Meghan Markle shared a sweet moment with her father-in-law Prince Charles at the Commonwealth Day Service – the Duchess's final ever royal engagement.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were already in their seats when Charles arrived, following the Queen in the official royal procession.
Meghan and Kate curtsied as the Monarch walked past them ahead of taking their seats.
Meghan beamed as she caught Charles's eye, before curtsying again to him – to which he smiled and gave her a quick nod.
Before the Sussexes announced their plans to quit the Royal Family, Meghan and Charles were reportedly very close.
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The Prince of Wales reportedly nicknamed his daughter-in-law 'Tungsten' because, just like the super-tough metal, she's "tough and unbending".
An insider told The Mail on Sunday : "Prince Charles admires Meghan for her strength and the backbone she gives Harry, who needs a tungsten-type figure in his life as he can be a bit of a softie.
"It's become a term of endearment."
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Charles walked Meghan down the aisle at her royal wedding after her dad Thomas Markle pulled out at the last minute for health reasons.
The pair's closeness is said to be down in part to their shared interest in history, art and culture and the future king has been mentoring his daughter-in-law on royal and constitutional history.
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A royal insider told the Daily Telegraph : "The Duchess has shown a genuine interest in learning more about the history of the family she has married into, and her father-in-law has been delighted to impart his knowledge."
Despite reportedly being furious that he was not consulted on their decision to step down, receiving the statement just 10 minutes before it was sent around the world, Charles is said to be "determined to keep them at the heart of the Royal Family" .
A senior palace source said: “There’s a genuine fear from Charles that this could be the beginning of the end for Harry and Meghan’s involvement with the family and that, in his words would be ‘an utter tragedy’.
“Charles has implored everyone to work together to bring them back into the fold before it is too late, as he realises the benefits they have as a couple and indeed for the popularity of the monarchy across the world.
“The message is clear: the stakes are too high to lose the one of the family’s greatest assets.”
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