Meghan Markle and Prince Harry head to evening wedding reception

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex, drove off to their evening reception in Frogmore House in the grounds of Windsor Palace in an electric 1968 silver blue Jaguar E-type on Saturday evening.

The bride had changed into a white Stella McCartney halter-neck silk crepe gown and Aquazzura shoes with baby blue soles for the black-tie reception hosted by Prince Charles for 200 of the couple’s closest friends.

The former actor, 36, also wore one of Princess Diana’s rings – an emerald-cut aquamarine stone – on her right hand as she set off for the private reception.

Some of the high-profile guests from the church service and lunch reception in St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle took the opportunity of the short break in celebrations to update social media with their own evening wear choices.

Serena Williams posted an image of herself in a Valentino gown from the grounds of Windsor Castle. Thanking Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli, she wrote: “@pppiccioli thank you for making me look special on this special evening.”

Actor and activist Priyanka Chopra used the short break in festivities to congratulate her close friend.

In an emotional Instagram post alongside a series of images of the new couple, she wrote: “Every once in a while there is a moment when time stands still … That happened today … You, my friend, were the epitome of grace, love and beauty.

“Every choice made at this wedding by you both will go down in history, not just because it was your wedding but because this incredible wedding stood for change and hope.

“Both things that the world needs desperately. Thank you for being the perfect picture of all things good … Seeing your union and love blessed in front of my eyes. Made me so happy … and tear up! I wish you both love happiness and togetherness always.”

The Quantico actress used the break in proceedings to swap her lavender Vivian Westwood suit that she had worn for the ceremony for a golden Dior gown to attend the couple’s black-tie evening party.

After performing for the newlyweds at the lunch reception hosted by the Queen, Elton John paid tribute to the couple on Twitter, quoting the poet Maya Angelou. He wrote: “Love recognises no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination, full of hope.”