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Meghan Markle absolutely nailed her first Royal Ascot. Here are her top five moments.

Ticking off another ‘royal first’, Meghan Markle just nailed her Royal Ascot debut.

The prestigious week-long horse race event is attended each year by the royal family with a half-hour long procession that occurs before the actual races, in a tradition that dates back to 1825.

Attending this year’s event were most members of the British royal family, including the Queen, Princess Anne, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Noticeably out of action was the Duchess of Cambridge who is currently on maternity leave and Prince William who is on a separate royal engagement in Liverpool.

The 36-year-old newly-minted Duchess of Sussex looked like a lifelong monarch with husband Prince Harry by her side.

These were our favourites moments.

1. Meghan made her entrance on a very regal carriage ride.

Meghan made her Royal Ascot arrival in the most princess-approved method possible: a horse-drawn carriage. She shared her ride with Prince Harry and his aunt and uncle – Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and her husband Prince Edward.

The Duchess waved and smiled to fans like a pro, while hundreds clamoured to get a photo.

2. And the Duchess wore Givenchy, again.

The French fashion house led by British designer Clare Waight Keller seems to be becoming a favourite of Meghan's, with this being the third royal engagement where she has worn their clothes.

This time she opted for a flowing, midi-length shirt dress with subtle floral embroidery, a black and gold belt that was cinched in at the waist, and black court heels - a look that's quickly becoming Meghan's signature. Her hat was by British milliner Philip Treacy and she also carried a Givenchy box clutch.

3. She eschewed the royal tradition of wearing a name pin.

Royal punters were quick to notice that unlike Duchess Catherine at her Royal Ascot debut in 2016 and other royal family members, Meghan chose not to wear a name pin.

According to Harper's Bazaar, it's not technically 'royal protocol'. This year, neither the Queen nor the Duchess of Cornwall wore theirs, but it's more a security measure.

"At Ascot everyone is given a badge, mainly to get them through security," said royal expert Duncan Larcombe.

But perhaps the Duchess didn't want to damage the fabric of her dress, choosing to hold her name pin in her hands instead. (We'd also argue that there's a point when having one of the most recognisable faces in the entire world makes wearing a name tag redundant.)

 

4. Prince Harry very obviously couldn't be more in love with her.

Presenting the trophy for the St James's Palace Stakes to winning jockey Frankie Dettori the newlyweds looked absolutely loved up.

Prince Harry's face said it all.

Twitter users were quick to notice his quick glance that a photographer perfectly captured.

5. The Queen has LITERALLY never looked happier in her life.

Dressed in a canary yellow coat, Queen Elizabeth looked absolutely besotted while speaking to her granddaughter-in-law and we don't think we've ever seen her grin quite as big.

One Twitter user noted the 92-year-old's reaction.

This coupled with how charmed Her Royal Majesty looked when chatting to Meghan on their first solo royal engagement together makes it seem like they're getting along swimmingly.

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Top Comments

Guest 6 years ago

Meghan Markle wears a dress! And a hat! She rides in a carriage and is MARRIED!!!1! To a prince!!!!!!!! We all just can't cope!!


Ally 6 years ago

I like her hat, but I don't like the fit of the dress. It makes her look shapeless in the front views.

Also, while I'm sure the Queen likes Meghan very much (she wouldn't have given permission for them to marry if she didn't), it is very obvious in that last picture that she's looking at Harry.