Smiles and laughter from Meghan and Kate as Fab Four make their debut

Meghan Markle and the Duchess of Cambridge showed off their rapport during their first joint engagement.

The pair laughed and smiled on stage at the Royal Foundation forum, with both listening intently to the other as they spoke.

Meghan Markle and Kate laugh together during the forum (Chris Jackson/PA)
Meghan Markle and Kate laugh together during the forum (Chris Jackson/PA)

Former Suits star Ms Markle, who is practised at making public speeches through her previous work as a UN women's advocate, spoke articulately and with ease as she talked about her belief in the work of the Foundation and her plans for the future.

She gesticulated enthusiastically as she discussed the importance of the charity.

Meghan Markle talking at the Q&A event (Chris Jackson/PA)
Meghan Markle talking at the Q&A event (Chris Jackson/PA)

Meghan and Kate, who is expecting her third child, were sat next to each other in the centre of the row of brightly coloured modern chairs for the Q&A session.

At several stages, they mirrored each other's body language - with both holding their hands together in their lap.

Their apparent bond prompted some on social media to describe them as looking like "besties".

We always knew they were besties ? https://t.co/TaySv8eLCS

-- Meghans Mirror (@MeghansMirror) February 28, 2018

There were laughs from Ms Markle, Kate, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry when they were quizzed over whether they ever had disagreements when working together.

"Oh yes" remarked William, with Harry adding "Healthy disagreements".

"The fact everyone is laughing means you know exactly (what I mean) - but we're stuck together for the rest of our lives," Harry said to the audience.

Meghan was subtly tactile with her fiance Harry, touching his arm every now and then - whereas Kate, who occasionally fidgeted with her own watch, kept her hands in her lap.

Meghan touches Harry's arm as they sit on stage (Chris Jackson/PA)
Meghan touches Harry's arm as they sit on stage (Chris Jackson/PA)

American Ms Markle nodded in agreement as the Duchess explained how the work of the Royal Foundation had developed.

William led the way as the "Fab Four" - as the two couples have been dubbed in the media - made their way onto the stage from behind dark curtains at the side.

He was followed by Kate, who made sure she held the curtains back for Meghan to make it easier for her to make her entrance.

Soon-to-be-royal Ms Markle gave a small wave to the audience as she took her seat.

William formally welcomed his future sister-in-law to the fold in his speech, with a wide smile, as Kate gave a little round of applause.

Later there were more grins from Ms Markle and the Duchess as they sat next to one another in the audience.

Harry, Meghan Markle and the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge in the audience at the forum in London (Chris Jackson/PA)
Harry, Meghan Markle and the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge in the audience at the forum in London (Chris Jackson/PA)

William, Kate, Harry and Meghan were attending the first annual Royal Foundation Forum in London.

It was hosted by BBC presenter and Radio 1 newsreader Tina Daheley.

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