8 times Meghan Markle was the perfect royal

Meghan Markle will officially become a member of the royal family on 19 May when she marries Prince Harry, and it seems the former Suits actress already has all the ingredients to being the perfect royal! Since they announced their engagement at the end of November, the happy couple - who will marry at Windsor Castle - have embarked on a number of royal engagements designed to introduce Los Angeles-born Meghan, 36, to royal life.

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She has managed to win over the crowds with her charm all over the UK, having made visits to Nottingham and Cardiff in the past few months. Here at HELLO!, we take a look back at the American actress looking every inch the regal beauty as she prepares to take on her new role full time.

Christmas with the royal family

It's clear that Meghan has been fully welcomed into the royal fold. The 36-year-old joined her fiancé and his family in Sandringham on Christmas Day. Accompanied by with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, this was the first time the world got to see the Princes with both their partners together. The former Suits actress broke tradition by attending Christmas at Sandringham with the Queen before she and Harry are married. Invitations are usually restricted to Her Majesty's closest family members, with a 'no ring, no bring' policy in place.

Nailed the curtsy

Prince Harry's fiancée has mastered the art of the royal curtsy. After attending church at Sandringham for the Christmas Day service with the royal family, Meghan finally debuted the perfect curtsy when the Queen stepped outside the church of St. Mary Magdalene. All eyes were on the American actress as she made her debut appearance at the royal's traditional Christmas Day church service at Sandringham, looking as stylish as ever in a camel coat by Sentaler as she stepped out with Prince Harry.

She's good with children

During a visit to Cardiff last month, Prince Harry encouraged a group of children to mob Meghan with hugs. The American beauty was playing Jenga with the group, while Harry was busy dancing to popular songs like "Despacito". He then encouraged the kids to go after Meghan, saying, "Let's all give Meghan a group hug!" The bride-to-be, who always stops and chats with young fans on official outings, accepted the joyous attack with open arms.

Natural at public speaking

All eyes were on Meghan as she delivered her first speech - as a future royal - at the Endeavour Fund Awards last week. The former Suits actress, who was joining Prince Harry, took to the stage at Goldsmiths' Hall to present the second honour of the night, and although it didn't entirely go to plan. But thanks to her Hollywood career, Meghan's moment on stage did not have a profound effect on her - despite having to wait an awkward 40 seconds for her co-presenter to find the list of nominees. Body language expert Judi James told HELLO!: "She's used to things going slightly wrong. She dealt with it in a self-effacing way, she scrunched up and laughed which also made the guy she was with feel more comfortable."

Mastered royal dressing

It's clear that Meghan has moved a long way from her early career! The ex-Suits star may have made pencil fitted skirts with open-wide shirts a fashion statement, but she has ditched her on-screen alter-ego wardrobe behind by adopting something a little more reserved. For her first public appearance with Prince Harry in Nottingham, Meghan stunned crowds in an all-British/American fashion ensemble comprising of a skirt by luxury store Joseph, worth £595, and a classic black roll neck which she teamed with a burgundy and navy blue Strathberry handbag.

Regal engagement portraits

In December, Harry and Meghan released their official engagement photos of themselves perched on the steps of private royal residence Frogmore House, situated in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Meghan wore a couture AW16 gown by British label Ralph & Russo that cost an estimated £56,000. The snaps showed the loved-up couple holding hands in one photo, while in another Meghan has her hand resting on Harry's cheek as he smiles at her. Meghan looked stunning in the photos, which were taken by Alexi Lubomirski.

Comfortable in front of the camera

It was clear to anyone watching Prince Harry and Meghan's first joint TV interview that this was a couple very much in love. The pair sat with their arms intertwined for much of the conversation, with their bodies angled towards one other, and they often answered BBC interviewer Mishal Husain's questions while gazing into each other's eyes. During the conversation, the couple spoke on subjects ranging from the proposal and the engagement ring, to Meghan's introduction to the Queen and her future brother and sister-in-law, Prince William and Kate.