How Meghan Markle's Duchess Style Compares to Kate Middleton's
Today, the Duchess of Sussex made her first official royal appearance—her look was quite different from that of her sister-in-law's back in 2011.
Meghan Markle is officially part of the royal family. For her first post-wedding event, the Duchess of Sussex attended a garden party in honor of Prince Charles's 70th birthday with Prince Harry, Camilla, and the Prince of Wales himself. (Prince Charles' birthday isn't until November, but it's his "milestone birthday," so the royal family will have multiple celebrations leading up to the day.)
Meghan, likely knowing the entire world is watching her every move and analyzing her every outfit, wore a rose-colored dress from Goat, a matching Philip Treacy hat, and beige pumps. She accessorized with Vanessa Tugendhaft rose-shaped earrings and a Wilbur & Gussie pale pink clutch. The feminine look was very on-theme for the garden party and didn't distract anyone from the big event (even with a sheer neckline and sleeves).
Meghan's look was quite different than that of Kate Middleton when she made her first appearance as an official royal back in 2011. Seven years ago, Kate attended the Investec Derby Festival and wore a cream-colored Reiss dress that hit above her knees. A surprising move, considering royals almost always go for longer dress lengths.
Still, the Duchess of Cambridge kept it modest by covering up with a Joseph tweed jacket, while Meghan opted for sheer details on her own dress.
Kate also went with a petite fascinator; Meghan's headpiece features a rather wide brim.
After making headlines, earlier in the year, for not wearing tights, Meghan wore a noticeable, neutral-colored pair for her first royal outing. Kate, however, appears to have ditched that rule. (Though, she could very well have been wearing these barely-there John Lewis stockings.)
The two duchesses have their own signature styles, and we're so thrilled to have them both as inspiration.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at Marie Claire, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's now the Senior Commerce Editor at House Beautiful, where she owns coverage on deals and sales across home decor and accessories, in-depth product reviews on furniture and appliances, as well as news around new product launches since 2023. With help from leading designers and tastemakers, Marina spotlights quality products while tracking current design trends, a skill she’s mastered over six years in fashion media. Marina holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Stony Brook University, beginning her career in narrative-driven commerce coverage as an editorial assistant at PopSugar.
-
20 On-Sale Beauty Finds to Conquer the Winter Season
It's time to add some hydration to your routine.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Netflix Is Adapting One of #BookTok's Favorite Romances—Here's What We Know About Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' TV Series
Could this be the next 'Bridgerton' or 'Tell Me Lies?'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
'American Primeval' Is Bound to Be Your First Netflix Obsession of 2025—Here's What to Know About the Cast
Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin led the gritty miniseries about a family's trek across the American West in 1857.
By Radhika Menon Published
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself
"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Issue Statement on California's Devastating Wildfires
The Sussexes addressed the disaster, which is "affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate Has Been Honored With Birthday Charity Earrings That Support a Cause Close to Her Heart
Proceeds from the $34 style will benefit a charity the Princess of Wales has paid tribute to in the past.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules Attached
The present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How Princess Kate Broke Tradition with Her Stunning 43rd Birthday Photo
The Princess of Wales posed for a black-and-white pic by one of her favorite photogs.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Despite 2025 Being "the Year of Reset," Princess Kate Will Likely Do This Before Going Back to Regular Duties
Royal biographer Robert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire' that fans shouldn't expect Kate to go "back to 2023 levels" of appearances.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Most Personal Instagram Post Yet—Including Rare Glimpses of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—After Their Beloved Dog Dies
"Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy. You filled my life in ways you’ll never know."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle's Actual Kitchen Isn't Featured in Her Netflix Show—Here's What We Know About Her Real Home
The Sussexes seem to favor a muted color scheme.
By Amy Mackelden Published