Royal wedding 2018: Bringing Meghan Markle sparkle to feminism

Meghan Markle reacts as she rides in a carriage with her husband Britain's Prince Harry after their wedding ceremony. Photo / AP

Meghan Markle has been given the blessing of Buckingham Palace to use her position to fight for feminism, as she plans her life as the newest member of the royal family.

The new Duchess of Sussex is expected to announce which charities and campaigns she will support when she returns from her honeymoon.

But her official biography, posted on the royal family website at the weekend, suggested she will use her role to champion feminist causes as it highlighted that she is "proud to be a woman and a feminist".

It adds: "From a young age, the Duchess had a keen awareness of social issues and actively participated in charitable work. [This] helped to shape her lifelong commitment to causes such as social justice and women's empowerment."

The Duchess will immediately join new husband Prince Harry and in-laws the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at their Royal Foundation.

The prominent inclusion of such causes on the official website indicates the charitable direction she plans to take. She has been working behind the scenes for months to create a blueprint for her focus as a working member of the royal family, which could also involve her promoting the work of the Diana Award for youngsters who champion social change.

She told wedding reception guests she would "love" to get involved in their campaign work, saying: "That's why I am here, bring it on."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left Windsor Castle yesterday to begin married life, and will return briefly to the public eye tomorrow for the Prince of Wales' 70th birthday garden party.

They are expected to slip away for a honeymoon this month, before returning to a full schedule of overseas tours - rumoured to include a trip to Australia and New Zealand - and charity work closer to home.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday could not confirm the visit but said: "The Royal family have a long standing invitation to come and visit New Zealand."

The Duke paid moving tribute to his wife at their reception, praising her "grace" and telling her: "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

The Duchess later made her own speech in which she expressed her love for Harry and her joy at being welcomed into his family.