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She has been clocked for her wardrobe of pale pink ensembles since marrying Prince Harry, but Meghan ditched the muted tones in favour of a bright yellow dress for a reception in London on Thursday.

The Duchess of Sussex wowed in a £1,300 canary yellow sheath dress by designer Brandon Maxwell who has worked as Lady Gaga's stylist since 2012.  

The couple arrived at the reception at Marlborough House in London hand in hand, despite royal fans speculation that they may have stopped doing so following their marriage.

And while the Duchess has opted for sleek blow dries for her engagements of late, tonight she opted for her previously favoured hairstyle of a bun - though she had opted for a sleeker style over her iconic 'messy' updo.

Prince Harry, meanwhile, looked his dapper best in a navy blue suit complete with an olive green tie as he accompanied his wife into the reception. 

The couple received a warm welcome from Patricia Scotland who greeted them at their cars. As they made their way towards the house they were treated to a musical performance by a steel pan band.

The delighted duke and duchess paused to give the band a round of applause following their performance. 

They continued to put on a tactile display as they assembled on the steps of the house as Meghan put a tentative hand on her husband's arm. 

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The Duchess of Sussex wowed in a canary yellow dress by designer Brandon Maxwell who has worked as Lady Gaga's stylist since 2012

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at the reception at Marlborough House hand in hand, despite recent speculation that they may be avoiding public displays of affection following their wedding 

The newly married couple put on a very tactile display on Thursday evening as Meghan reached to touch Harry's arm

And they urged youth leaders from across the Commonwealth to fight against injustice, inequality and environmental damage.

Prince Harry and his new bride spoke of their passion to work with the 60 per cent of the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion population aged under 30 to create a better world. 

Harry, who was created the Queen’s Commonwealth Youth Ambassador in April, told guests at a reception at Marlborough House in London how he and Meghan were excited to be working with young people in the 53-nation association of mainly former British Empire countries. 

‘Amongst all of you are innovators, entrepreneurs, and educators – ready to tackle climate change, social injustice and inequality,’ he said. ‘Together you will take on these big challenges – and be champions for your communities, for your families, your countries, and our Commonwealth. 

‘Meghan and I are incredibly excited to meet so many of you representing the future of the Commonwealth. Later this year we will embark on a tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to meet and hear from more young people about their ideas for creating a better future. ‘We can’t wait to see you in action in your home countries and learn about what you’re doing to better the Commonwealth, and the world, in 2040 and beyond.’

The couple could be seen applauding a group of musicians who played on the lawn of the house as they arrived 

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There was certainly no missing The Duchess of Sussex as she stepped out to the Commonwealth youth reception with her husband Prince Harry.

The newlywed looked incredible in a statement yellow dress, featuring a fitted sheath design, midi length and a subtle boat-neck cut (which is fast becoming her signature neckline!)

Pastels have featured a lot in Meghan's outfit choices recently - from a pink Prada dress, to a blush Carolina Herrera design - so this bold yellow shade made for a refreshing change!

It's by Brandon Maxwell, a designer who famously dressed A-listers like Lady Gaga before he made the switch to creating, rather than styling, clothes.

If you love this not-so-mellow yellow dress, then there's good news because it's currently reduced in the sale at Moda Operandi. Click right to make like Meghan and get it for yourself, or spread some sunshine with even more bold and beautiful styles below from DSquared2, Dolce and Gabbana, Banana Republic and The 8th Sign.

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The couple received a warm welcome from Patricia Scotland (pictured) who appeared to be getting along famously with the newly-minted Duchess

The Prince also urged them to combat plastic pollution, saying: ‘Just in the last year, the world’s understanding of the damage being done by single use plastics has grown rapidly and many governments and communities are taking big steps to tackle this very challenging problem,' he said.

‘Whether it’s biodegradable food packaging or limiting plastics use, there are good examples of everyone doing their part and I am sure many of you will play a role in your own communities to identify problems, but better yet, to develop solutions.’

Meghan, 36, impressed guests with her grasp of their concerns and vowed to continue her campaigning for gender equality.

Jacob Thomas, a 28-year-old activist from Melbourne, Australia, who supports the LGBT community, said: ‘The Duchess has had a very longstanding commitment to work for gender equality and she made it clear that will continue.’  

Meghan and Harry arrived to a performance from a calypso band including a steel pan player and a dancing duo

A laughing Meghan was in high spirits as she chatted with Jacob Thomas (left), a 28-year-old activist from Melbourne, Australia, who supports the LGBT community

Jacob said of Meghan: 'The Duchess has had a very longstanding commitment to work for gender equality and she made it clear that will continue'

Prince Harry was equally animated as he listened to members' ideas  on the type of Commonwealth they want to see

As the sun went down the couple looked especially cosy as they shared a private moment together in the courtyard 

Meghan negotiated the gravel in a pair of nude heels expertly, while showcasing her slender physique in a £1,300 dress

The couple mingled with members of the forum members who shared their ideas on the type of Commonwealth they want to see

The couple appeared fascinated as they listened to the ideas of members from across the commonwealth 

Affectionate Meghan could be seen reaching out to greet a guest, giving his arm a rub as they were introduced in the courtyard

Tonight's event marks an opportunity for The Duke, who was appointed by Her Majesty The Queen as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador earlier this year, to learn more about how the Commonwealth Youth Forum is supporting inspiring young people to shape the future. 

The Duke and Duchess will tonight meet youth representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga ahead of their tour this Autumn.

The couple mingled with members of the forum members who shared their ideas on the type of Commonwealth they want to see.

The Duke of Sussex then addressed the audience during a speech where he said: 'Meghan and I are incredibly excited to meet so many of you representing the future of the Commonwealth'

The Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) provides an opportunity for the young people of the Commonwealth to build cross-cultural connections and networks, debate the challenges facing its young people, agree youth-led initiatives to influence decision makers and ensure young people have a voice in its future. 

The Youth Leadership Workshop brings together the newly elected Commonwealth Youth Council Executive and leaders of the Commonwealth Youth Networks, with the aim of empowering these young leaders to think about the future, and their role in shaping it.

Addressing his audience during a speech Harry said: 'Meghan and I are incredibly excited to meet so many of you representing the future of the Commonwealth'

The newly married couple looked as loved up as ever as they shared a joke during the evening's reception 

The Duchess of Sussex flashed her famous engagement ring as she enjoyed an animated discussion 

She ditched her sleek new hairdo we have seen of late in favour of a bun, a hairstyle she has previously favoured 

Meghan, 36, impressed guests with her grasp of their concerns and vowed to continue her campaigning for gender equality

Harry could be seen giving his speech a once over before he took to the stage outside Marlborough house 

The couple appeared in good spirits as they addressed guests ahead of tonight's reception 

Prince Harry was appointed by Her Majesty The Queen as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador in February, and he and Meghan attended a Commonwealth Youth Forum event in April

The final day of the workshop will bring together 120 young people, scholars, youth leaders, and youth representatives of High Commissions to take part in the 'Your Commonwealth' Youth Challenge event. 

Working in groups, these talented young people are encouraged to generate ideas about the type of Commonwealth they want to see in 2040. 

As part of a Commonwealth where 60 per cent of the population is under 30, these emerging leaders will be asked how they can work together and use the networks they are building now to make their ideas a reality.

The reception will begin with an overview of the day, before The Duke of Sussex and the Secretary-General address the reception. 

Their Royal Highnesses will then meet the young people who have taken part in the workshops to hear from them directly about their ideas for the future, and the support they need to ensure that their voices are heard.

SHOULD MEGHAN AND HARRY HOLD HANDS? ETIQUETTE EXPERT WEIGHS IN

Etiquette expert William Hanson has explained that while there is no official royal protocol against the gesture, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may feel the need to appear more 'professional' now that they are married, and added that Meghan could also more confident in her role. 

Speaking to Femail, he said: 'Prince Harry has probably felt less of a need to hold Meghan's hand as she seems to be much more confident and secure in her new role, and so needs less emotional and physical support from her now-husband.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (pictured in April) are certainly one of the more tactile royal couples and etiquette expert William Hanson says this is not against royal protocol 

'Public displays of affection, such a hand holding, may be accepted in private situations and in social spheres, but when out in public Harry and Meghan are on official business and so it is not considered professional behaviour.'

Describing William (who is second in line to the throne) and Kate's body language as more 'traditional', he added: 'They seem much more reserved with their emotions and affection whereas Harry and Meghan are more tactile. It comes down to different styles for different royal couples.'

And explaining the protocol with being tactile in the royal family, he said: 'There is no official rule in regards to hand holding.

'However it is not something we have seen HM The Queen or HRH Prince of Wales do with their respective spouses.'

'I suspect Prince Harry and The Duchess of Sussex realise that now they are married their job and status is what comes first,' he concluded.