickly reached for Harry's arm once the Queen was settled in her car. She was instantly more at ease and returned to small talk with Prince William . Harry reverted to his 'paperclip' hand gesture, stuffing his hand in his coat, which body language experts said was a way of comforting himself
The two Royal couples looked the picture of elegance as they watched the Queen leave the church by car today
Kate, Will and Meghan look on as The Queen arrives for Christmas Day church service in Sandringham
William and Kate, by nature and position more formal and reserved, alongside Harry and Meghan, the glamorous new 'rock stars' of royalty, are set to take the Windsor dynasty into the second half of the century.
And judging by the body language on show yesterday, they seem to get on famously.
William and Kate even held hands in public as they walked to church, alongside Harry and Meghan, who seem unable to keep their hands off each other.
Meghan was elegant in a wide collar, camel wrap coat by Canadian luxury brand Sentaler as she made her appearance with the Royal Family on Christmas Day.
Her coat tapered in around the waist and flared out at the hem for the St Mary Magdalene Church Christmas service.
Matching her camel coat with a chestnut-brown felt hat, Meghan wore a pair of coordinating £630 Stuart Weitzman's Hiline high-heeled suede boots.
Meghan and the Queen met privately with Harry before their engagement was announced but had not been seen together by others until today.
After her curtsy to the Queen, Harry led Meghan to a wheelchair-ridden well-wisher who had waited in the cold to wish the couple a Merry Christmas.
Job done: With her curtsy behind her, she followed Prince Harry into the crowds to meet a woman who had waited in a wheelchair in the cold to meet them
Well-wishers were overjoyed to see the newest Royal couple stepping out with each other for Christmas Day
Among the well-wishers was Judith Wallis, who was sitting in a wheelchair and is staying at the neighbouring Park House Hotel on her first Christmas Day visit to Sandringham
The Fab Four: This picture taken by an onlooker shows Prince William and Kate Middleton walking hand-in-hand - alongside 'couple of the moment' Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as they arrived at the church on Monday morning
Meghan Markle, pictured right with her fiance Prince Harry, walked alongside Kate Middleton and Prince William, pictured left
As Kate and Meghan walked side-by-side in their contrasting outfits they flashed bright smiles at the waiting crowds
The Queen and Prince Philip looked in high spirits after leaving the traditional Christmas Day church service
Meghan paired a striking brown beret with a beige coat which she tied up at the front to keep warm in the chilly Christmas Day temperatures
In a cheeky moment, Meghan is pictured sticking her tongue out while waving at the assembled crowds outside the church on their way back to Sandringham House
While visibly nervous ahead of her curtsy with The Queen, Meghan appeared unable to wipe a smile off of her face as she greeted the crowds
Meghan linked arms with Harry as she greeted members of the crowd outside St Mary Magdelene Church on Monday
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arriving to attend the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church
Harry put his hands in his jacket pockets as he and Meghan walked toward the church on Christmas Day
Despite the windy weather, Meghan's stylish brown hat managed to keep in place as her hair blew in the wind
Kate, who is five months pregnant, showed off a small baby bump underneath her festive green and red jacket for the service
Meghan opted for her classic neutral palette, with a tan coat and brown heels. Harry, meanwhile, wore a blue suit and a gray jacket
The pair then accepted bouquets from fans as they walked back to Sandringham House.
Meghan, with her first curtsy behind her and a day of formal festivities ahead, seemed to loosen up as she greeted and accepted gifts from well-wishers.
Kate, who is pregnant with her third child and showed off a small baby bump beneath a striking £2,655 tartan Miu Miu coat.
She completed her look with a £900 round handbag in brown leather and caramel suede with a gold coloured handle made by Chloe, while a pair of Maison Birk diamond earrings added a touch of sparkle to Ms Markle's classy ensemble.
They are the same £3,500 Snowflake design earrings she wore to her Buckingham Palace dinner last week.
It is thought her brown hat may be a Jane Taylor piece, a milliner popular with Kate.
It is the first time Meghan and Kate have been pictured together since Meghan and Prince Harry revealed their impending nuptials.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry follow a group of royals into the church service
Meghan, 36, clutched on to her Royal beau and proudly displayed the engagement ring that Harry himself designed before their engagement in November
The couple waved to crowds who had lined the streets of Sandringham from early this morning in a bid to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family
Meghan wore knee-high boots and was pictured carried a unique brown leather handbag by her side
Kate and Will held hands as they walked into the Christmas service, while Meghan held Harry's arm near his elbow
Prince Philip smiled as he led the way for the younger royals as they headed into a Christmas Day church service in Sandringham
Kate Middleton flashed a smile at waiting crowds of well-wishers after collecting a bunch of flowers
In a more whimsical moment, Prince Andrew dropped a hat - leading to a moment of amusement for Charles
Prince Charles spoke to onlookers as Prince Andrew picked a hat up off of the ground
He went so far as to point and laugh at Prince Andrew's mishap as Andrew collected himself
Prince Andrew handed someone nearby the hat after picking it up off of the ground. Prince Charles continued to chuckle
After the hat mishap, Prince Charles and Andrew continued on their way to the Christmas Day Service
Princess Beatrice and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, were also at the special Christmas Day service this morning
Viscount Linley attends the Christmas Day service in Sandringham on Monday sporting a navy blue jacket
Autumn Phillips, Isla Phillips, Peter Philips and Savannah Phillips attend Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene
James, Viscount Severn, The Earl of Wessex and Princess Royal arriving to attend the Christmas Day morning church service
Earl of Wessex and Princess Anne, Princess Royal attend Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene
The young royals were all smiles as they headed into the Christmas Day church service on Monday
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan Markle attend Christmas Day Church service
From left in background, Prince William, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive to attend their traditional Christmas Day church service
Sophie, Countess of Wessex attends Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arriving to attend the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church
Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh leaves after attending Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh gestures as he is followed by the Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge wave as they leave the Christmas Day service
The Duchess of Cambridge smiles as she watches a police officer near St Mary Magdalene's church on Christmas Day
Meghan Markle smiles as Harry waves to well-wishers outside St Mary Magdalene's church on Christmas Day
The Queen arrived at the service later by car wearing an eye-popping orange jacket with a matching intricate floral hat.
She completed her look with a £900 round handbag in brown leather and caramel suede with a gold coloured handle made by Chloe, while a pair of Maison Birk diamond earrings added a touch of sparkle to Ms Markle's classy ensemble.
They are the same £3,500 Snowflake design earrings she wore to her Buckingham Palace dinner last week.
It is thought her brown hat may be a Jane Taylor piece, a milliner popular with Kate.
As they made the return journey to Sandringham House after the service was over, Ms Markle and Harry stopped to chat to some of the crowd who turned out to see them attend church.
Among them was Judith Wallis, who was sitting in a wheelchair and is staying at the neighbouring Park House Hotel on her first Christmas Day visit to Sandringham.
She said Harry recognised her teddy bear called Maureen, which is a mascot for Armed Forces charity SSAFA, and her hat which bore the Gurkha regiment emblem.
She said Ms Markle spoke to them too and was 'very very lovely'.
Tess Gilder, manager of Park House, which describes itself as a unique hotel for disabled people, was with Ms Wallis. She said of Ms Markle: 'She was just so natural, so lovely.'
The Queen arrived at the service later by car wearing a bright orange jacket with an intricate floral hat
The Queen gave onlookers a peep of her teal floral dress as her bright orange coat gently parted while she strode forward
The Queen stood out in the crowd in her bright orange coat as she waved to well-wishers while leaving the church
The Queen wore a bright orange jacket over a patterned green dress for the Christmas Day service on Monday
Meghan and Prince Harry are pictured alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton. Other senior members of the Royal Family joining them at Sandringham included Prince Philip, Princess Anne and Prince Edward
Royal watchers looked delighted to catch a glimpse of Meghan, who will join the Royal Family when she marries Prince Harry in May next year
Lady Louise Windsor, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend Christmas Day Church service
At one point the wind got the better of Prince Harry's bride-to-be sweeping her raven tresses across her face
Meghan maintained her composure and kept smiling through the awkward blustery moment
Meghan smiles as she and Harry admire bouquets of flowers as they attend a Christmas Day service in Sandringham
She added: 'I think they just wished us a Happy Christmas and were interested in whether we had been before.'
Emily Randall, 31, was first in the queue to get into the area by the church with her boyfriend Jamie Mackay, 42.
She said they set out from Chichester in Sussex before 10pm on Christmas Eve and arrived at Sandringham around 2am.
She said: 'We thought it would be really busy. We looked online. We were the first ones here camping in the dark for two hours.'
She said they had missed the Queen when she visited Chichester, so decided to make the trip to Sandringham.
Back at Sandringham House, the Royal Family traditionally indulge in turkey, reared at Sandringham, before settling down to watch TV including the Queen's Christmas Speech.
This year, it is understood that Prince Harry and his fiancee will stay with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate at Anmer Hall, their home in the Sandringham grounds, rather than in the main house.
Markle will have to adjust to the royal family's idiosyncratic ways and customs, ingrained in centuries of tradition.
The royals exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, in keeping with German practice.
Meanwhile Camilla wore a bright pink jacket and a matching black-rimmed hat. She looked on as the Queen left the church
This year, it is understood that Prince Harry and his fiancee will stay with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate at Anmer Hall, their home in the Sandringham grounds, rather than in the main house
For once the focus was away from Prince William and Kate Middleton, who have grown used to being in the spotlight
Pictured are Prince William and Kate Middleton, who proudly wore a tartan coat in a nod to the secret trips she took to Anstruther in Scotland with her then-fiance
Kate Middleton proudly showed off a small baby bump. Her new baby is due to be born in April next year
At one point following the Christmas Day service, Kate was handed a beautiful bunch of flowers by a well-wisher
Kate, who is five months pregnant, wore a festive and fashionable coat for the Christmas service. She also carried a bouquet of flowers
Meghan glowed as she arrived at the church arm-in-arm with her husband-to-be Prince Harry
It appeared as though Meghan and the Duchess of Cambridge chatted as they made their way to the Christmas morning service
Meghan was all smiles as she looked at Prince Harry as they made their way to the church service
Meghan shows off her engagement ring as she blocks her face from the wind as she and Harry attend Christmas Day church service in Sandringham
Meghan seemed at ease as she smiled and chatted with Prince Harry while clutching a pair of brown leather gloves in her spare hand
The couple are pictured walking into St Mary Magdalene Church, which is just a short walk from the Royal household at Sandringham
Markle is reportedly an animal lover but will have to put up the with royals' tradition of going out shooting on Boxing Day.
The Queen arrived in a car and joined the group from the house which also included the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales.
Hundreds of well-wishers turned out to catch a glimpse of the royal family, with some calling out 'Merry Christmas' as they walked past.
Earlier this morning, Prince Philip led the charge with Prince Charles following closely behind. He walked with his wife Camilla who wore a scarf to cope with the cold.
His other sons Andrew and Edward were accompanied by their sister Princess Anne who sported a royal purple shawl with a hint of festive red over a deep blue coat.
But not all of the family were dressed so spectacularly, with Princess Beatrice opting to shun high heels for a pair of dirty trainers - leaving her father the Duke of York looking distinctly unimpressed.
The Royal Family appeared to be in markedly higher spirits this morning compared to last year when the Queen was forced to miss the service while recovering from a heavy cold.
She and the Duke of Edinburgh had delayed their trip to the private Sandringham estate by a day after they both became ill.
Prince Charles' wife Camilla is pictured wearing a pink coat as she leaves the church following the service
Meghan and Kate locked eyes as they attended the early morning church service - and the soon-to-be royal gave the Duchess of Cambridge a quiet smile
Autumn Phillips (back left) and Peter Phillips (back second left) , Sir Timothy Laurence,(back third left), the Countess of Wessex (centre left), the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Eugenie (front) arriving to attend and early morning church service
Autumn Phillips, Peter Phillips and Sir Timothy Laurence arriving to attend an early church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham
Prince Philip and others make their way into the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham on Monday
Prince Charles, pictured left with Camilla wrapped up in a warm scarf, was spotted walking through the estate earlier today. Prince Philip, pictured right, followed closely behind
If the shoe fits! Prince Andrew looked unimpressed at his daughter Beatrice's choice of footwear as she opted to shun high heels for a pair of trainers while walking to church
Crowds of Royal watchers gathered from early this morning to try to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family
The streets of Sandringham were near-full with revellers, many of whom had travelled from far away for the special occasion
Members of the public wait for the Royal family to attend the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church
Security check the grounds ahead of members of the Royal family attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church
The Queen's speech in full Sixty years ago today, a young woman spoke about the speed of technological change as she presented the first television broadcast of its kind. She described the moment as a landmark. Six decades on, the presenter has 'evolved' somewhat, as has the technology she described. Back then, who could have imagined that people would one day be watching this on laptops and mobile phones – as some of you are today. But I'm also struck by something that hasn't changed. That, whatever the technology, many of you will be watching this at home. We think of our homes as places of warmth, familiarity and love; of shared stories and memories, which is perhaps why at this time of year so many return to where they grew up. There is a timeless simplicity to the pull of home. For many, the idea of 'home' reaches beyond a physical building – to a home town or city. This Christmas, I think of London and Manchester, whose powerful identities shone through over the past twelve months in the face of appalling attacks. In Manchester, those targeted included children who had gone to see their favourite singer. A few days after the bombing, I had the privilege of meeting some of the young survivors and their parents. I describe that hospital visit as a 'privilege' because the patients I met were an example to us all, showing extraordinary bravery and resilience. Indeed, many of those who survived the attack came together just days later for a benefit concert. It was a powerful reclaiming of the ground, and of the city those young people call home. We expect our homes to be a place of safety – 'sanctuary' even – which makes it all the more shocking when the comfort they provide is shattered. A few weeks ago, The Prince of Wales visited the Caribbean in the aftermath of hurricanes that destroyed entire communities. And here in London, who can forget the sheer awfulness of the Grenfell Tower fire? Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who died and those who lost so much; and we are indebted to members of the emergency services who risked their own lives, this past year, saving others. Many of them, of course, will not be at home today because they are working, to protect us. Reflecting on these events makes me grateful for the blessings of home and family, and in particular for 70 years of marriage. I don't know that anyone had invented the term platinum' for a 70th wedding anniversary when I was born. You weren't expected to be around that long. Even Prince Philip has decided it's time to slow down a little – having, as he economically put it, 'done his bit'. But I know his support and unique sense of humour will remain as strong as ever, as we enjoy spending time this Christmas with our family and look forward to welcoming new members into it next year. In 2018 I will open my home to a different type of family: the leaders of the fifty-two nations of the Commonwealth, as they gather in the UK for a summit. The Commonwealth has an inspiring way of bringing people together, be it through the Commonwealth Games – which begin in a few months' time on Australia's Gold Coast – or through bodies like the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra & Choir: a reminder of how truly vibrant this international family is. Today we celebrate Christmas, which itself is sometimes described as a festival of the home. Families travel long distances to be together. Volunteers and charities, as well as many churches, arrange meals for the homeless and those who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day. We remember the birth of Jesus Christ whose only sanctuary was a stable in Bethlehem. He knew rejection, hardship and persecution; and yet it is Jesus Christ's generous love and example which has inspired me through good times and bad. Whatever your own experiences this year; wherever and however you are watching, I wish you a peaceful and very happy Christmas.
The Queen went out of her way to welcome Meghan Markle to the Royal Family in her Christmas message as she said she looked forward to welcoming 'new members' into the family in the New Year.
A framed photograph of the bride-to-be with her beau Prince Harry was displayed with other family pictures as the monarch spoke, and the couple also featured in video footage aired at the end of the festive broadcast.
She will also have been talking about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's new child which is due to be born in April 2018.
The Queen did not, however, mention the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by name.
A framed photograph of the bride-to-be with her beau Prince Harry was displayed with other family pictures as the monarch spoke
The Queen will pay tribute to the Royal Family during her 60th Christmas speech as she poses next to photos of her and Prince Philip, her great-grandchildren Charlotte and George, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and Prince Charles and Camilla
The monarch gave the speech in the 1844 room alongside portraits of her and Prince Philip and her great-grandchildren, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Also visible on another table were the official engagement portrait of Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle as well as Prince Charles and his wife Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall taken earlier this year by Mario Testino.
The Queen and her husband featured in a black and white image from their 1947 wedding, and in a colour photo released to mark their 70th wedding anniversary celebrated in November.
Taken by photographer Chris Jackson, the portrait of Prince George was issued by Kensington Palace on July 22nd to mark the youngster's fourth birthday.
The photo of Charlotte was taken by her mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, to mark her second birthday on May 2nd.
Pictured left to right: The Queen and Prince Philip on their wedding day in 1947; the royal couple on their 70th wedding anniversary this year; Princess Charlotte's official second birthday portrait; Prince George's official fourth birthday portrait
The Queen and Prince Philip feature in a black and white image from their 1947 wedding
Photographs of the Queen's great-grandchildren, Prince George (left) and Princess Charlotte (right), will also be on display
The portrait of Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall was taken earlier this year as a 70th birthday present from Camilla to Charles.
Prince Harry and Ms Markle were photographed outside Kensington Palace to mark their engagement announcement in late November.
Ms Markle, 36, who is spending Christmas at Sandringham with Harry and other senior royals, is likely to have watched the Queen's message with members of the monarchy.
Her appearance in the Queen's end of year address to the nation is another sign of how quickly she has been accepted into Britain's most prominent family.
Earlier today, Meghan stunned the crowds as she attended a Christmas church service with the Royal Family.
The photograph of the prince and his fiancee, and their video footage, were from the day of their engagement announcement in November
The actress stepped out in an eye-catching brown beret and wrapped up warm against the chilly winter temperatures in a beige £986 Sentaler coat which she tied up at the front.
Meghan clutched on to her Royal beau Prince Harry, 33, and proudly displayed the engagement ring that he himself designed before their engagement in November.
As well as her beret and beige combination, Meghan wore a pair of Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots and carried a $1,550 leather handbag by Chloe.
She is also wearing a pair of Birks snowflakes earrings - which she donned at the Queen's Christmas lunch.
This year, it is understood that Prince Harry and his fiancee will stay with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate at Anmer Hall, their home in the Sandringham grounds, rather than in the main house.
Markle will have to adjust to the royal family's idiosyncratic ways and customs, ingrained in centuries of tradition.
Earlier today, Meghan stunned the crowds as she attended a Christmas church service in Sandringham with the Royal Family
As she spends her first Christmas with the in-laws, Meghan Markle could be forgiven a few nerves about how she will fit in. Come 3pm on Christmas Day, as she settled down in front of the television, any lingering fears were allayed in some style, as the Queen used her Christmas message to officially welcome her into the family.
Displaying a photograph of Prince Harry and Ms Markle as they celebrated their engagement in the garden of Kensington Palace, the Queen said she is looking forward to welcoming new members of the family in 2018.
Ms Markle, of course, will be one of them, as well as a new Prince or Princess for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, due in April.
The Prince and his fiance, who will wed at Windsor Castle in May, are spending their first Christmas together with the Royal Family at Sandringham.
Ms Markle’s inclusion has been widely interpreted as a relaxation of convention, which usually sees new members of the family invited only when they are married.
The Queen also marked Catherine Middleton's introduction into the family in her Christmas message, speaking only after the wedding in 2011 to acknowledge the “the marriages of two of our grandchildren”: Prince William to Miss Middleton, and Zara Phillips to Mike Tindall.
The video will start in 8 Cancel
Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
Meghan Markle showed she's a true princess in waiting as she gave her first public royal curtsey to the Queen after the Christmas Day service at Sandringham.
Dressed in Sentaler stylish wrap around coat in a camel colour, Meghan was seen curtsying on the church steps, as she stood in between her fiancé Prince Harry and future brother-in-law Prince William.
Meghan has already broken tradition by attending Christmas at Sandringham with the Queen before she and Harry are married.
She arrived at the special service earlier with Harry, Kate and William, and was greeted by hundreds of members of the public who had gathered to catch a glimpse of her.
Meghan needs to have a good eye for faces because she faces an etiquette minefield when she marries Prince Harry .
The engaged star will need to curtsey to some members of the royal family - but not others.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
(Image: AFP)
(Image: AFP)
(Image: Kent Gavin Daily Mirror)
(Image: Kent Gavin Daily Mirror)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
And if the American actress does the dip-and-bob at the wrong moment she risks embarrassing herself and her future husband.
It goes without saying that the Queen requires a curtsey and she will also need to curtsey to Princess Anne as she is the Queen's daughter.
A curtsey is in order for the young princesses Eugenie and Beatrice - but only if Meghan is flying solo.
(Image: PA)
(Image: Kent Gavin Daily Mirror)
(Image: PA)
If Prince Harry is in the room then Eugenie and Beatrice need to curtsey to Meghan and Harry.
The current rules on curtsey etiquette were drawn up by the Queen's private secretary in 2005 to avoid any confusion when Camilla married Prince Charles.
They were tweaked again in 2011 when Prince William married Kate Middleton.
Meghan, sporting a dark brown beret, walked to the Christmas day service arm in arm with Harry, alongside William and pregnant Kate.
(Image: AFP)
(Image: AFP)
(Image: PA)
Meghan's Sentaler stylish wrap around coat with a big, relaxed collar costs £986.
Wearing a pair of Stuart Weitzman over the knee boots and carrying a little $1,550 leather handbag by Chloe, Meghan seemed at ease as she chatted to her fiancé.
She is also wearing sparkling Birks snowflake earrings , also worn to the Queen's Christmas lunch.
After the service, the Royals did a walk around Sandringham, speaking to members of the public, before heading to a special lunch starting at 1pm.
