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Queen welcomes Commonwealth leaders for lavish Buckingham Palace dinner

Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland and Prime Minister Theresa May: PA
Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland and Prime Minister Theresa May: PA

The Queen welcomed leaders from across the Commonwealth to a formal dinner at Buckingham Palace.

The leaders, who were accompanied by their husbands, wives or partners, joined Her Majesty for a three-course meal in the picture gallery – accompanied by fine wines from across the Commonwealth.

The Queen greeted dignitaries at the palace, looking regal in a long white gown and jewels. She was not accompanied by Prince Philip, who is still recuperating from a hip operation.

Pictures showed her greeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – who clasped her hand between both of his as he smiled down at the 91-year-old monarch.

Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland and Prime Minister Theresa May (PA)
Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland and Prime Minister Theresa May (PA)

Theresa May was one of the first to arrive at the bi-annual event with her husband Philip.

The Queen greeting the Canadian PM warmly (AP)
The Queen greeting the Canadian PM warmly (AP)

The Prime Minister, who is known for her love of fashion, looked elegant in a black floor-length dress and red heels.

Theresa May arrives with her husband (AFP/Getty Images)
Theresa May arrives with her husband (AFP/Getty Images)

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was also an early arrival and was pictures walking through the palace with her partner Clarke Gayford.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with her partner Clarke Gayford (REUTERS)
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with her partner Clarke Gayford (REUTERS)

She was earlier of four of the 19 new Commonwealth leaders who was granted a private audience with the Queen.

Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford (REUTERS)
Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford (REUTERS)

Earlier on Thursday the Queen lobbied world leaders on behalf of the Prince of Wales, suggesting they choose Charles to succeed her as head of the Commonwealth.

The Queen raises a glass during the speeches (REUTERS)
The Queen raises a glass during the speeches (REUTERS)

The Queen's public endorsement of her son is an unprecedented move and came as she officially opened a major Commonwealth summit attended by presidents and prime ministers from across the globe.

Speaking at the official opening of the Commonwealth summit, she said: “It remains a great pleasure and honour to serve you as Head of the Commonwealth and to observe, with pride and satisfaction, that this is a flourishing network.

"It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations, and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949.

"By continuing to treasure and reinvigorate our associations and activities, I believe we will secure a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world for those who follow us: a world where the Commonwealth's generosity of spirit can bring its gentle touch of healing and hope to all."

The leaders are due to discuss the issue of Commonwealth succession during the two-day Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm), which will also see leaders debate topics ranging from a blue charter on ocean conservation to cyber security and trade.

Harry was seen greeting the Mr Trudeau at the dinner, hours after the Canadian leader said he would not be attending his wedding in a month’s time.

Prince Harry greeting the Canadian PM at the dinner (AP)
Prince Harry greeting the Canadian PM at the dinner (AP)

The Prince had spent the earlier hours of the evening at a Women’s Empowerment event with his fiancée.

During the reception, where Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson launched his Platform for Girls Education across the Commonwealth, Meghan spoke of the "rippling effect" of female empowerment.

The event formed part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting being staged in London and Windsor this week.

Hope, an 18-year-old from Kenya who campaigns on achieving equal rights for girls, said Ms Markle spoke to her about the long-lasting effect of getting girls into education.

"Meghan Markle was talking about how it is a rippling effect when you empower girls, they empower the next generation," she said.

The Suits star is known for her commitment to gender equality, previously being a Women's Advocate for the UN.

She was dressed in a chic black fitted cowl-neck belted Jackie O cocktail dress by Black Halo and stylish stilettos - Aquazzura Milano cutout suede pumps.