Meghan Markle Is Still Wearing a Long-Standing Royal Nail Trend

She brought the monochromatic mani back for a 'CBS Sunday Morning' appearance.

meghan markle clapping at the invictus games
(Image credit: Getty Images)

I live for a Meghan Markle beauty moment. Whether it’s her classic slicked-back bun or a rare red lipstick appearance, the beauty editor in me finds tremendous joy in knowing the former royal’s go-to hair and makeup products. I find the most excitement, however, when I zoom in on her manicure. The Duchess of Sussex is not afraid to opt for trendy hues and designs, like wearing a French manicure (one of summer’s biggest nail trends) or a jet-black polish, depending on the occasion.

That in mind, Meghan Markle's most recent nail polish color marked a return to a long-standing royal nail trend. On Thursday, August 1, the mom of two appeared in a clip from an upcoming CBS Sunday Morning interview to discuss online bullying. For the on-air appearance—which she did with Prince Harry at her side— Markle painted her nails a pale pink to match her blush-colored Ralph Lauren linen set perfectly.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle open up about online bullying - YouTube Prince Harry and Meghan Markle open up about online bullying - YouTube
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The nude-with-a-hint-of-pink summer nail polish color is reminiscent of the bubble bath manicure trend that’s been a royal favorite for decades. It’s defined by a cloudy pink and white nail polish combination that looks equal parts sleek and sophisticated. That reasoning is precisely why it’s been a fan-favorite of Princess Kate and Queen Elizabeth II.

“When the late Queen Elizabeth was alive, she preferred a light pink nail polish and, following the example she set, Kate and Meghan both trended towards a light pink nail polish during her life,” former Marie Claire senior celebrity and royals editor Rachel Burchfield previously explained. “A tried and true royal favorite is the pinky white nail, which looks elegant while not being the focal point.”

meghan markle on her wedding day with a royal favorite manicure

The former royal wore a soft pink polish for her wedding day in 2018.

(Image credit: Getty)

Markle has also been known to gravitate toward specific colors with the royal-favorite trend. Case in point: She wore CND’s Unmasked with two coats of Negligee layered on top for her wedding day in 2018. While her current nail color appears slightly darker, I have some suspicions about the polishes responsible. Shop my predictions, below.

Samantha Holender
Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.