Meghan Markle's first solo outing as a royal: All the photos

The <a href="/tags/0/meghan-markle/">Duchess of Sussex</a> was cool and collected as she stepped out for her first solo engagement as a royal on Tuesday (Sept. 25), looked chic as ever in another <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/fashion/02018092547473/meghan-markle-givenchy-oceania-exhibit">all-black ensemble by her go-to designer house, Givenchy</a>. In anticipation of her first overseas royal tour to the South-Pacific, the royal got a sneak peek of the <em>Oceania</em> exhibit at the Royal Academy of Arts on opening night, taking in more than 500 years worth of art from regions like Micronesia, Polynesia and Melanesia. Some of the pieces on display come from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the Kingdom of Tonga, which Prince Harry and Meghan will visit from October 16 to 31 while on tour. Meghan had a wonderful time meeting artists and descendants with ties to works displayed as well as the exhibit's curators, plus she got to see a short performance of Ngāti Rānana, a Māori cultural group - not to mention engaging in her first Hongi, or nose greeting. <p><strong>Click through to see all the best photos...</strong> <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
She arrived to her second engagement this week in a black car, sided by her assistant, Amy Pickerill. Yesterday, she and Harry were out at Loughborough University for the Coach Core Awards, where the duchess played netball in heels! <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Meghan was all smiles as she arrived to view the exhibit, which boasts 200 pieces of artwork from over 500 years in Micronesia, Polynesia and Melanesia. It's the perfect stop before her 15-day overseas tour with Prince Harry. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
She was clearly in high spirits during her first-ever solo engagement as the Duchess of Sussex, looking calm and confident as she chatted on her way into the Royal Academy of Arts. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Her elegant dress features a front slit, sheer sleeves, velvet panel on the torso, which she paired with a matching Givenchy clutch. She kept her hair straight and sleek, showing off her natural makeup and her favourite Birks Snowflake earrings, which cost a whopping $12,000. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Meghan arrived looking every inch the fashion maven, showing off a new dress and recycled Aquazzura Deneuve Bow pumps. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
The duchess completed her natural makeup look with a swipe of pink on her lips. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
The former actress graciously waved at fans and photographers while entering the building. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
The 37-year-old was on hand to help open the <em>Oceania</em> exhibit. <p>Photo: &copy; Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Meghan looked up in awe at one of the pieces of art. <p>Photo: &copy; Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The duchess was clearly impressed! While perusing the art, she described it as "spectacular." <p>Photo: &copy; Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Meghan shared a traditional Maori nose greeting, or Hongi, with one attendee while opening of the exhibit. We can expect to see plenty more of these while she and Harry are on tour! <p>Photo: &copy; ARTHUR EDWARDS/AFP/Getty Images
She listened intently while being led around the exhibit, learning the history behind each artifact and artwork. <p>Photo: &copy; Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Traditional art from the past 500 years was on display. <p>Photo: &copy; Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Meghan looked absolutely enthralled by the pieces while touring the <em>Oceania</em> exhibition. <p>Photo: &copy; Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images
She also spent some time examining a stunningly ornate red piano. <p>Photo: &copy; Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The duchess took a peek at some traditional jewels. <p>Photo: &copy; Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Meghan clutched a gorgeous bouquet of flowers while leaving the building. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
She showed off her summer glow with beautifully highlighted cheekbones. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
The duchess flashed her megawatt smile while approaching her car, ending a fun hour-long visit and with her first solo engagement under her velvet belt. Meghan marked this milestone a few months earlier than her sister-in-law Kate, who stepped out six months after her royal wedding, as compared to Meghan's four months following her nuptials. What a great success for the new royal! <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
© 2001-2019, HELLO! - All rights reserved