Kate Middleton Wears a Sheer Blue Elie Saab Dress to the Royal Ascot

From Harper's BAZAAR

Kate Middleton is back at the Royal Ascot. The Duchess of Cambridge joined the queen and other members of the royal family at the annual high-society horse race, arriving with the group via carriage ride, as is tradition for members of the monarchy. She entered in the second carriage with the Duke of Cambridge, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Prince of Wales, following Her Majesty in the procession.

Kate wore a periwinkle blue dress by Elie Saab featuring a pussy-bow collar and a sheer torso and sleeves over a matching slip. She completed the look with paired with a Philip Treacy hat with floral adornments.

Royal fans point out that the frock may be a custom version of a look from the designer's Resort 2019 collection.

This marks a big change for the duchess's Ascot wardrobe. Kate had only attended the event twice-in 2016 and 2017-since marrying into the royal family in 2011. Both times, she wore similar-looking a white lace dresses: the first by Dolce & Gabbana and the second by Alexander McQueen.

The duchess had missed the other installments of the race because she and William were busy raising their young children, according to royal correspondent Emily Nash. She reported for Hello!, "William and Kate's focus was on his job and the children for a while, but they've stepped up their royal duties in the past couple of years."

The mother of three was missing from last year's event because she was on maternity leave after giving birth to Prince Louis in late April. Similarly, we may not see Meghan Markle attending the Ascot this year.

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