Meghan Markle [1] got straight to work in her new royal role on Thursday morning, when she made a trip to Cheshire in the company of Queen Elizabeth II. Though Meghan has already joined the royal family at a number of events, including the recent Trooping the Colour [2], this is the first time she's attended a royal engagement with the queen without Harry by her side. The queen invited the new Duchess of Sussex to take an overnight journey on the royal train [3], ahead of a day of royal engagements in North West England. The two were all smiles as they disembarked the train at Runcorn station and greeted the crowds of kids who were there to greet them. The queen, dressed in another of her signature bright outfits [4], and Meghan, in a chic cream Givenchy dress with a small cape [5], then made their way to their first engagement, the official opening the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. They couldn't control their giggles as they watched events unfold. Later, they'll take a trip to Storyhouse (a theatre, cinema, and library) where they'll watch children perform, and unveil a plaque to mark the opening of the venue. They will also attend lunch at Chester Town Hall. See ahead for all the photos from their busy day so far!