Meghan Markle's 2018 Royal Ascot Dress Is So Different From Kate Middleton's in 2016
But Kate would love this look.

On Tuesday, Meghan Markle attended her first-ever Royal Ascot event with Prince Harry, the Queen, and the rest of the royal family. The Duchess of Sussex wore a cream-colored Givenchy dress with a black-and-white Philip Treacy hat. Noticeably absent was Prince William and Kate Middleton, who likely is at home caring for her newborn Prince Louis.
Meghan's outfit was slightly different than Kate Middleton's first royal ascot look in 2016. Her dress featured a collared neckline and a more buttoned-up vibe while two years ago, Kate wore a breezy, lace Dolce & Gabbana dress with nude pumps and a matching rose fascinator.
The Duchess of Sussex's coatdress, however, does seem like something her sister-in-law would wear herself. Kate gravitates towards the more classic styles, and like Meghan, her outfits have inspired a legion of followers, too.
Aside from their outfits, when they chose to make their appearances at the Royal Ascot event differed too. The Duchess of Cambridge attended her first race in 2016, 5 years after getting married, while Meghan experienced this occasion just a month after saying her "I dos." It was reported that while the Queen invited both Prince William and Kate to the Royal Ascot every year since their wedding, the Duchess of Cambridge waited to attend in order to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.
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.
-
Queen Elizabeth Kept This Genius Item Inside Her Famous Handbags
You'll never guess what she did before using it.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
I'm Copying Kate Hudson's Anti-Spring French Manicure ASAP
The star opted for a chic and moody twist on the classic.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Princess Diana's Former Lover Speaks Out on Harry and William "Rift"
James Hewitt shared his thoughts on how Diana would've handled the situation.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
You're Definitely Not Ready for Prince Archie's Adorable American Accent
Meghan Markle shared a new Instagram Story, which casually included the little royal's voice.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Debuts a New Instagram Strategy in Diana-Approved Weekend Wear
The duchess soaked up some sun in a series of posts that departed from her usual content.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Throws it Back to Her 'Tig' Days With Her Most Personal Instagram Post Yet
She's taking a walk down "memory lane."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
How Meghan Markle Included a Sentimental Nod to Prince Harry—and Queen Elizabeth—in the Logo for As Ever
The design is full of meaning.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Launches Her 'As Ever' Era in a White Button-Down Shirt and Classic Jeans
The big announcement was a return to basics.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
How Meghan Markle Included Princess Lilibet—and Their Stunning Backyard—in Her New Brand, As Ever
The rarely-seen toddler shared in the excitement for her mom's As Ever brand launch announcement.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The Deeper Meaning Behind Meghan Markle's Reimagined Brand, As Ever
"This new chapter is an extension of what has always been my love language," the Duchess of Sussex wrote on Instagram.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Paid Tribute to Her Friend's Late Son and His Twin With a Touching New Heart Necklace
She wore the gorgeous red pendant in the announcement video for her new brand, As Ever.
By Kristin Contino Published